Mild Shandong Boiled Dumplings
Shandong boiled dumplings, known locally as "Shui Jiao," are a culinary staple originating from the Shandong province in China. Renowned for their simplicity and delightful taste, they offer an exciting mixture of texture and flavor that reflects the region's rich cultural heritage. Dumplings have been a part of Chinese cuisine for over a thousand years, with various legends tracing their origins to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Among these legends is the tale of Zhang Zhongjing, a physician who used dumplings to treat frostbitten ears, marking the beginning of this delightful delicacy.
Ingredients
To bring the authentic taste of Shandong boiled dumplings to your kitchen, you will need these basic ingredients. Click each to learn more about them:
- Flour - 2 cups, all-purpose
- Water - 1 cup, room temperature
- Pork - 250g, minced
- Cabbage - 150g, finely chopped
- Ginger - 1 teaspoon, finely grated
- Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Spring Onion - 1, finely chopped
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Pepper - 1 teaspoon
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
Preparation
Step 1: Making the Dumpling Dough
Start by preparing the dough for the dumplings. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with water. Mix the two ingredients until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
While the dough is resting, work on the dumpling filling. In another mixing bowl, combine the minced pork, chopped cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, spring onion, salt, and pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Assembling the Dumplings
Once the dough has rested, divide it into smaller sections and roll each section into a log of about 1 inch in diameter. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces and flatten each piece into a circle using a rolling pin. Place a tablespoon of the filling onto each piece of dough. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal completely.
Step 4: Boiling the Dumplings
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully drop the prepared dumplings into the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. You can check the cooking progress by cutting one dumpling in half to ensure the pork is thoroughly cooked. For more precise cooking times, use a cooking timer.
How to Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the dumplings using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, vinegar, or a spicy chili oil for an enhanced flavor experience. Pair these delicious dumplings with a side of soup or steamed vegetables for a complete and authentic Chinese meal.