Description
Steamed Dumplings with the Best Dumpling Sauce feature tender, delicate dumplings filled with savory meat or vegetables, gently steamed to perfection. Paired with a flavorful dipping sauce made of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of garlic and ginger, it’s a delicious and satisfying bite!
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful Steamed Dumplings with The Best Dumpling Sauce:
For the Dumplings:
- Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup warm water (add more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken or beef (make sure it’s halal)
- ½ cup finely chopped cabbage (optional)
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (halal version)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
For the Dumpling Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (halal)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional for some heat)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Flour: The base of the dumpling dough, providing structure and texture to the dumplings.
- Ground Chicken/Beef: A flavorful filling choice, making the dumplings hearty and satisfying. Chicken or beef can be easily swapped out for a vegetarian filling such as tofu or mixed vegetables.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami flavor to both the filling and the dipping sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A fragrant oil that adds depth and richness to both the filling and sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a mild tanginess to balance the savory flavors of the dumplings and sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a deep, savory flavor to the filling (choose halal oyster sauce if required).
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Steamed Dumplings with The Best Dumpling Sauce
Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water, stirring continuously to form a dough. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken or beef, grated carrot, chopped cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Taste the Filling: Before proceeding, taste the filling and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add a little more soy sauce for saltiness or more rice vinegar for tanginess.
Shape the Dumplings:
- Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, roll it into a long log and divide it into small pieces, about 1-inch each. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a small circle about 3 inches wide, using a rolling pin.
- Add the Filling: Place about 1-2 teaspoons of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Shape the Dumplings: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the dumpling. You can also pleat the edges for a more decorative look. Repeat until all the dumplings are formed.
Steam the Dumplings:
- Prepare the Steamer: If you’re using a bamboo steamer, line the bottom with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, then place the steamer over the pot.
- Steam the Dumplings: Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Steam the dumplings for 10-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked and the dough is tender.
Prepare the Dumpling Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce: While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the sauce by combining the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, chili oil (if using), minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Add a bit of water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Add Garnishes: For an extra burst of flavor, stir in fresh cilantro or green onions into the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Dumplings: Once the dumplings are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and serve them immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with extra green onions or cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 15g