Steamed Dumplings
Enjoy homemade Chinese steamed dumplings filled with juicy pork and fresh vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or a fun cooking night with friends!
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/3 cup of water. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- 3
Mix the pork with the napa cabbage, scallions, ginger, and Shaoxing wine.
- 4
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper, then stir firmly in one direction until the filling becomes tacky.
- 5
After resting, divide the dough into small equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.
- 6
Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each circle and fold the dumpling. Pinch the edges to seal them securely.
- 7
Prepare a steamer and line the bottom with parchment paper. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, making sure they don’t touch each other to prevent sticking.
- 8
Steam the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the dough is translucent.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure to seal the dumplings tightly to avoid any filling leakage during steaming.
You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or scallions.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for longer storage.
Substitutions
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey.
- Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free option.
What to Serve With
- Serve with steamed green vegetables like bok choy.
- Pair with rice for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes
- Not sealing the dumplings properly, leading to leaks during cooking.
- Overcrowding the steamer, which can cause uneven cooking.
Recipe FAQ
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings. Just arrange them on a tray to freeze and then transfer them to a freezer bag.
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
The dumplings are done when the filling is cooked through and the dough becomes translucent.
What can I use instead of pork in the filling?
You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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