Crispy Pan-Fried Smash Dumplings (Printable)

Pan-fried dumplings with crispy golden bottoms, juicy pork filling, and bold Asian flavors. Perfect appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dumpling Filling

01 - 7 oz ground pork, chicken, or turkey
02 - 2 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
07 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
10 - 1/2 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped and squeezed dry

→ Dumpling Assembly

11 - 16 round dumpling wrappers, gyoza or wonton style
12 - Water for sealing

→ For Pan-Frying

13 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
14 - 1/3 cup water

→ Dipping Sauce

15 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
16 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
17 - 1 teaspoon chili oil, optional
18 - 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, optional

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine ground meat, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and napa cabbage. Mix until fully incorporated.
02 - Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean work surface. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each wrapper.
03 - Moisten the edges of each wrapper with water. Fold in half and pinch firmly to seal, creating pleats along the edge if desired. Repeat with all remaining wrappers and filling.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange dumplings in a single layer with flat sides down, ensuring they do not overlap.
05 - Cook dumplings for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden, crispy crust.
06 - Carefully pour water into the skillet. Cover immediately with a lid and reduce heat to medium. Steam for 5 to 6 minutes until water evaporates completely and dumplings are fully cooked through.
07 - Remove the lid and gently press each dumpling with a spatula to enhance the crispy texture. Cook uncovered for an additional 2 minutes until maximum crispiness is achieved.
08 - Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Serve dumplings immediately while hot alongside the dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smashing technique creates a larger surface area for maximum crispiness.
  • A balanced filling of pork and napa cabbage stays incredibly juicy while steaming.
  • They take only 40 minutes from preparation to plate, making them perfect for weeknights or parties.
02 -
  • Ensure the skillet is truly nonstick to prevent the delicate wrappers from tearing when you smash them.
  • Check the dumpling wrapper labels for allergens; some brands contain egg while others are strictly wheat-based.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches ensures each dumpling has enough room to be properly flattened.
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