There’s a special feeling that envelops the kitchen when I whip up a batch of Pork and Chives Dumplings. The fragrant mingling of ginger and chives dances through the air, bringing back memories of bustling street markets and family gatherings. Just the thought of these delightful dumplings makes my mouth water, and they’re so easy to prepare that they’ve become a staple in my home cooking.
Inspired by tradition yet versatile enough for any occasion, these dumplings are perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting friends. Whether served steamed or pan-fried, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleasers! Plus, they provide a fun opportunity to gather around the table and fold dumplings together—a great way to share laughter and create lasting memories.
So, let’s dive into this satisfying recipe that combines ground pork and fresh chives for a delectable bite that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why will you love Pork and Chives Dumpling?
Simplicity: This recipe makes homemade dumplings achievable, even for beginners!
Flavorful: The pork and chives create a delightful filling, infused with fresh ginger and a touch of sweetness.
Versatile: Enjoy them steamed for a light meal or pan-fried for that crispy exterior everyone loves.
Fun: Gather friends or family for a dumpling-making night—it’s an entertaining way to connect.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the filling with your favorite ingredients or spices.
Quick: With just 7 to 9 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Pork and Chives Dumpling Ingredients
Everything you need for these savory morsels!
For the Filling
- Vegetable oil – Aids in blending flavors and prevents sticking during cooking.
- Chinese chives – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the pork beautifully.
- Ground pork – Provides a juicy and rich base for the filling; choose a blend with some fat for added flavor.
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Sugar – Balances the savory notes and brings out the natural sweetness in the chives.
- Shaoxing rice wine – Adds depth and complexity to the filling; can substitute with dry sherry in a pinch.
- Pork stock or water – Keeps the filling moist; use stock for extra richness.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger gives a zesty kick that lightens the dish and balances the pork.
For the Wrappers
- Dumpling wrappers – Choose round wrappers for perfect folding and sealing; freshly made or store-bought will work.
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating incredible Pork and Chives Dumplings that will transport you to culinary bliss in your home kitchen!
How to Make Pork and Chives Dumpling
-
Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sliced chives, ground pork, salt, sugar, Shaoxing rice wine, pork stock or water, and ginger. Stir until well combined and the mixture is cohesive.
-
Taste test: To ensure the perfect flavor, microwave a small scoop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the filling for about 10 seconds. This will help you adjust the seasoning—add more salt or sugar if needed until it tastes just right.
-
Store filling: If you’re not using the filling right away, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Don’t worry! It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours until you’re ready to assemble those dumplings.
-
Fill wrappers: Take one dumpling wrapper and place roughly 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Using your finger, dab a little water along the inside edges to help seal them shut.
-
Seal the dumplings: Fold the wrapper in half over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. For a decorative touch, pleat one side 5 or 6 times, creating beautiful folds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t stick together, and cover with a damp dishtowel.
-
Prepare to steam: Line your bamboo steamer with wilted cabbage or lettuce leaves, or use parchment paper as a liner. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, leaving a bit of space between each to allow for expansion. Place the steamer over a wok filled with simmering water.
-
Steam for perfection: Steam the dumplings for about 7 to 9 minutes, or until the dumpling skins become translucent and the filling is cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful experience!
Optional: Serve with soy sauce and a dash of chili oil for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pork and Chives Dumpling?
Creating a delightful meal around these Pork and Chives Dumplings is a delightful experience that brings warmth to any dining table.
- Soy Sauce: A classic choice, its salty flavor complements the rich filling perfectly, enhancing every delicious bite.
- Spicy Dipping Sauce: A tangy mix of chili oil and vinegar adds a kick, invigorating the dish with vibrant spice and heat.
- Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing contrast, the crunch of fresh veggies pairs beautifully with the tender dumplings, balancing the meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli adds a nutritious element that rounds out the flavors while keeping it light and wholesome.
- Garlic Noodles: The soft texture and rich garlic flavor of noodles create a heartwarming side that highlights Asian flavors beautifully.
- Warm Miso Soup: A savory bowl of miso soup offers a comforting, warm touch and enhances the meal with umami goodness.
- Chilled Sake: For an elegant beverage pairing, chilled sake brings a gentle touch of sweetness and refreshes the palate.
- Mango Sorbet: Finish the meal on a sweet note with a scoop of refreshing mango sorbet—its fruity flavor will cleanse the palate beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Pork and Chives Dumplings are a fantastic meal prep solution! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fill the wrappers with the prepared filling and steam as directed. If you wish to assemble the dumplings ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To do this, lay the dumplings on a parchment-lined tray, freeze them until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Just remember to steam the frozen dumplings for an extra minute or two to ensure they’re perfectly cooked!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pork and Chives Dumpling
-
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh chives and ginger for an aromatic filling; the flavors really shine through in your dumplings.
