Steamed Dumplings in a bowl (Dumpling Hack)
Servings: 5 bowls
Equipment
- 5 bowls or ramekins (8 cm diameter 4.5 cm height 190 ml capacity) you can use any size but the servings will vary
Ingredients
- 300 grams minced pork 300克猪肉末
- 2-3 layers Napa cabbage 2-3 片大白菜
Seasoning for pork 肉调味料:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4茶匙盐
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1/4茶匙糖
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce 1茶匙生抽
- 2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine 2汤匙绍兴酒
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1茶匙玉米淀粉
- few drops of sesame oil 几滴芝麻油
- 5-6 tablespoon water 5-6汤匙水
Garnish 装饰：
- Chili oil or any fragrant oil 辣椒油或任何香料油
- 1 tablespoon coriander/spring onion 1 汤匙香菜/葱花
- 20 grams ginger, julienned 20克生姜，切丝
Instructions
Season the Minced Pork
- Add your preferred seasonings or you can follow my ingredients. You can also add some chopped prawns.
- Mix in a generous amount of water or chicken stock to create a juicy, soupy filling. Mix until the the minced pork absorbs all the water.
Assemble in a Bowl
- Place a layer of seasoned minced pork at the bottom.
- Top with one piece of wonton or dumpling skin.
- Add layer of Napa cabbage.
- Add another layer of minced pork and top with another dumpling skin.
Steam
- Pour water into a wok/steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the dumplings onto the steam rack. Steam on high heat for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve
- Enjoy immediately while it’s hot, juicy, and soupy.
Notes
Add enough water or stock — this is crucial for getting a juicy, soupy filling. Without enough liquid, the filling will turn out dry.
Use your favourite seasoning — the flavour is flexible; adjust based on what you enjoy.
Napa cabbage adds sweetness — it add freshness, sweetness and moisture. You can cut the stems of the Napa cabbage into small cubes and mix into the pork. Use the leaves to layer the dish.
Layering matters — alternating minced pork, skin, and cabbage creates texture and helps the soup collect inside.
Steam on high heat — this cooks the pork through quickly while keeping the soup locked in.
Use a heatproof bowl — deep enough to hold the layers and allow the soup to accumulate. You can also experiment with a bigger bowl and layer the ingredients like lasagna.