The Best Pork Cabbage Dumplings

Step 1

Chop cabbage finely into small pieces.

Step 2

Transfer cabbage to a large bowl. Add salt and massage into leaves. Let it sit for 10 minutes to drain excess water.

Step 3

Rinse cabbage of salt with cold water.

Step 4

Then transfer cabbage to a clean towel and squeeze out excess water as best you can.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork with filling ingredients along with drained cabbage as listed above.

Step 6

Mix in one direction until the filling becomes a paste. The meat should be broken down and sticky, about 4 minutes.

Step 7

Optional tip: take a 1 tbsp of the filling and pan fry or microwave for 60 seconds until cooked. Taste the filling and if needed, adjust the raw filling by adding more seasoning as you desire.

Step 8

Fill a small bowl of water and have it nearby. Keep dumpling wrappers covered with plastic wrap or cling wrap to keep them moist and only remove one to a few wrappers at a time when you're ready to assemble.

Step 9

Place dumpling wrapper in the palm of your hand. Spoon 3/4 tbsp of filling into the center of the wrapper. Do not add too much filling. Tip: I find using two spoons very helpful and keeps my hands clean for the sealing part.

Step 10

With your index finger, dab a little bit of water along the edge of the wrapper, but not too much. Tip: I like using the spoon as this keeps my hands dry for the sealing part.

Step 11

Fold the wrapper over so you have a half moon shape.

Step 12

Fold and pinch the edge of dumpling until well sealed.

Step 13

Place folded dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with paper towels or a damp towel to keep the dumplings moist.

Step 14

In a large non-stick pan set over medium heat, add oil into your pan. Once oil is hot, add about one batch (approx 12-dumplings bottom side down in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Allow the bottoms to fry for 30 seconds. Then pour ½ cup water or enough water into the pan to cover the base of the pan. Cover with a lid. Allow the dumplings to cook covered for at least 7-8 minutes.

Step 15

Once the water has fully evaporated, lift the lid and allow the dumpling bottoms to crisp up until golden brown, another 1-2 minutes. Be sure to check every now and then. Once browned, remove from heat. Optionally serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!

Step 16

On high heat, bring a large pot of water to boil. Once water is boiling, carefully lower 12-14 dumplings into the water uncovered. Boil for 5-6 minutes or until they float.

Step 17

Remove dumplings from hot water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving plate. Optional: to prevent them from sticking to each other, drizzle a bit of oil over top and mix the dumplings together so they're evenly coated. Enjoy with dipping sauce!

Step 18

In a small bowl, mix together Dipping Sauce ingredients as listed above until well combined. Enjoy with dumplings!

Step 19

Place a large freezer friendly resealable Ziplock bag onto a small baking sheet. Place remaining dumplings into bag in a single layer with the bottom side facing down. Seal the bag and freeze the dumplings on the baking sheet in the freezer for 60 minutes, then remove the baking sheet. The baking sheets prevents the frozen dumplings from sticking to each other. Frozen dumplings will last a long time in a freezer friendly bag, about 2 months or until you see freezer burn.