Bring the traditional taste of Chinese cuisine to your table with this simple and step by step Jiaozi recipe. Impress your family and friends with delicious homemade dumplings.

Dumplings, also known as Jiaozi, are a staple in Chinese cuisine and have a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. They are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences. In this recipe, we will be showing you how to make the perfect dumplings from scratch, including how to make the wrappers, prepare the filling, and cook them to perfection.
Ingredients:
For the Dumpling Wrappers:
- All-purpose flour (2 cups)
- Water (1/2 cup)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
For the Filling:
- Ground pork (1 lb)
- Shrimp, chopped (1/2 lb)
- Napa cabbage, finely chopped (1 head)
- Ginger, grated (2 inches)
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Rice wine (2 tablespoons)
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Preparing the Wrappers:
To make the dumpling wrappers, mix together the flour, water, and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes. Next, divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin wrapper.
Preparing the Filling:
To prepare the filling, mix together the ground pork, shrimp, cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Season the filling to taste, then let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Assembling the Dumplings:
Wrapper folding techniques can vary, but the most important thing is to ensure that the filling is securely enclosed. You can crimp the edges, pleat the wrapper, or simply pinch the edges together to seal the dumplings.
Cooking the Dumplings:
Dumplings can be cooked by either steaming or boiling. Steaming is the traditional method and results in a softer and more delicate texture, while boiling results in a slightly firmer texture. To cook the dumplings, simply place them in a steamer basket or a pot of boiling water, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.

Serving the Dumplings:
Dumplings can be served hot with a dipping sauce on the side. For presentation, you can arrange the dumplings on a serving platter and garnish with chopped herbs or sesame seeds.
Making dumplings from scratch is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to customize the fillings and flavors to your liking. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a simple weeknight meal, this Jiaozi recipe is sure to impress. So why not gather your ingredients and give it a try today?
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