Across multiple cultures, there's one thing that remains a constant. From empanadas to wontons and ravioli, almost every corner of the world has its own kind of dumpling.
They're delicious if you can get them right. Making dumplings from scratch can be difficult. It's likely that your first batch won't come out ready for their photo op.
It takes practice to get beautiful-looking dumplings that aren't falling apart at the seams. If they're not falling apart, chances are, they might taste a little bland. Under seasoning is an easy mistake to make in the preparation of any food.
We've got a few cooking tips here that will stop you from making simple mistakes like this with your Chinese dumplings. Grab your cooking gear, and let's head into the kitchen.
1. Add Plenty of Seasoning
You'll realize when you're looking at any dumplings recipe that there are tons of different fillings that you can use. There's no wrong answer when it comes to choosing what you want in your dumplings.
There is, however, a wrong way to prepare it. You've got to use tons of seasonings. If it tastes a bit strong in the pan, this isn't a bad thing.
The dough will dilute some of the flavors during the cooking process. So, it's better to go big. If you don't, your dumplings will come out tasting pretty bland.
2. Start With Something Simple
You don't want to try to jump into the hardest recipe that you can find online. That will only end in frustration and tears. Instead, start with wontons.
All you have to do is put your filling in the center, fold them up the sides, and pop them in the pot to boil until they float. They're that simple to make.
3. Dry Out Your Filling
The thing about dumpling wrappers is that they tend to be a bit fragile. If your filling is wet, it will increase the chances of the dumpling falling apart on you in the pot.
If you're working with greens such as spinach, try to wring as much water out of them as possible with your hands. You may also need to sit them in a colander for a bit to drain.
If whatever ingredients you're using is too wet after that, you can introduce corn starch into the mix. It won't affect the flavor, and it will soak up some of the liquid.
This being said, if you have a little moisture going on, that's okay. If the ingredients are too dry when you put them into the dumpling, they'll be even worse when they're done cooking. You just don't want them dripping with water.
4. Don't Overfill Your Dumpling
When you're first starting out making dumplings, you only need to put one or two teaspoons of filling in the wrapper. If you try to do much more than that, it will be hard for you to fold it.
There's a good chance that you'll tear the dumpling to pieces trying to get it to close. Once you have more experience with folding, you can take things up to a tablespoon.
5. Let Someone Else Handle the Work for You
Learning how to cook dumplings and folding them can be difficult. There's no shame in letting The XCJ do the work for you. They have premade soup dumplings.
All you have to do is cook them. If you want the pleasure of making your own wrappers, some stores sell pre-seasoned fillings. If the wrapper is what's tripping you up, you can buy those as well.
6. What Kind of Wrapper Are You Working With?
There are different ways to make dumplings. Each method comes with its own unique wrapper style. You'll need to learn your dumplings or your cooking adventure will turn into a disaster.
If your wrapper is thin, you're not going to throw it in a pan to fry it. You've got to boil it. If you want fried wontons, you'll have to use a thicker dough.
In the case of the translucent ones, you'll have to mind your filling. You need to use ingredients that cook fast.
7. Keep Your Filling Together
When you're a beginner, fillings that crumble and fall apart are a nightmare. You're so busy trying to keep the filling together that you can't fold the dumpling.
You can make your veggies a little easier to handle by running them through your food processor or blender. If that doesn't work, you may have to use a bit of ricotta or another substance that will bind to your ingredients like glue.
8. It's Okay if They Look Bad
Your first time making dumplings is going to be a disaster. They're not an easy dish to make from scratch. If you can get through the recipe without your food falling apart, that's a huge accomplishment.
So what if they're a little on the ugly side? As long as they're edible, you're on the right track. With enough practice, you'll be making gorgeous dumplings in no time flat.
The Secret to Making Dumplings From Scratch
As you can see, making dumplings from scratch is no easy feat. It takes time and patience to get it right. All your frustration will be worth it in the end when you bite into the delicious food that you created.
We hope that you're able to use the cooking tips that you've read here today to keep your dumplings together and get a perfect fold every time.
Are you looking for more delicious meal ideas that you can make right at home? Check out the food section of our blog daily for all the latest recipes and tasty news.
Leave a Reply