Dumplings Steamed or Fried

Dumplings are one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods — small parcels of joy filled with savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, or tofu, wrapped in delicate dough and either steamed, fried, or boiled. Originating from China and spreading across Asia (and beyond), dumplings have become a symbol of togetherness — traditionally made and shared during festivals like Lunar New Year, but now enjoyed any time of the year.

Whether you love steamed dumplings (soft and juicy) or pan-fried dumplings (crispy and golden on the bottom), they deliver irresistible textures and flavors in every bite. The filling options are endless — pork and chive, chicken and mushroom, shrimp and cabbage, or even vegan varieties bursting with umami flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dumpling recipe because it captures the soul of homemade cooking — simple ingredients transformed into something truly magical. The process of folding each dumpling feels meditative and creative, and when they hit the pan or steamer, the aroma alone makes you smile.

What’s even better is how versatile they are. You can steam them for something delicate and light, or fry them for that irresistible crunch. Each dumpling bursts with juicy filling that’s perfectly seasoned and wrapped in a tender shell. Paired with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce, these are pure happiness in bite-sized form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because homemade dumplings taste far superior to store-bought versions. They’re fresh, flavorful, and customizable — perfect for family meals, parties, or cozy nights in. Making dumplings from scratch connects you to centuries of culinary tradition while letting you put your own twist on the fillings.

They’re also great for meal prep — you can make a big batch, freeze them, and cook directly from frozen whenever a craving strikes. Dumplings truly represent comfort, culture, and creativity all wrapped into one delicious package!

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 35 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4–5 (about 25–30 dumplings)
• Calories: ~70 kcal per dumpling (varies by filling and cooking method)
• Course: Appetizer / Main Dish
• Cuisine: Chinese / East Asian

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Dough (if making from scratch):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• Pinch of salt

(Or use store-bought dumpling wrappers to save time.)

For the Pork and Cabbage Filling:

• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage (Napa or green)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon chili oil or sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chopped green onions or minced garlic (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (if homemade)

1. In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Roll into thin circles (about 3 inches wide) when ready to fill.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix ground pork, cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until well combined and slightly sticky — this ensures juiciness.

Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings

1. Place a small spoonful of filling (about 1 teaspoon) in the center of each wrapper.
2. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edge of the wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper in half, pressing the edges to seal.
4. Pleat the edges or press with a fork for decoration and sealing.
5. Place the dumplings on a lightly floured tray, keeping them from touching.

Step 4A: Steam the Dumplings

1. Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
2. Arrange dumplings in a single layer without touching.
3. Steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.

Step 4B: Pan-Fry the Dumplings (Potstickers)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Arrange dumplings flat side down in the pan.
3. Fry for 2–3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
4. Carefully add ¼ cup water, cover, and steam for 5–6 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another minute to re-crisp the bottoms.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Mix well.

Save it

How to Serve

Serve dumplings hot, arranged on a platter with dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil.

They make a wonderful appetizer or can be served as a main course alongside fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or Asian soups like miso or hot and sour soup.

Recipe Tips

• Keep wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while assembling.
• Do not overfill — too much filling can cause bursting.
• If steaming, avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking.
• For juicier dumplings, add a tablespoon of broth or water to the filling before sealing.
• Use cold oil when reheating pan-fried dumplings — it crisps them evenly.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Dumplings: Replace pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
2. Shrimp Dumplings: Combine minced shrimp with cabbage and scallions for a lighter, seafood flavor.
3. Vegetarian Dumplings: Use tofu, mushrooms, carrots, and glass noodles. Add soy sauce and sesame oil for depth.
4. Spicy Sichuan Dumplings: Add chili paste and extra garlic for a fiery kick.
5. Kimchi Dumplings: Mix chopped kimchi and tofu or pork for a tangy Korean twist.
6. Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): Add gelatinized broth cubes that melt into soup when steamed.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming or pan-frying.
• Freezing (Before Cooking):
  • Place dumplings on a tray (not touching) and freeze until solid.
  • Transfer to freezer bags and store up to 2 months.
  • Cook directly from frozen — add 2 minutes to cooking time.
• Freezing (After Cooking):
  • Let cool completely, then freeze. Reheat by steaming or pan-frying until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin (if making dough)
• Dumpling press (optional)
• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Nonstick frying pan with lid
• Mixing bowls and measuring spoons

Conclusion

Dumplings (Steamed or Fried) are the perfect example of how humble ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. Whether you love them soft and juicy from the steamer or crispy and golden from the pan, these bite-sized delights are full of warmth and flavor.

Making dumplings at home is a rewarding experience — they bring people together, encourage creativity, and taste infinitely better than takeout. Serve them hot with a flavorful dipping sauce, and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering a timeless classic that never fails to impress.

Dumplings Steamed or Fried

Dumplings are one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods — small parcels of joy filled with savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, or tofu, wrapped in delicate dough and either steamed, fried, or boiled.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Chinese Course: Appetizer & Snacks

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 5

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dumpling Dough (if making from scratch):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• Pinch of salt
• (Or use store-bought dumpling wrappers to save time.)

For the Pork and Cabbage Filling:

• ½ lb (225 g)
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage (Napa or green)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon chili oil or sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chopped green onions or minced garlic (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Dough (if homemade) : In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. Roll into thin circles (about 3 inches wide) when ready to fill.
2. Step 2: Make the Filling : In a large bowl, mix ground pork, cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and slightly sticky — this ensures juiciness.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings : Place a small spoonful of filling (about 1 teaspoon) in the center of each wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edge of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half, pressing the edges to seal. Pleat the edges or press with a fork for decoration and sealing. Place the dumplings on a lightly floured tray, keeping them from touching.
4. Step 4A: Steam the Dumplings : Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Arrange dumplings in a single layer without touching. Steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.
5. Step 4B: Pan-Fry the Dumplings (Potstickers) : Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Arrange dumplings flat side down in the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Carefully add ¼ cup water, cover, and steam for 5–6 minutes. Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another minute to re-crisp the bottoms.
6. Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce : Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Mix well.

Keywords: Dumplings (Steamed or Fried)