Juicy Homemade Meat Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Recipe
How to Make Delicious Handmade Meat Dumplings Without Glass Noodles | Easy Homemade Dumpling Recipe
Introduce your picky eaters to delicious dumplings packed with hidden goodness! This recipe focuses on creating incredibly juicy and flavorful meat dumplings, omitting glass noodles for a purer meat and vegetable experience. While you might usually fill dumplings with ingredients like potatoes, carrots, chives, zucchini, and mushrooms in the summer, or kimchi, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and spinach in the winter, this version is tailored for those who love a classic meat filling. We’re adding a touch of spice with Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers) for a delightful kick that adults will enjoy too. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal!
Dumpling Filling Ingredients- 3 packs dumpling wrappers
- 300g ground beef
- 600g ground pork (using only beef or pork is also delicious)
- 1 bunch bean sprouts
- 3 eggs
- 1 bunch chives
- 2 large firm tofu blocks
- 2 packs oyster mushrooms
- 4 cheongyang peppers (adjust to taste)
- 3 stalks scallions (white and green parts)
- 3 additional stalks scallions (for enhanced flavor)
Dumpling Filling Seasoning- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 eggs (separate from the eggs in the filling ingredients)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 eggs (separate from the eggs in the filling ingredients)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your ground beef and ground pork. You can use just one type of meat if you prefer, but combining them creates a richer flavor profile.
Step 2
Finely chop the fresh chives after washing and drying them thoroughly.
Step 3
Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water until they are slightly tender. Immediately rinse them under cold water and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Once dry, finely chop them.
Step 4
Blanch the oyster mushrooms in boiling water, then drain them well. Finely mince the mushrooms before adding them to the filling.
Step 5
Finely mince the cheongyang peppers (removing seeds if you prefer less heat) and the scallions (both white and green parts).
Step 6
Adding a generous amount of scallions will greatly enhance the flavor of your dumplings.
Step 7
Use firm tofu for the best results, as it helps prevent the dumpling wrappers from becoming soggy. Squeeze out as much water as possible from the tofu using a cheesecloth or a disposable filter bag (I find filter bags more hygienic).
Step 8
Combine all the prepared vegetables (minced chives, bean sprouts, mushrooms, cheongyang peppers, and scallions) in a large mixing bowl.
Step 9
Add the ground meats and all the seasoning ingredients (minced garlic, pepper, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and eggs) to the bowl. If you have oyster sauce, adding 1-2 tablespoons will boost the umami flavor.
Step 10
Mix everything thoroughly. For a better texture, knead the mixture by hand as if you’re making dough; this helps the ingredients bind together for a richer filling.
Step 11
Your delicious dumpling filling is now ready! Chilling the filling in the refrigerator for a short while allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 12
Take out the dumpling wrappers and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. This makes them more pliable and easier to seal without tearing. This is a good time to do it while you’re making the filling.
Step 13
Lightly brush the edges of the dumpling wrappers with water or egg white. This acts as a ‘glue,’ ensuring the dumplings seal tightly and don’t open during cooking.
Step 14
Apply a thin layer of water along the inner edge of the dumpling wrapper.
Step 15
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared dumpling filling in the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the wrapper to tear.
Step 16
Fold the wrapper in half to create a semi-circle, enclosing the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can then apply a little more water to one edge and bring the two ends together to form various shapes.
Step 17
Join the ends together or shape as desired to create your perfect handmade dumplings! Have fun experimenting with different designs.
Step 18
While the steamer pot is heating up with water, arrange the shaped dumplings in the steamer basket. Leave a little space between each dumpling to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 19
Tip: I use silicone steaming mats in my steamer basket. They prevent dumplings and rice cakes from sticking, making cleanup a breeze. If you have a large steamer, you can cut the mat to fit.
Step 20
Steam the dumplings over high heat for 20 minutes. Ensure the steam is fully generated before placing the dumplings in the basket.
Step 21
Although not always visible in photos, these dumplings are wonderfully juicy once steamed. Be careful when enjoying them hot.
Step 22
If you’ve made extra dumplings, let them cool completely, then portion and freeze them. Reheating in a microwave or steaming them again will bring back their delicious, freshly-made taste.
Step 23
Enjoy your delicious, homemade meat dumplings!
