Year of the Rat!

In honor of the Chinese New Year 2020, I’d love to share one of my families favorite recipes I make for them…. Pan Seared Pork Pot Stickers!

And this is my very first recipe I’m sharing with all of you! So it’s extra special!!

I use whatever wonton wrappers are available at the store I’m shopping in at the time. You can easily find them in your local grocery store like Publix. I’ve also purchased them from Super Walmart and my local Asian market, Sanwa in Tampa.
Some of the basic ingredients I use for my recipe. Fresh ginger is a must, don’t even think about reaching for that powdered nonsense in your spice cabinet! (Photo from my IG feed, 2019)

INGREDIENTS

Store bought won ton wrappers

For the filling:

  • 2 cups finely chopped napa cabbage or bok choy (any cabbage will work!)
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 2 tbsp finely minced or grated fresh ginger (divided, save 1 tbsp for the sauce)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (both the white and green parts)
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil (must be sesame oil!)
  • 2 tbsp regular soy sauce

For the dipping sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • the reserved minced ginger from the main ingredients
  • 1 tsp green onions

INSTRUCTIONS

To Make the Dumplings:

  1. Place the cabbage with 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Let sit for 15 mins to release excess moisture. Place in salad spinner or colander to drain. Pat dry with paper towels. 
  2. In a mixing bowl, mix cabbage, ginger, green onions, and pork with the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt & pepper.
  3. Fill your wonton wrappers with about a teaspoon to tablespoon of your pork filling. Use water (with your finger) to seal the edges and pinch in a circular motion.
  4. Keep your closed, filled dumplings moist by placing and damp paper towel over them as you heat your pan.

To Fry the Potstickers:

  1. Preheat large nonstick skillet with 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil, on medium heat. Carefully place each dumpling, as to not crowd the pan, in the hot oil. This goes without saying but be careful, this step is HOT!
  2. Brown on all side of the dumpling. Lower the heat ifnthey brown too quickly.
  3. Add 1/4 cup of water to the hot pan, cover with a lid to steam for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Restart the searinf and steaming process again for the next batch as the cooking process takes some patience.
  5. Place cooked dumplings in a casserole dish and cover until you are done cooking and ready to serve.

Serve with the dipping sauce and some homemade fried rice for a memorable home cooked Chinese takeout experience!

Hello Kitty soy sauce found at Sanwa market in Tampa.
My basic dumpling fold. I use both the store bought square and round won ton wrappers.
My homemade chicken fried rice, always makes a great accomplishment to my dumplings. I’ll share that recipe another time!

How to Say Happy New Year in Chinese

新Xīn年nián快kuài乐lè!

My homemade fortune cookies, inlet my youngest son handwrite all the fortunes,but was the best part of our last Chinese New Year dinner!

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