Steamed and Fried Dumplings – Easy Homemade Dumpling Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Introduction

Dumplings are one of the most comforting and universally loved foods in the world. Whether you prefer them steamed for a soft, juicy bite or pan-fried for a crispy, golden crust, homemade dumplings offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures that feel both satisfying and nostalgic.

What makes dumplings so special is their versatility. You can fill them with meat, vegetables, seafood, or a combination. You can steam them, boil them, fry them, or cook them in soup. They make the perfect appetizer, light lunch, or even a full dinner when served alongside rice or noodles.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How to make dumpling filling that’s juicy and flavorful
How to fold dumplings even if you’re a beginner
How to steam and pan-fry dumplings perfectly
How to store them for future meals
Variations including chicken, pork, vegan, and shrimp

Let’s turn your kitchen into a cozy dumpling shop.

2. Ingredients Breakdown

Ground Meat (Pork, Chicken, or Turkey)

Pork is traditional because it creates a juicy filling, but chicken and turkey are great leaner options.

Cabbage (Finely Chopped)

Adds moisture and texture. Napa cabbage is ideal but green cabbage works too.

Green Onions

Adds freshness, brightness, and light onion flavor.

Garlic and Ginger

Essential aromatics that bring depth and warmth.

Soy Sauce

Adds saltiness and umami to the filling.

Sesame Oil

Provides a rich, nutty aroma.

Dumpling Wrappers

Round wrappers are easiest to fold. You can find them in the refrigerated section of Asian markets.

Cornstarch (Optional)

Helps bind extra moisture in the filling.

Common Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Vegan: Use mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage as the filling.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or chili oil to the filling.
Seafood Version: Use chopped shrimp instead of meat.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Tip: Don’t overmix. Gently folding keeps the filling tender.

Step 2: Set Up Your Wrapping Station

Lay out dumpling wrappers, a small bowl of water for sealing, and a tray lined with parchment.

Step 3: Fill the Dumplings

Place one wrapper in your hand. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Dip your finger in water and moisten the wrapper’s edge. Fold it in half and press to seal, or pleat the edges for a traditional dumpling shape.

Tip: Ensure no air pockets remain to prevent bursting.

Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method

For Steamed Dumplings

Place dumplings in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment or cabbage leaves.
Steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes.
The wrappers should appear slightly translucent and the filling cooked through.

For Fried Dumplings (Potstickers)

Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
Add dumplings in a single layer.
Cook until the bottoms turn golden brown.
Add 1/4 cup water, cover with a lid, and steam for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue frying until crisp again.

Tip: This method gives you both crispy bottoms and tender tops.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, chili oil, vinegar, or sesame sauce.

4. Tips and Variations

Expert Tips

Keep wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
Chill the filling for easier handling.
Don’t overstuff dumplings, or they may burst while cooking.
Freeze dumplings uncooked for quick meals later.

Variations

Pork and Shrimp Dumplings: Add chopped shrimp to the filling for sweetness.
Chicken and Garlic Chive Dumplings: Fresh chives add a strong herbal flavor.
Vegetable Dumplings: Use cabbage, mushroom, tofu, carrot, and glass noodles.
Beef Dumplings: Rich and hearty with soy sauce and a touch of hoisin.

5. Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

Fried rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Hot and sour soup
Lo mein
Asian cucumber salad

Garnishes

Green onions
Sesame seeds
Chili oil
Cilantro
Crushed peanuts

Best Drinks to Pair

Green tea
Jasmine tea
Ginger lemonade
Light beer
Sparkling water with citrus

6. Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer Storage

Freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. They keep well for 2–3 months.

Reheating

Microwave: 30 seconds to 1 minute (steamed dumplings only).
Pan-Fry: Re-crisp fried dumplings by frying with a little oil.
Steam: Steam refrigerated dumplings for 4–5 minutes.

7. Recipe Notes

Dumplings can be prepped the day before and stored in the fridge.
Best results come from using fresh, round dumpling wrappers.
A nonstick pan is ideal for frying.
A bamboo steamer provides the most authentic texture.

8. Nutrition Information (Per Dumpling)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	55
Fat	2.3g
Saturated Fat	0.6g
Carbs	6g
Sugar	0.5g
Fiber	0.4g
Protein	3.1g
Sodium	120mg
Cholesterol	11mg
Calcium	8mg
Iron	0.4mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

9. Recipe Card Summary

Course: Appetizer / Main

Cuisine: Asian / Chinese

Servings: 30 dumplings

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork or chicken
1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Dumpling wrappers
Oil for frying (optional)

Instructions

Combine filling ingredients in a bowl.
Spoon filling into wrappers and fold securely.
Steam dumplings for 8–10 minutes or pan-fry following the potsticker method.
Serve with dipping sauce.

Notes

Freeze before cooking for longer storage.
Do not overfill wrappers.
Keep wrappers covered to prevent drying.

Nutrition

See table above.

Diet Tags

Can be Gluten-Free
Can be Vegan
Dairy-Free
High-Protein Option
Low-Fat Option (Steamed)

Health Benefits

Contains lean protein
Steaming reduces fat content
Cabbage provides fiber and antioxidants
Adaptable for low-sodium or low-fat diets

FAQs

1. Can I boil dumplings instead of steaming or frying?

Yes, but boiling can soften the wrappers. It works best for thicker dumpling skins.

2. What meat is best for dumplings?

Ground pork provides the juiciest texture, but chicken and turkey are excellent lighter options.

3. Why do my dumplings burst while cooking?

They may be overstuffed or not properly sealed.

4. Can I use wonton wrappers?

Yes, but they are thinner and may tear more easily.

5. How do I keep dumplings from sticking to the pan?

Use a nonstick pan and swirl oil to coat the surface evenly.

11. Final Thoughts

Homemade dumplings are one of the most rewarding dishes to prepare—warm, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you steam them for softness or fry them for crunch, these dumplings are guaranteed to bring comfort to your table.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how your dumplings turned out. Your feedback and variations are always welcome!