How to Make Cabbage Dumplings
Cabbage dumplings, also known as “cabbage buns” or “suan cai baozi,” are a traditional Chinese dish that combines the freshness of cabbage with the richness of meat and dough. These dumplings are particularly popular during the winter months and are often served as a side dish or a main course. If you’re interested in learning how to make cabbage dumplings, follow these simple steps to create a delicious and authentic meal.
Ingredients
Before you start making cabbage dumplings, gather the following ingredients:
– 500g cabbage, shredded
– 300g ground pork
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of white pepper
– 500g all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation
1. Begin by washing the cabbage thoroughly and then shredding it. Place the shredded cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out the excess water.
2. While the cabbage is sitting, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, sugar, and white pepper together until well combined.
3. After the cabbage has released its water, squeeze out as much moisture as possible and discard the excess liquid. Add the drained cabbage to the filling mixture and stir to combine.
4. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and warm water together until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Assembly
1. Once the dough has rested, divide it into small, equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly.
2. Place a spoonful of the cabbage filling in the center of each flattened dough piece. Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold it over to form a dumpling shape.
3. Repeat the process until all the filling is used up.
Cooking
1. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the dumplings in the pan, ensuring they are not touching each other.
2. Cook the dumplings for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they become golden brown and crispy. Flip the dumplings and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
3. Once both sides are golden brown, remove the dumplings from the pan and serve hot.
Cabbage dumplings are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve them as a side dish with steamed rice, or as a main course with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Enjoy your homemade cabbage dumplings and savor the delicious flavors of this traditional Chinese cuisine!
