Shanghai Style Mantou Recipe – Pan Fried Momos
The Shanghai Style Mantou – Pan Fried Momos are a delightful fusion of crispy and soft textures, offering a savory taste thatโs perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer. This popular Chinese dish, also known as โPot Stickers,โ features dumplings that are pan-fried to create a crispy base, then steamed with a little vegetable stock to achieve a tender, moist top. The flavor profile is enhanced with fresh vegetables and a homemade hoisin sauce, making it a treat for any occasion. Hereโs how you can recreate this dish at home, step-by-step.
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Wonton Wrapper:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
Salt | To taste |
Vegetable stock | 1/2 cup |
Red Chilli Sauce | 1 tbsp |
For the Filling:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch piece |
Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 1/2 |
Broccoli (tiny florets) | 1 cup |
Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 2 sprigs |
Homemade Hoisin Sauce | 1 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Black Pepper Powder | For seasoning |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Make the Wonton Wrapper Dough:
Start by preparing the wonton wrapper dough. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the vegetable stock (or water if you prefer), and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. This should take about 5 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, and if itโs too dry, add more liquid, a teaspoon at a time. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes. -
Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and sautรฉ the chopped garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add the finely chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once cooled, stir in the chopped spring onions and homemade hoisin sauce. Season with salt and black pepper powder to taste. Set the filling aside. -
Assemble the Dumplings:
Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll each portion into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to form a dumpling. Repeat the process until all the dough and filling have been used. -
Pan Fry the Dumplings:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the dumplings in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry the dumplings for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. -
Steam the Dumplings:
After the dumplings are browned, pour in about 1/4 cup of vegetable stock or water into the skillet. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam. Let the dumplings steam for 6-8 minutes or until the wrappers become soft and the filling is heated through. -
Serve:
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving plate. You can garnish with extra spring onions or chili flakes if desired. Serve them hot with a side of dipping sauce or a bowl of soup.
Tips for Success:
- Wrapper Thickness: Make sure the wonton wrappers are thin but not too delicate. If they are too thick, the dumplings will be doughy and hard to chew.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to the filling, such as mushrooms, tofu, or even tempeh, to suit your tastes.
- Dipping Sauce: A simple dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil pairs perfectly with these dumplings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Dietary Fiber | 4g |
Sugars | 3g |
Fat | 4g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Sodium | 350mg |
Conclusion:
These Shanghai Style Mantou – Pan Fried Momos are an irresistible combination of crispy and tender, perfectly paired with a tangy dipping sauce or a bowl of soup. Whether youโre enjoying them as part of a traditional Chinese breakfast or as a flavorful appetizer at your next dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Shanghai right into your kitchen! Enjoy these delightful dumplings with your family and friends.