Sweet Pork Fried Dumplings are a delightful treat that combines savory and slightly sweet flavors in every bite. Encased in a delicate wrapper and cooked to a perfect crisp on one side, these dumplings have a juicy, flavorful pork filling enhanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and cabbage. The addition of mirin and soy sauce gives the dumplings an umami punch, while a hint of sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness. Paired with a simple soy-mirin dipping sauce, these dumplings are an irresistible appetizer or main course that can elevate any meal.
Making these dumplings from scratch may seem challenging, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. With a bit of practice, you’ll be folding and cooking dumplings like a pro. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing starter at a party or a special dinner with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of pork, fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates an aromatic filling.
• Perfectly Balanced: A touch of mirin adds sweetness, balancing the savory filling.
• Fun to Make: Folding and cooking the dumplings can be a fun activity for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients:
• 12 oz package all-natural round wraps (e.g., Nasoya wraps)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 lb pork sausage, uncooked or very lightly browned
• 2 cups finely chopped savoy or napa cabbage
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger or ginger paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 green onions, sliced 1/4 inch wide
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
Dipping Sauce:
• 2/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup mirin
• 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
• Several tablespoons of chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
• In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, pork sausage, cabbage, ginger, garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
• Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Assemble the Dumplings:
• When working with the wraps, keep them covered with cold, wet paper towels to prevent drying out.
• Hold one wrapper in your hand and dip your index finger in cold water. Moisten half of the wrapper’s edge, creating a 180-degree circle.
• Place a rounded teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over and press the edges together to seal tightly, ensuring no air pockets remain.
• Repeat until all the filling is used, placing the assembled dumplings on a lightly greased cookie sheet and covering them with moistened paper towels.
3. Cook the Dumplings:
• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add about 10 dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottom is browned, approximately 2-3 minutes.
• Pour 2/3 cup of water into the skillet, cover, and cook for 3 minutes to steam the dumplings.
• Uncover the skillet, flip the dumplings, and continue to cook until the water has evaporated and the other side is browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
• In a small bowl, mix 2/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup mirin, and 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil.
• Garnish the dipping sauce with several tablespoons of chopped green onions.
5. Serve:
• Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the dumplings just before serving.
• Serve the dumplings warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
Tips:
• Avoid Overfilling: Ensure the filling is not too much, as overfilling may cause the dumplings to burst during cooking.
• Sealing Technique: Press the edges firmly to avoid any gaps where the filling might leak out.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dumplings in advance and freeze them for later. Just cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispness.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
These Sweet Pork Fried Dumplings are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy them as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside a crisp salad or steamed rice!
