Spinach Flat Dumplings: Crispy Pan-Fried Delight
Elevate Your Dumplings: How to Make and Enjoy Delicious Spinach Flat Dumplings
When spinach is at its seasonal peak and bursting with flavor, incorporate it generously into your dumpling filling to create a special and delicious flat dumpling dish. The subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma of spinach will lend a deep, satisfying taste. Pan-frying these dumplings until golden and crispy, then serving them with a vibrant, sweet and tangy cabbage salad, transforms a simple dumpling into a gourmet experience.
For the Flat Dumpling Filling
- Flat dumpling wrappers
- Glass noodles (vermicelli)
- Fresh spinach
- Oyster mushrooms
- Minced garlic
- Minced green onion
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil (for pan-frying)
For the Cabbage Salad
- Shredded cabbage
- Shredded apple
- Shredded onion
- Spicy chili-vinegar sauce (gochujang-based)
For the Spicy Chili-Vinegar Sauce (Optional)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Plum extract (or sugar)
- Minced garlic
- Ginger preserve (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- Shredded cabbage
- Shredded apple
- Shredded onion
- Spicy chili-vinegar sauce (gochujang-based)
For the Spicy Chili-Vinegar Sauce (Optional)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Plum extract (or sugar)
- Minced garlic
- Ginger preserve (or a pinch of ginger powder)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. **Prepare the Dumpling Filling:**
– **Soak Glass Noodles:** Rinse the dried glass noodles a couple of times under running water, then soak them in lukewarm water for about 3-4 hours until fully softened. If you’re short on time, you can boil them directly until tender. Once softened, finely chop the glass noodles.
– **Blanch Spinach & Mushrooms:** Briefly blanch the fresh spinach and oyster mushrooms in boiling water. Immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from both the spinach and mushrooms, then finely chop them.
– **Season the Filling:** In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped glass noodles, spinach, and mushrooms. Add the minced garlic, minced green onion, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Step 2
2. **Assemble the Dumplings:**
– **Thaw Wrappers:** If using frozen flat dumpling wrappers, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours. Ensure they are pliable but not overly sticky.
– **Fill and Seal:** Lightly moisten the edges of each wrapper with a little warm water. Place a portion of the prepared filling in the center. Fold the wrapper in half, enclosing the filling, and press the edges firmly together to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out. Gently press the dumplings flat.
Step 3
3. **Steam the Dumplings:**
– Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Arrange the assembled dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cover and steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through. You can line the steamer with parchment paper or damp cheesecloth to prevent sticking.
Step 4
4. **Make the Cabbage Salad:**
– Thinly shred the cabbage, apple, and onion. In a bowl, combine the shredded ingredients and toss gently with the spicy chili-vinegar sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the vegetables lose their crispness. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
Step 5
5. **Pan-Fry the Dumplings:**
– Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Carefully place the steamed dumplings in the hot oil. Pan-fry them, flipping occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Achieving a nice, even crisp is key to the deliciousness.
Step 6
6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Arrange the crispy pan-fried dumplings attractively on a serving plate. Place a generous portion of the fresh cabbage salad in the center. For an extra flavor boost, you can serve them with a side of dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors – the tender filling, the crispy wrapper, and the refreshing salad.
