Step 1

In a mixing bowl, add water to the flour gradually. Mix with chopsticks/spatula until no more loose flour can be seen. Combine and knead into a dough.

Step 2

Leave to rest (covered) for 10-15 minutes then knead again until smooth (see note 3).

Step 3

Cover and rest for a further 30-60 minutes until it becomes soft.

Step 4

Put tofu, Chinese chive, mushroom and carrot into a large bowl. Place scallions, ginger and ground Sichuan pepper on top.

Step 5

Heat the oil until smoke appears. Pour it over scallions, ginger and Sichuan pepper.

Step 6

Add light soy sauce, sesame oil and salt. Mix well.

Step 7

Divide the dough into three parts.

Step 8

Roll one part into a rope then cut into 10 equal sections (cover the rest to prevent them from drying out).

Step 9

Press each piece into a small disc with the palm of your hand.

Step 10

Use a rolling pin to flatten it into a thin disc. Dust with flour if it sticks.

Step 11

Place a spoonful of filling on the wrapper.

Step 12

Fold and seal the middle part.

Step 13

Make 2-4 pleats from each end.

Step 14

Press all around the edge to seal completely.

Step 15

Coat a frying pan with a thin layer of oil. Heat up over high heat. Place the dumplings in the pan.

Step 16

When the bottom part becomes golden brown, pour in water (enough to cover 1/3 of the dumplings) then cover with a lid.

Step 17

Uncover when the water evaporates completely. Cook another 30 seconds to crisp up.

Step 18

Heat the oil until smoke appears. Put chilli flakes, ground Sichuan pepper, scallion and sugar into a bowl. Pour hot oil over.

Step 19

Add light soy sauce, black rice vinegar. Mix well.

Step 20

Right after the dumplings are assembled, lay them on a tray to freeze (dust with flour or line with parchment paper). Then put them in an air-tight bag when frozen.

Step 21

Whenever you need to cook them, pan fry the usual way without defrosting.