It’s always fun to have a dumpling party. Here are 5 ways to fold dumplings(with VIDEOS!), 3 different dumpling fillings(including a vegan filling), and 4 ways to enjoy these dumplings. There’s also a recipe for homemade wrappers. Let’s have some fun!
Let’s start with the folding. There are so many ways to fold a dumpling, a lot of it depends on the way you’re planning on cooking it. Wontons, Xiaolongbaos will not be discussed in this post. This is a post specifically for “JiaoZi”, which can be turned into steamed dumplings, boiled dumplings, and fried dumplings.
What are the differences between wontons, xiaolongbaos and these “dumplings”? Mainly the wrappers. Wonton wrappers recipe can be the same as regular dumpling recipes but much much thinner; xiaolongbao wrapper recipes can be a bit trickier, with a certain proportion of yeast and lye to balance the texture. JiaoZi dumpling wrappers are quite simple, just flour, salt, and warm water.
EASY DUMPLING WRAPPER
Easy Dumpling Wrapper | 簡單水餃皮
Here’s a recipe for those who want to make some delicious dumplings from scratch but don’t know where to get dumpling wrappers or too lazy to walk out the door.
Before we start folding, here are some FAQs:
How much filling should I put in the center?
It depends on your folding skills and the size of the skin. Start small and work your way up, push your limits till you can fold in the most amount of fillings so the dumpling doesn’t look empty.
Why the dab of water?
Water acts as the glue to your dumpling, ensuring all the creases are glued shut.
What’s the most important part of dumpling folding?
PINCHING EVERYTHING SHUT. This is especially important for boiled dumplings. It doesn’t matter if you can’t get the folds and creases beautifully, as long as you make sure everything is folded shut so you don’t end up with meatballs and noodle skin soup.
Got more questions? Leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!
FOLDING
The dumplings below are arranged from the easiest to the hardest.
#1: The Rose
Super easy, one fold, and roll. Looks absolutely beautiful, but DO NOT BOIL THESE since they are not enclosed.
Suggested ways of cooking: Steamed, Pan Fried
#2: The Golden Nugget
These cute little rounds are fun to eat and easy to fold! Great for beginners.
Suggested ways of cooking: Boiled
#3: The Envelope
Suggested ways of cooking: Steamed, Pan Fried
#4: The Classic
I call this the classic because this is the way MY MOM demands how every dumpling should be folded in our house. It has to be round, should be sitting perfectly, and has three folds on each side. The trick is to pinch them with your thumb and index finger and create a crescent at the end of the dumpling folding.
Suggested ways of cooking: Steamed, Pan Fried, Boiled
#5: The Lotus Leaf
This method is often used to identify vegan or vegetarian dumplings and most commonly seen steamed. This one can be trickier to fold, but it’s so cute.
Suggested ways of cooking: Steamed, Pan Fried
Fillings
We’re including beef, pork, and my mom’s special vegan dumplings. This list is probably going to grow as the blog grows, but here’s one of everything for everybody. Meat fillings are the easiest to fold because they stick together and can be formed into a ball; the vegan version is trickier for the moisture control- you want it to be juicy but not soggy.
Japanese Curry Tofu Dumpling Filling
Inspired by Japanese-influenced curry in Taiwan, this filling is innovative yet nostalgic. Packed with locally grown vegetables and Minnesota-made tofu, this dumpling doesn’t just taste good — it’s good for you. The best tofu filling I’ve ever made!
Mom’s Special Vegan Dumplings | 家傳純素水餃
My mom is known for her special homemade vegan dumplings. It’s filled with lots of veggies, and she follows the idea of a 5 element diet so the filling is colorful and flavorful. People simply couldn’t get enough of them and often request her for the recipe and now I’m sharing it with you!
Pork and Cabbage Dumplings | 高麗菜豬肉水餃
Who doesn’t love dumplings? This dumpling is filled with juicy pork and sweet, flavorful cabbage! Cabbages from Rochester Downtown Farmers Market are super tasty and they keep well in the fridge.Tips on how to make your pork fillings extra juicy included.
Rose Dumpling with Cilantro Beef Filling | 香菜牛肉玫瑰餃
A beautiful, easy, fast and super tasty rose dumpling with juicy beef filling to make your Valentine’s day extra special. Instead of dying, overpriced roses, you might want to consider THIS edible rose. This recipe is here to express your love to your love. See note for other filling options.
Ways of Cooking Dumplings
There’s straightforward boiling and steaming. There’s also creating a dumpling soup or gyoza(Fried dumplings) with crisp skirt. Find recipes here:
Taiwanese Dumpling Soup | 紅燒湯餃
The combination of some hearty dumplings stuffed with cabbage and pork, or any other flavor of your choice floating in a bowl of hot, flavorful soup. It is sensational. If beef noodle soup tastes like heaven, this dumpling soup really brings it home.
Gyoza with Crisp Skirt | 冰花煎餃
Gyoza fried to crispy perfection with flavorful crisp skirt and juicy filling that’s not only a pleasure to your palate but also gorgeous to look at. Using frozen or fresh dumplings, gyoza great as a appetizer or a full meal, a great alternative to the everyday dumpling.
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