How to make pork and shrimp dumplings

Ingredients

1. For the filling:

- 200g ground pork (ideally with a bit of fat for tenderness)

- 100g shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

- 2 green onions, finely chopped

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 1/2 teaspoon sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

- Salt to taste

2. For the dumplings:

- 20-25 wonton wrappers (round or square)

- Green peas or tiny carrot cubes for garnish (optional)

Dumplings in a steamer. Photo by Unsplash/Jason Leung

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture becomes sticky (this helps the filling hold together when steamed).

2. Shape the dumplings:

- Place a wonton wrapper in the palm of your hand.

- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of the wrapper.

- Gently press the wrapper edges around the filling, leaving the top open so you can see the filling.

- Smooth out the top, and press lightly to compact the filling. Optionally, place a green pea or small cube of carrot on top for a pop of color.

- Repeat until all the filling is used.

3. Steam the dumplings:

- Prepare a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

- Place the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they do not touch each other.

- Steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes or until the filling is fully cooked (the pork should no longer be pink, and the shrimp should be opaque).

4. Serve:

- Carefully remove the dumplings from the steamer.

- Serve hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar on the side.

Tips

- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked dumplings by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper until frozen, then transferring them to an airtight container. Steam directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

- Other fillings: You can experiment with different fillings, like ground chicken, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.

*This recipe was created with the assistance of AI.