Steamed Dumplings with The Best Dumpling Sauce

Ingredients:

Dumplings

12 pieces homemade or store-bought dumplings/wontons

Sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp water or broth from dumplings (if boiling dumplings)

1 tbsp doubanjiang (see notes)

1/2 tbsp chili oil or chili garlic sauce

2-3 tsp sugar , adjust to desired sweetness

2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar

2 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp sesame seeds

1 tsp minced garlic

Chopped fresh scallions and coriander

Instructions:

Step 1:

Mix the sauce ingredients together.

Feel free to adjust to your taste and desired spice level.

Step 2:

Boil or steam the dumplings from fresh or frozen.

If you’re using frozen dumplings, no need to thaw.

I simply line my bamboo steamer with parchment paper and steam my dumplings for 12-15 mins.

Step 3:

If boiling, do the same and cook from frozen.

Leave your pot of water to boil.

Once it boils, carefully dumpling directly from frozen and leave them to cook for around 3-4 minutes or until these float up.

Remove from the water.

Step 4:

Save some of the dumpling water if needed.

Step 5:

Use the sauce as a dip or pour it over your bowl of dumplings or wontons.

Garnish with more coriander and scallions, if desired.

You can finish it with more chili oil or sauce if desired.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Versatile Dumpling Options: This recipe works well with various types of dumplings, including traditional Chinese dumplings, wontons, or gyoza, allowing for flexibility in ingredient choice and flavor profiles.

Customizable Sauce: The dumpling sauce can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences, allowing for variations in sweetness, spice level, and overall flavor intensity. Experiment with the ingredients to create a sauce that suits your palate.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Both the dumplings and the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later use, offering convenience for busy schedules or meal prep. Frozen dumplings can be cooked directly from frozen, saving time and effort.

Ingredient Substitutions: If certain ingredients like doubanjiang or Chinese black vinegar are not readily available, substitutions can be made using pantry staples like miso paste, chili paste, rice vinegar, or balsamic vinegar. Adapt the recipe based on what’s on hand.

Adjusting Filling Ingredients: The filling for the dumplings can be customized to include a variety of ingredients such as ground pork, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables, allowing for creativity and personalization in flavor combinations.

Preventing Stickiness: To prevent dumplings from sticking to the steamer or each other during cooking, use parchment paper or cabbage leaves to line the steamer basket and ensure that the dumplings are not overcrowded, allowing for even cooking.

Utilizing Leftover Dumpling Water: The leftover dumpling water can be repurposed as a flavorful broth for soups or noodle dishes, minimizing food waste and adding depth of flavor to other recipes.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options: For those following vegetarian or vegan diets, the dumpling filling can be adapted using ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables, and the sauce can be adjusted accordingly to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storing Extra Sauce: Extra dumpling sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use, providing a convenient condiment for other dishes or additional servings of dumplings.

Creative Garnishing: Garnishing with chopped fresh scallions and coriander adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and contributing to the overall dining experience.

Nutrition Information:

Per serving, assuming 1 serving = 2 dumplings with sauce

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some common types of dumplings used in this recipe?

Common types of dumplings used include traditional Chinese dumplings, wontons, gyoza (Japanese dumplings), or even homemade dumplings filled with various ingredients like pork, shrimp, or vegetables.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them for later use?

Yes, you can prepare a large batch of dumplings and freeze them for later use.

Arrange the dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for storage.

When ready to cook, you can steam or boil them directly from frozen.

What is doubanjiang, and can I substitute it with something else?

Doubanjiang is a spicy and salty fermented bean paste commonly used in Sichuan cuisine.

If you don’t have doubanjiang, you can substitute it with a combination of miso paste and chili paste or omit it altogether for a milder sauce.

How can I adjust the sweetness and spice level of the sauce to my preference?

You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar, and you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili oil, chili garlic sauce, or doubanjiang used.

Taste the sauce as you go and make adjustments accordingly.

What is Chinese black vinegar, and can I use another type of vinegar instead?

Chinese black vinegar has a deep, rich flavor with a slightly sweet and smoky taste.

If you don’t have Chinese black vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or even balsamic vinegar, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I make a larger batch of sauce and store it for future use?

Yes, you can make a larger batch of dumpling sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using it again.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer or each other during cooking?

To prevent dumplings from sticking to the steamer, you can line the steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.

Additionally, make sure the dumplings are not overcrowded in the steamer, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking.

Can I use the leftover dumpling water for anything else?

Yes, you can use the leftover dumpling water as a flavorful broth for soups or noodle dishes. It adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dish.

Can I customize the filling of the dumplings to my liking?

Absolutely! You can customize the filling of the dumplings by adding ingredients like ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, tofu, or various vegetables.

Be creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan alternatives for the dumpling filling?

Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan dumplings by using fillings such as finely chopped tofu, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.

Just make sure to use vegan-friendly wrappers and adjust the sauce accordingly.