Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pork Dumplings (Jiaozi) with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes

Pork Dumplings (Jiaozi): The Ultimate Guide to History, Filling, and Cooking Tips

These Pork Dumplings (Jiaozi) are the perfect homemade comfort food, filled with savory pork and fresh vegetables, wrapped in delicate dough, and cooked to perfection. Whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, Jiaozi is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. With the option to customize the filling to your taste, Pork Dumplings (Jiaozi) are ideal for family gatherings, festive occasions, or simple weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 24 dumplings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dumpling Filling:

    • 1 pound ground pork

    • 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped

    • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

    • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

    • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

  • For the Dough:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour

    • 3/4 cup boiling water

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • For Cooking:

    • Oil for pan-frying (optional, if frying)

    • Water for boiling or steaming

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:

    • In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.

    • Gradually add the boiling water while stirring with a spoon until the dough begins to come together.

    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.

    • Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Filling:

    • In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, finely chopped cabbage, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.

    • Stir until the mixture is well combined. Set aside.

  3. Shape the Dumplings:

    • Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into small pieces (about 1-inch thick).

    • Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a small circle (about 3 inches in diameter).

    • Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle.

    • Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal.

  4. Cook the Dumplings:

    • Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop the dumplings into the water and cook for about 4-6 minutes or until they float to the top.

    • Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the dumplings flat side down and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Then add a small amount of water, cover, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

    • Steaming: Place the dumplings in a bamboo steamer or on a steaming rack and steam for about 6-8 minutes.

  5. Serve:

    • Serve the dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil).

Notes

  • Filling Variations: You can substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

  • Freezing: These dumplings freeze well. Place the uncooked dumplings on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can cook them directly from frozen.

  • Dipping Sauce: For a simple dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.

  • Author: Aleida
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
  • Method: Boiling, Pan-frying, Steaming
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 dumplings per person
  • Calories: 200 per serving (approx.)
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Pork dumplings, Jiaozi, Chinese dumplings, homemade dumplings, savory pork dumplings, dumpling recipes, steamed dumplings, pan-fried dumplings