Description
Savory Smash Dumplings are crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside dumplings perfect for your next party. Made with ground pork, fresh Napa cabbage, ginger, and scallions, these dumplings are pan-fried and steamed to achieve a delightful texture and flavor. Serve them hot with soy sauce for dipping for an irresistible appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup Napa cabbage, finely shredded (pre-salted to remove excess moisture)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (to draw out moisture from cabbage and enhance flavor)
- 1 pound Ground pork (can substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons Reduced-sodium soy sauce (regular soy sauce acceptable)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame oil (can substitute with olive oil)
- 2 scallions, chopped (half for filling, half for garnish)
- 1 large egg (to bind filling)
Dumplings & Cooking
- 20 pieces Round wonton wrappers (or dumpling wrappers as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Cabbage: Finely shred the Napa cabbage and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, squeeze out the excess water thoroughly before using.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained cabbage, ground pork, reduced-sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, half of the chopped scallions, and the egg. Mix everything until fully combined to ensure a flavorful and cohesive filling.
- Prepare Dumplings: Take a wonton wrapper and place a spoonful of filling on one side. Fold and smash the filled side down gently in a heated pan with vegetable oil, ensuring they stick to the pan and create a flat shape.
- Pan-Fry the Dumplings: Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
- Steam the Dumplings: Flip the dumplings carefully, add about 2-3 tablespoons of water to the pan, and immediately cover with a lid. Steam for 2-3 minutes so the filling cooks through and the wrappers become tender.
- Evaporate Excess Moisture: Remove the lid and continue cooking for another minute to let the remaining water evaporate and re-crisp the dumpling bottoms.
- Serve: Plate the Smash Dumplings hot and garnish with remaining chopped scallions. Serve with extra soy sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Pre-salting the Napa cabbage is crucial to prevent soggy dumplings by removing excess moisture.
- You can swap ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Always use fresh ginger for the best aroma and flavor.
- Be careful when adding water to the pan and covering to avoid steam burns.
- Serve immediately while dumplings are still crispy and hot for best taste.
- Wonton wrappers can be replaced with other dumpling wrappers if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
