Name: Asian Chicken Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 800 g ground chicken ((minced chicken)); 100 g cabbage; 80 g carrots; 40 g celery; 1 cm ginger ((about 1/2 inch)); 1 chili pepper; 1 clove garlic; 1 bunch green onion; 60 ml soy sauce; 600 g white flour; 420 ml hot water; 2 g salt; 2 tbsp soy sauce ((for dipping)); 1/2 lemon; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 clove garlic ((for dipping sauce)); 0.5 cm ginger ((about 1/4 inch for dipping sauce)); 1 green onion ((for dipping sauce)); 1/2 chili pepper ((for dipping sauce)); 1 tbsp sesame oil

Asian Chicken Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce are not just a delightful appetizer; they are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Imagine biting into a tender dumpling filled with a savory minced chicken mixture, paired perfectly with a tangy soy dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy night in, these dumplings are sure to impress. The combination of flavor, texture, and the warm aroma will take you straight to your favorite Asian bistro. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!

The Upside of Asian Chicken Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce

Asian Chicken Dumplings offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender, chewy wrappers are filled with a mixture of ground chicken and fresh vegetables, making these dumplings not only delicious but also a bit healthier than many other fried snacks. The soy dipping sauce adds a punch of flavor that elevates the experience. Plus, they are fun to make and can be a great activity for families or friends. You can even make a larger batch and freeze them for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Shopping List

800g ground chicken (minced chicken)
100g cabbage
80g carrots
40g celery
1cm ginger (about 1/2 inch)
1 chili pepper
1 garlic clove
1 bunch green onion
60ml soy sauce
600g white flour
420ml hot water
2g salt
2 tbsp soy sauce (for dipping)
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 garlic (for dipping sauce)
0.5cm ginger (about 1/4 inch for dipping sauce)
1 green onion (for dipping sauce)
1/2 chili pepper (for dipping sauce)
1 tbsp sesame oil

Before You Start: Equipment

Mixing bowl – for combining the dumpling filling.
Rolling pin – to roll out the dough thinly.
Dumpling steamer or pot – for cooking the dumplings.
Knife and cutting board – for chopping the vegetables.
Small saucepan – for making the dipping sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurement.

Stepwise Method: Asian Chicken Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 600g of white flour and 2g of salt. Gradually add 420ml of hot water while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form. Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough is resting, you can prepare the filling. Finely chop the 100g of cabbage, 80g of carrots, 40g of celery, 1cm of ginger, 1 chili pepper, and 1 garlic clove. In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken with the chopped vegetables, then add 60ml of soy sauce. Mix everything well until fully combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After resting, divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Make sure to keep the other portions covered to prevent them from drying out.

Step 4: Fill the Dumplings

Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with a little water, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges together to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets inside.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

You can either steam or pan-fry the dumplings. For steaming, place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam for about 15-20 minutes. For pan-frying, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the dumplings, and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Then, add a splash of water to the pan, cover, and steam for another 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Soy Dipping Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp of soy sauce, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1/4 garlic (minced), 0.5cm ginger (minced), 1 green onion (chopped), 1/2 chili pepper (chopped), and 1 tbsp of sesame oil. Heat gently until mixed well and the sauce is warm.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate the dumplings and serve with the soy dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

In-Season Swaps

Use bok choy instead of cabbage for a different flavor.
Substitute zucchini for the carrots for a lighter filling.
Try adding shiitake mushrooms for a more umami-rich flavor.
Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a refreshing twist.

What I Learned Testing

Resting the dough is crucial for achieving a pliable texture that’s easy to roll out.
Don’t overfill the dumplings; it’s better to err on the side of less filling to prevent bursting during cooking.
Experimenting with different dipping sauces can elevate the dish even further.
Steaming gives a softer texture, while pan-frying adds a satisfying crispiness.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Asian Chicken Dumplings can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. After forming the dumplings, you can freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. They can be cooked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The soy dipping sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Handy Q&A

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground pork, turkey, or even tofu can be used as alternatives to ground chicken. Just adjust the seasonings if you choose a different protein to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Are these dumplings suitable for freezing?

Yes, these dumplings freeze wonderfully. Just ensure they are properly sealed in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn.

What if I don’t have a steamer? Can I boil them instead?

Yes, you can boil the dumplings. Simply add them to a pot of boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the top.

How can I adjust the spice level in the dumplings?

You can modify the amount of chili pepper in the filling to suit your taste. Additionally, you can add a dash of chili oil to the dipping sauce for an extra kick!

See You at the Table

These Asian Chicken Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce are bound to become a favorite in your household. With their tender wrappers and flavorful filling, they bring a taste of Asia right to your kitchen. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and tailoring recipes to your preferences, so feel free to make these dumplings your own. Gather your loved ones and enjoy these delightful bites together. Happy cooking!