Traditional Chinese Dumplings（饺子）

In China, dumplings are an essential dish on the dining table. I will share with you the ultimate guide to making Chinese dumplings from scratch. While making Chinese dumplings may seem simple, each step can be tricky and requires careful attention to detail. Let's learn together!

In China, when we talk about dumplings, we typically refer to "boiled dumplings," which are delicious alternatives to rice and noodles and are the ultimate comfort food for Chinese people. They are commonly eaten during breakfast. Let's explore the history of dumplings and learn some techniques for making them!

1. What are Chinese Dumplings?

In China, dumplings, initially called "hun tun," are also known by various names such as "jiao zi," "jiao er," "bian shi," "bian shi," "lao wan," "fen jiao," "jiao er," "shui jiao er," "shui dian xin," "shui jiao zi," and "jiao er." 

Dumplings can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, frying, and baking. Since the Song Dynasty, there has been a tradition of eating dumplings on the Winter Solstice, and since the Ming Dynasty, there has been a tradition of eating dumplings on the first day of the lunar new year. From an archaeological perspective, dumplings have a history of over 2600 years in China.

2. Characteristics of Chinese Dumplings:

①Dumplings have fillings. The fillings, similar to those in steamed buns, can include fish, vegetables, sweet fillings, etc. This differs from wontons, which typically do not use sweet fillings.

②Dumpling wrappers are usually made from a mixture of flour and other grain flours, while wonton wrappers are mostly made from only flour or with a small amount of bean flour.

③After wrapping the filling, dumplings need to be tightly sealed. This is similar to wontons. In the Ming Dynasty, Song Xu's "Zhu Yu Shan Fang Miscellaneous" Volume II pointed out that wontons should be "thinly sliced into small squares, filled with filling, folded diagonally into pockets, pressed at the tip, and trimmed if there are exposed edges," indicating a similar shape to present-day wonton wrappers. Additionally, dumplings with soup filling should be "sealed tightly around the edges," and dumplings with crispy wrappers should have their "edges sealed."

3. Techniques for Making Dumpling Wrappers:

The most important part of making dumplings is the dumpling wrapper. However, making dumpling wrappers can be a bit tricky. Here are some key points to note when making dumpling wrappers:

①Dumpling wrappers are made from flour, and it's essential to choose high-gluten flour because it has a higher protein content, resulting in a chewier texture for the dumpling wrapper.

②When kneading the dough, be sure to add a moderate amount of salt. This enhances the flavor and texture of the dumpling wrapper.

③ If you want the dumpling wrappers to be soft, you can add egg white to the dough. Remember not to add the whole egg, as the egg yolk may impart an undesirable flavor to the dumpling wrapper.

④ Do not use hot water when making the dough for the dumpling wrappers, as it can destroy the nutrients in the flour. The correct method is to use cold water, following a ratio of 1:2 (flour to water).

⑤ Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and shiny, which is known as "three shininess." The first shininess means there is no flour sticking to your hands, the second shininess means there is no flour residue in the bowl, and the third shininess means the surface of the dough is smooth. This indicates that the dough has been kneaded well.

4. What are the common fillings for Chinese dumplings?

There are many types of fillings for Chinese dumplings. Here are some common ones:

① Pork and Chive Filling: Pork and chive filling is a popular choice for dumplings. It typically includes pork, chives, and various seasonings such as salt, cooking wine, sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and black pepper.

② Pork and Cabbage Filling: Pork and cabbage filling is another common choice for dumplings. It usually consists of pork, cabbage, scallions, cilantro, ginger, and seasonings such as salt, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

③ Pork and Mushroom Filling: Many people enjoy pork and mushroom filling for dumplings. It requires pork belly, dried mushrooms, a small amount of sugar, oyster sauce, and salt, as well as sesame oil.

④Three Delicacies Filling: Three delicacies filling is a combination of various ingredients, including pork, fresh shrimp, chives, cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, and eggs, catering to a variety of tastes.