CHICKEN & CHIVES DUMPLINGS
Insanely flavorful and absolutely amazing. Totally worth the effort it takes to make them!
Sometimes I get these crazy cravings for foods. Like, so bad that it will consume my thoughts until I finally cave and make it. This has happened with chocolate chip cookies, truffle brownies and basically everything you see here on this little old blog… BUT, making homemade dumplings have been stuck in my mind ever since the first time I laid eyes on them at PF Changs a few years back. Every single time we go there, there’s not even a question about what we’re getting as an appetizer. And, I kid you not people, these really do taste JUST as amazing as theirs! If not, better. I was genuinely amazed.
These dumplings are stuffed with flavorful and juicy mince chicken .You can swap out the mince for your favorite protein and you can crimp the potstickers to seal instead of pleating. These dumplings freeze beautifully for fabulous instant lunches or dinners whenever you need a dumpling fix.
Homemade dumplings do require some time and effort but they are SO worth it! I kid you not that my son and his friends ate all of the dumplings in one sitting! Even while I was photographing, my daughter was swiping whatever pot sticker I would point to that wasn’t in the shot to gobble it down because they are just SO good.
I have had to make these little pieces of heaven twice in one week. They’re so freakin’ delicious that after I took these photos I miiiiight have eaten the entire platter you see here. I won’t admit to it though. 💁🏻
I just like to keep it simple when it comes to this filling because simple is best when it comes to dumplings in my opinion. If I went crazy with adding all kinds of vegetables, I’m not sure they would taste as good. The only “vegetable” used in them is chives just to give them a little bit of texture. And I have to say, it’s seriously awesome. It really tastes authentic. *pats myself on the back* Feel free to add finely sliced carrots, mushrooms or anything you’d like to the filling to make it your own.
INGREDIENTS
200g chicken mince
1 egg
2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp sesame oil
¼ cup chopped chives
20 gyoza wrappers or homemade dumpling wrappers ( I bought mine fro a Japanese grocery store in Barsha, Dubai…its called 1004 mart)
Spicy Dumpling Sauce:
4 tbsp chilli oil or homemade schezwan sauce (check my recipe in the blog)
4 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
2 tbsp finely sliced spring onion (scallions)
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1
For the spicy sauce, mix all the ingredients together. Set aside until ready to serve.
STEP 2
For the filling, place the mince, egg, cornflour, salt, sesame oil and chives in a large bowl. Mix vigorously for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is ‘sticky’.
STEP 3
Place a tablespoon of filling into the centre of a dumpling wrapper, moisten the edges with water and fold the wrapper over the filling. Pinch in the sides and squeeze to create pleats (watch the video on my instagarma highlights for the technique). You can also just fold the wrapper over the filling and seal without pleats.
STEP 4
Bring a large pot of water to the boil over high heat. Have a jug of cold water nearby. Add the dumplings and cook until they float to the surface. Then pour in ½ a cup of cold water. Wait for the water to boil again. Then add another ½ cup of cold water. Wait for the water to boil again and by this time the dumplings should be cooked through. If not, repeat the process. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the dumplings to a bowl. Spoon over the spicy dumpling sauce and serve.
