Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Garry Jao’s Pork Dumplings -- 03/04/10

Garry Jao’s Pork Dumplings

Ingredients

  • • 1 pound napa cabbage, finely chopped (about 5 1/2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon salt, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce, plus 1 tablespoon
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste

Yields: Makes 56 dumplings

Preparation

In a large colander set over a bowl, toss the cabbage with 1 tablespoon salt and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Squeeze to remove the liquid.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the flour and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Using your fingers, slowly mix in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water to form a dough. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 30 minutes.

In another large bowl, combine the pork, egg, scallions, garlic, ginger, cornstarch and sugar. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add the cabbage and stir the mixture vigorously, adding about 1/4 cup cold water, to form a paste.

Divide the dough in half and cover one half with plastic wrap. Working with the other half, roll the dough into a 3/4-inch- to 1-inch-thick log. Cut crosswise into 28 slices. On a lightly floured surface, working with 1 slice at a time and keeping the others covered with plastic wrap, shape each slice into a flat disk, then roll into a 3 1/2-inch round. Repeat with the other half of the dough to make 56 rounds.

Lightly flour a baking sheet. Holding 1 dough wrapper in your palm, place about a tablespoon of pork filling in the center. Fold the wrapper in half and press the edges together to form a half circle. Place the dumpling on the prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining dough wrappers until all the dumplings are formed.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Working in 3 batches, add the dumplings to the pot. Stir once to prevent them from sticking. Let the water come back to a boil, add 1 cup cold water and bring to a boil again for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the dumplings to a platter.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, the vinegar and chili paste. Serve the dipping sauce with the dumplings.