How to Make Jiaozi (Dumplings)

Jiaozi is a type of Chinese dumpling made with minced meat and chopped vegetables wrapped in a piece of thin dough. It can be boiled, fried or steamed. When fried, it is called a pot-sticker. This traditional cuisine can be found in the north of China. On the Eve of Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), making and eating Jiaozi is a tradition in the north of China. At this time, all members of the family will get together to make and enjoy themselves. Making this special food is quick and simple and is a wonderful way to bring a family together.

Instructions:

1. First, make a simple oil and flour dough, then roll the dough into small, thin circles. This will be Jiaozi's cover.

2. Place a full tsp of filling onto a Jiaozi cover.

3. Use a finger to dap the edges of the Jiaozi cover with water.

4. Form the Jiaozi cover into a crescent moon by folding the cover in half.

5. Press the edges to seal the dumpling.

6. Crimp the edges to make sure the edges are tightly sealed. To cook the Jiaozi, bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the Jiaozi into the boiling water and keep stirring with a pair of chopsticks to prevent them from sticking to one another and to the bottom of the pot. When the water comes back to a boil, add half a cup of cold water. This is to prevent the dumpling from breaking up due to the over-rolling boil. When the water comes back to a boil, the dumplings will float to the top. They are now ready to enjoy.

Chinese Dumplings

Vegetarian fillings

- Ingredients:

One cucumber, A large green pepper,  Half a carrot, 2-3 cabbage leaves, 5-6 mushrooms.

- Seasonings:

Chicken broth powder, Oyster sauce, Soy sauce, Red pepper powder, Vegetable oil

- Make: Chop all the ingredients finely and add a tsp of salt, mix, and drain the water. This will make enough filling for about 40 small dumplings.

Cucumber and pork fillings

- Ingredients:

250g lean ground pork, 250g cucumber, Bruised ginger, Scallions, Black Fungus, Garlic

- Seasonings:

Salt, Monosodium glutamate, Vegetable oil, Sesame oil, Finely diced garlic

- Make: Mince the pork and cucumbers. Steep the black fungus dice finely. Add the seasonings and mix well.

Chinese Dumplings

Radish Fillings with Three Delicacies

- Ingredients:

250g lean ground pork, 100g dried shrimps, Black Fungus, Shredded turnips, 4 eggs, 50g bruised ginger, Scallions

- Seasonings:

Salt, Monosodium glutamate, Vegetable oil, Sesame oil, Garlic, Pepper, Vinegar

- Make: Mince the pork, steep the black fungus, and cook the shredded turnips. Drain well, and mince. Combine all ingredients, and mix well Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your family's taste. Jiaozi can be served with some noodles in a soup or enjoyed with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and finely diced peppers.

Start tailor-making your own China tours with us.