Dumpling Wrappers（No machines）

Dumplings are a traditional Chinese food with a long history, and there are various cooking methods including boiling, steaming, frying, and baking. The custom of eating dumplings during the winter solstice originated during the Song Dynasty, and since the Ming Dynasty, it has also become a tradition to eat dumplings on the first day of the lunar new year. Dumpling wrappers are typically made from 500g of all-purpose flour, 235g of water, and 2g of salt, and making them at home is relatively simple.

Homemade dumpling wrappers have a softer and chewier texture when cooked. Making dumpling wrappers at home is easier than you might think. All you need is high-quality all-purpose flour, salt, and water. Let's take a look at how to make them together!

1.What is the food culture of dumplings?

Dumplings play an important role in Chinese culinary culture. They have become an indispensable festive food during the Chinese New Year, mainly because the shape of dumplings resembles ancient currency called "yuanbao," symbolizing the hope for prosperity and wealth. Additionally, since dumplings are stuffed with fillings, people can include various auspicious items inside the dumplings to express good wishes for the new year. Therefore, dumplings not only bring joy during the festival but also reflect people's aspirations for a better future. This traditional festive dish has become an integral part of Chinese culinary culture.

2.Which type of flour to use?

①All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is one of the most commonly used flours, typically milled from wheat. This type of flour is suitable for making regular dumpling wrappers, resulting in a soft texture. It's perfect for making homemade dumplings.

②High-gluten flour: High-gluten flour contains more protein, which gives dumpling wrappers greater elasticity and toughness. Dumpling wrappers made with high-gluten flour have a chewier texture, making them suitable for boiling or pan-frying dumplings. They offer a better mouthfeel overall.

③Whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour is healthier compared to all-purpose flour as it is rich in fiber and vitamins. Dumpling wrappers made with whole wheat flour have a slightly rougher texture but offer more chewiness, making them suitable for health-conscious individuals.

The choice of flour for dumpling wrappers depends on personal taste and preference. Different types of flour can bring different textures and flavors to the dumplings. You can choose the appropriate flour based on your own preferences when making dumpling wrappers.

3.Should dumpling wrappers be made with cold water or hot water?

The choice of using cold water or hot water to make dumpling wrappers depends on personal preference and the desired texture of the dumplings. Cold water can prevent the protein in the flour from denaturing, resulting in more gluten formation. This creates a firmer and more elastic dough with greater tensile strength. Dumpling wrappers made with cold water are therefore better suited for boiling, as they are chewier, more resilient, and less likely to break. On the other hand, dough made with hot water tends to be stickier and more easily cooked through, making it more suitable for steaming.

4.What are the different ways to eat dumplings?

Dumplings can be categorized into boiling, steaming and frying in terms of cooking techniques. These ways are relatively simple, one is to boil directly in hot water, with soup in the mouth, fresh flavor, delicate and delicious; the second is to put the dumplings on the steamer to cook, and then with its dipping sauces, color and luster, fresh and salty; the third is to heat the oil in a pan into the pot, until the oil is a little hot when the heat is turned off, the dumplings into the pan neat dumplings crispy can be up to the pan on the plate, the surface of the crispy, crispy texture.

5.How to store dumpling wrappers?

①Refrigeration: Place the dumpling wrappers in a sealed bag or container and store them in the refrigerator. Dumpling wrappers can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.

②Freezing: Place the dumpling wrappers in a sealed bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the sealed bag in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Dumpling wrappers can be stored in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.

6.What are the differences between wonton wrappers and dumpling wrappers?

The main differences between wonton wrappers and dumpling wrappers lie in their shape, thickness, fillings, and taste.

①Shape and Thickness: Wonton wrappers are typically square with sides measuring approximately 6 centimeters, or trapezoidal with a top side length of about 5 centimeters and a bottom side length of about 7 centimeters. Dumpling wrappers, on the other hand, are round with a diameter of approximately 7 centimeters. Wonton wrappers are thinner and have a translucent appearance when cooked, while dumpling wrappers are relatively thicker. Additionally, a small amount of salt is usually added to the dough for dumpling wrappers to increase their elasticity.

②Fillings and Taste: Wonton wrappers are typically made with flour, vegetables, and meat, resulting in a mild flavor with a focus on the soup or broth. On the other hand, dumpling wrappers are also made with similar ingredients but tend to have a stronger flavor, with an emphasis on the dipping sauces.

Making dumpling wrappers at home also means you have full control over the size and thickness of the dumplings. Moreover, you can more easily shape the dumplings into the desired form. As for how to make dumpling wrappers, I'll share the steps with you today!