Boiling Water Dumplings with Savory Filling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the hot water, stirring as you go, until the dough begins to form.
• Once the dough is roughly combined, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough relax and become easier to roll out.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground white pepper, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Add the finely chopped cabbage if you’re using it, and mix it into the meat mixture. The cabbage will release moisture while cooking, keeping the filling juicy.
• If desired, stir in oyster sauce and sugar to enhance the savory flavor profile of the filling.

3. Assemble the Dumplings:

• Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a small ball and then flatten it with your palms.
• Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Be sure to keep the edges thinner than the center, so the dumpling wrapper will hold its shape when you fold it.
• Place a generous teaspoon of the savory filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the dumplings.
• Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to form a half-moon or pleated shape. Make sure the dumplings are sealed tightly to avoid any filling leaking out during boiling.

4. Boil the Dumplings:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the dumplings, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Once the dumplings float to the surface, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes to ensure the filling is fully cooked. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check that the filling is no longer pink.
• Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the water and set them aside on a plate.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the boiling water dumplings hot, with your favorite dipping sauce. A simple mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of chili oil works beautifully, but feel free to get creative with your dipping sauce!
• These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be refrigerated for a couple of days and re-heated by steaming or boiling again.

Tips for Perfect Boiling Water Dumplings:

• Dough Thickness: Make sure the dough isn’t too thick; it should be thin enough to give you a nice, delicate bite but still strong enough to hold the filling. Roll it out as thin as possible without tearing.
• Sealing the Dumplings: Be sure to pinch the edges of the dumplings tightly to seal them. If the dumplings are not sealed properly, the filling might leak out while boiling.
• Filling Variations: You can easily change the filling by swapping the ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add different vegetables such as shiitake mushrooms, spinach, or water chestnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead: If you’re making a large batch of dumplings, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then store them in a freezer bag. You can cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.

Why You’ll Love Boiling Water Dumplings with Savory Filling:

There’s just something about the combination of a delicate, soft wrapper and a savory, juicy filling that makes boiling water dumplings irresistible. They’re light enough for an appetizer but hearty enough to be a satisfying main dish. Plus, they’re easy to make in bulk, making them perfect for feeding a crowd.

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weekend meal, boiling water dumplings offer a simple, satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of comfort food without all the fuss. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable, so you can get creative with your fillings to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Conclusion:

Boiling Water Dumplings with Savory Filling are the epitome of comfort food—flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create these delightful dumplings that are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these dumplings are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy each bite of savory goodness wrapped in a tender, pillowy dough!