Fluffy Steamed Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Filling (Optional):
- 1 pound ground pork, chicken, or tofu (for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling (Optional)
- In a bowl, combine the ground meat or tofu, chopped green onions, soy sauce, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small evenly sized pieces (about 1.5-inch balls).
- Roll each piece into a small disc. If filling, place a spoonful of filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the dumpling securely.
- For a traditional look, you can twist the top to create a small knot.
Step 4: Steam the Dumplings
- Prepare a steamer basket or you can use a large pot with a steaming rack (make sure there’s enough water in the pot).
- Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, leaving enough space between them as they will expand.
- Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Once steamed, serve the dumplings hot with soy sauce, vinegar, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Variations
- Vegetarian Filling: Use finely chopped vegetables with tofu, mushrooms, and additional herbs.
- Sweet Dumplings: For a dessert version, fill with sweet red bean paste or fruit such as chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Resting the Dough: If you’re short on time, let the dough rest for at least 20 minutes after kneading before shaping. This allows the gluten to relax.
- Using a Bamboo Steamer: If you have a bamboo steamer, it can impart a unique flavor to the dumplings.
- Flavorful Water: Add ginger slices, green onions, or a splash of soy sauce to the steaming water for added aroma.