-
Taste Test Wisely: Always taste the filling mixture before wrapping! Microwaving a small portion ensures you’ve nailed the seasoning for your Pork and Chives Dumpling.
-
Water for Sealing: Use just a dab of water around the edges when sealing the dumplings; too much can make them soggy and difficult to seal.
-
Space Them Out: When placing dumplings in the steamer, ensure they’re separated to prevent sticking. This allows for even cooking and easier serving.
-
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the steaming time; overcooked dumplings can become tough and chewy. Aim for the perfect 7 to 9 minutes!
-
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to adjust your filling by adding veggies or different spices to make your Pork and Chives Dumpling truly unique and flavorful!
How to Store and Freeze Pork and Chives Dumpling
Fridge: Keep cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are entirely cooled before storing to maintain their texture.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Steam or pan-fry frozen dumplings directly from the freezer without thawing. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes for steaming or until golden brown for pan-frying.
Storage Tip: For the best flavor in your Pork and Chives Dumpling, avoid stacking them in the fridge or freezer; keep them separated to maintain their shape!
Pork and Chives Dumpling Variations
Feel free to explore these creative twists that elevate your dumplings into something uniquely yours!
-
Veggie-Loaded: Add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots to enhance the filling with extra veggies for a colorful bite. Fresh ingredients give a lively crunch that’s simply delightful!
-
Spicy Kick: Mix in some minced chili or sriracha to the filling for a zesty upgrade. If you like heat, a little goes a long way in making your dumplings irresistibly bold!
-
Herb-Infused: Substituting regular Chinese chives with fresh cilantro or even basil can give a fragrant touch to your dumplings. These herbs create an enchanting aroma and bright flavor that’s unforgettable.
-
Lean Protein: Swap ground pork for ground chicken or turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option. You’ll get a juicy filling without sacrificing taste, and it’s just as satisfying.
-
Savory Cheddar: Grate some sharp cheddar cheese into the filling for a creamy, cheesy twist on this traditional treat. Who doesn’t love that melted goodness with each bite?
-
Gluten-Free Wrappers: For a gluten-free option, try using rice paper wrappers or gluten-free dumpling wrappers. The result is just as tasty, so everyone can enjoy!
-
Crunchy Texture: Try pan-frying the dumplings after steaming to create a delicious golden-brown crust. You’ll get that perfect contrast of crispy outside and tender inside that’s simply irresistible.
-
Light Soy Drizzle: Drizzle your dumplings with a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil before serving to add a rich umami flavor. This elevates them from delicious to extraordinary!
Pork and Chives Dumpling Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting Chinese chives?
Absolutely! When choosing Chinese chives, look for vibrant green stalks that are firm and not wilted. They should have a fresh, mild onion aroma. Avoid chives with dark spots or yellowing, as this indicates they’re past their prime. Fresh chives make a significant difference in the flavor of your Pork and Chives Dumpling.
How can I store leftover cooked dumplings?
Very! Store any leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing them in, as this helps maintain their delightful texture without turning soggy.
Can I freeze uncooked dumplings? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze uncooked dumplings, first lay them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Place the tray in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer the dumplings to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. This method helps prevent them from sticking together!
What if my dumplings are sticking together when steaming?
Oh no! If your dumplings are sticking, it’s likely they didn’t have enough space in the steamer. Next time, ensure to leave enough gaps between them for steam circulation. If you encounter this issue, gently pry them apart with a spatula or place a piece of parchment paper between them to help. Remember, it’s always good to line your steamer with wilted cabbage or parchment for added non-stick properties!
Are there any dietary considerations for Pork and Chives Dumpling?
Certainly! If you’re concerned about allergens, ensure that your ground pork is from a trusted source that avoids cross-contamination with other meats. Additionally, some might want to make this recipe gluten-free; in that case, substitute the dumpling wrappers with gluten-free options readily available at many grocery stores. Always double-check ingredients if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Savory Pork and Chives Dumplings to Delight Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sliced chives, ground pork, salt, sugar, Shaoxing rice wine, pork stock or water, and ginger until well combined.
- Microwave a small scoop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the filling for about 10 seconds to taste-test the flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- If not using the filling right away, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Take one dumpling wrapper and place roughly 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Dab a little water along the inside edges to help seal.
- Fold the wrapper in half over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Optionally, pleat one side 5 or 6 times for decoration.
- Line your bamboo steamer with wilted cabbage or parchment paper. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer with space between them.
- Steam the dumplings for about 7 to 9 minutes until the skins become translucent and filling is cooked through.