Steamed Dumplings with Ginger Hoisin Sauce
If you’re a fan of steamed dumplings, you’re in for a treat. This recipe takes you step-by-step through making homemade pork dumplings, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, green onions, and garlic, all wrapped up in delicate wonton wrappers. To elevate these dumplings, the accompanying sauce is an irresistible combination of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a hint of ginger. The recipe below is the result of a personal quest to recreate a beloved dipping sauce from a previous experience, and after many attempts, it’s finally reached perfection. Whether you’re making your dumplings from scratch or simply looking to enjoy a homemade dipping sauce with frozen dumplings, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground pork | 1/2 pound |
| Green onions (chopped) | 3 |
| Garlic clove (minced) | 1 |
| Wonton wrappers | 1 package |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Hoisin sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
For the Dipping Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water (optional for slurry) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 478.3 kcal |
| Fat | 16.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 61.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1604 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 56.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugar | 3.8 g |
| Protein | 25.4 g |
Instructions
Prepare the Dumpling Filling:
-
In a small bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the mixture is evenly seasoned.
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Take a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and trace around the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half, pressing the edges together firmly. To seal properly, press down gently and fold the edges slightly to form a ruffled effect.
-
Repeat the process for the remaining wrappers and pork mixture.
Steam the Dumplings:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place a bamboo steamer (or a sieve lined with cabbage or lettuce leaves) over the boiling water to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
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Reduce the heat to medium and carefully arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the steamer, ensuring that they are not touching each other. Cover with a lid and steam for approximately 20 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Prepare the Ginger Hoisin Sauce:
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While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well and set aside.
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In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
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Add the soy sauce mixture to the saucepan and heat through, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch and water together to form a slurry and slowly pour it into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your liking.
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Once the sauce is heated through and has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat and set aside.
Serve:
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When the dumplings are ready, remove them from the steamer and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the dipping sauce over the dumplings or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
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Serve the steamed dumplings immediately while hot, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
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Substitute Meat: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat such as chicken or beef for a variation in flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground pork for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and shredded vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of these dumplings.
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Frozen Dumplings: If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, you can easily substitute homemade dumplings with frozen ones. Simply steam them according to the package instructions and pair with the ginger hoisin sauce for the perfect meal.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the dumplings in advance and freeze them. Simply place the assembled dumplings on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag or container. When ready to cook, steam from frozen for an extra 5-7 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Dumplings
The balance of flavors in both the dumplings and the sauce is what sets this recipe apart. The tender steamed dumplings, filled with juicy pork and aromatic green onions, are perfectly complemented by the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy ginger hoisin sauce. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe is easy to follow and results in an impressive dish. Whether you’re making these for a weeknight dinner or as part of a special gathering, these dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Let me know how these turned out and feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Enjoy your homemade steamed dumplings with ginger hoisin sauce!
