[Japanese Recipes] Steamy Shrimp Pork Dumplings

I love any kind of dumpling: Steamy Shrimp Pork Dumplings . There’s something about these juicy little bundles that put a smile on my face, and I think they’re a perfect addition to a romantic meal. Not only are they plump little satisfying handmade packages, but they are perfect for feeding to your sweetheart. I even folded them into plump little hug shapes, with the “arms” (two sealed ends) of the dumpling overlapping each other, like an embrace. A sweet little reminder that each dumpling was made with love.

Making the dumplings is simple, though the folding process does take a bit of time. You start out by mixing the filling ingredients together in a bowl. Then you place a bit of the filling in the center of a gyoza wrapper. (If you can’t find round gyoza wrappers, you can always use square wonton wrappers and cut them into circles using a large biscuit cutter). Get your fingertip wet and then trace a line around half of the wrapper. Then fold the wrapper over the filling and press the edges together to make a half-moon shape. Then lightly moisten the left end of the half-moon and fold it over the center, then repeat this with the right end, and pinch the two ends together in the middle. Then push and manipulate the dumpling so that it will stand up, with the pinched-wrapper edge up.

Once you’ve folded them all, you’re ready to cook them! I used my 12″ Saute Pan and lid from ManPans—the perfect duo for pan-frying dumplings.

Not only does the 12-inch diameter of the pan allow me to cook all of the dumplings at once, but this pan conducts heat beautifully, giving the dumplings perfectly golden bottoms. First you pan-fry the dumplings in a bit of oil, then add some water, cover the pan, and steam the dumplings for a minutes. You finish by removing the lid and cooking off the excess water.

Then you serve the dumplings with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce and rice vinegar.

Shrimp Pork Dumplings (Ebi to Butaniku no Gyoza)

Makes 20 dumplings

Recipe Notes: The assembled dumplings can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for several hours, then cooked straight from the refrigerator. If you want to freeze them—place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them on the tray until hard (about 1 hour), then transfer them to a ziploc freezer bag, seal well, and keep them frozen for up to one month. When you are ready to use them, partially thaw, using your finger to smooth over any cracks that may have formed during freezing, before cooking.

For the dumplings:
1/2 pound medium raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 ounces ground pork
1 leek, white and light green portion finely chopped
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch of sugar
20 gyoza wrappers (round wonton wrappers)

For cooking the dumplings:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup water

Minced chives to garnish (optional)

Dipping Sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Instruction

1. Finely chop the shrimp and put it in a bowl. Add the ground pork, leeks, and ginger. Stir and lightly mash the ingredients with a fork so that they start coming together. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and sugar until completely combined. Pour this mixture over the shrimp and pork mixture, and then stir and fold the ingredients together. Once you have broken up any large chunks of pork, briskly stir to blend the ingredients into a cohesive, thick mixture.

2. Assemble the dumplings: Have a small bowl of cold water ready. Lay a dumpling wrapper on a dry work surface, and place a heaping teaspoon of the meat mixture in the center of the wrapper. With a fingertip moistened with water, trace a line along half of the edge of the round wrapper. Fold the wrapper over to enclose the filling, and press the edges together to seal and form a half-moon shape. Lightly moisten the left end of the half-moon and fold it over the center. Lightly moisten the right end of the half-moon, fold it over the center, and pinch it together with the left end. Push and fold the dumpling to make it stand up. Set aside the stuffed dumpling with the pinched-wrapper edge up. Repeat to make 20 dumplings in all. Keep the finished dumplings at least 1/2 inch apart to prevent them from sticking to each other.

3. Cook the dumplings: In a large saute pan with a tight fitting lid, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place as many of the dumplings that can fit without touching in the skillet with the pinched-wrapper edge up. Cook the dumplings for 3 minutes, or until nicely browned on the bottom. Check the progress by lifting 1 or 2 dumplings by their pinched edge.

4. Once the bottoms are nicely browned, use the skillet lid to shield yourself from any oil that may splatter, and carefully pour in 1/4 cup of water. Place the lid on the skillet to trap in the moisture and then quickly lower the heat to keep the liquid at a bare simmer.

5. Check the dumplings after 2 minutes. When the wrappers appear slightly translucent and the meat feels firm when pressed lightly with a spoon, remove the lid and raise the heat slightly. Continue to cook until all the water has evaporated and only the oil remains (about 2 minutes). Once you hear a sizzling sound, shake the skillet. The dumplings should slide about. If they seem to stick to the skillet, move the skillet away from the stove and replace the lid for a moment. Remove the dumplings from the skillet with a broad flexible spatula. If you’d like, flip them over so that the seared surface faces up. Cook any remaining dumplings the same way. Serve the dumplings hot accompanied by the dipping sauce. Garnish with minced chives, if desired.

4. While the dumplings are cooking, make the dipping sauce by mixing the soy sauce and rice vinegar together in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into a small serving pitcher or distribute among individual dipping dishes.

This recipe and image sources are referred in website: Lafujimama.com.Thanks so much!