Pork dumplings with black vinegar and ginger

These homemade pork dumplings with black vinegar and ginger are a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The tender pork filling, seasoned with fresh ginger and paired with the rich, earthy flavor of black vinegar, creates a mouthwatering bite. This dish is not only delicious but also provides a great source of protein and iron from the pork, as well as anti-inflammatory properties from the ginger. The black vinegar offers a unique depth of flavor, which elevates the dumplings to a whole new level. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or serving them at a dinner party, these dumplings are sure to impress.

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the dumplings:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 2 tablespoons ginger, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 20-24 dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

For the dipping sauce:

• 2 tablespoons black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili oil (optional, for heat)

How to Make Pork Dumplings with Black Vinegar and Ginger:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Filling

Start by preparing the pork filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, finely grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the pork mixture is well-seasoned and evenly distributed. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more soy sauce or ginger if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Step 2: Fill the Dumpling Wrappers

Once the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the dumplings. Take a dumpling wrapper and place about one tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make it harder to seal the dumpling. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold it in half, and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling. You can fold the edges in pleats for a traditional look, or simply press them together to form a half-moon shape. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the dumplings are being prepared, make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the black vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, sugar, and chili oil (if using). Stir well until the sugar dissolves, and set the sauce aside. This tangy sauce complements the rich flavor of the dumplings perfectly.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

There are several ways to cook dumplings, but the most common methods are boiling, steaming, or pan-frying. For this recipe, we’ll focus on pan-frying for a crispy bottom and tender interior:

• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the dumplings to the pan, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook the dumplings for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
• Carefully add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan and cover immediately with a lid. Let the dumplings steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the wrappers are tender.
• Once done, remove the lid and cook for another minute to crisp up the bottoms further. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the dumplings hot with the black vinegar and ginger dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.

Tips for the Perfect Pork Dumplings:

• Dumpling Wrappers: If you’re using store-bought wrappers, ensure they are fresh and not dried out. You can also make your own wrappers for an extra homemade touch, but this requires additional time and skill.

• Sealing the Dumplings: To make sure the dumplings are sealed properly, use a little water around the edges of the wrapper before folding. If you’re having trouble getting them to stick, try pressing the edges together more firmly or using a fork to crimp the edges.

• Cooking Variations: If you prefer a different texture, you can steam the dumplings instead of pan-frying them. Simply arrange the dumplings on a steaming rack or in a bamboo steamer, and steam for about 10 minutes, until fully cooked.

• Storage: To store leftover dumplings, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, steam or pan-fry straight from frozen for a quick meal.

• Adjust the Spice: If you like your dipping sauce spicier, feel free to add more chili oil or even fresh chopped chili peppers to the mix. The heat from the chili complements the richness of the pork perfectly.

If you wish, you can add or subtract small ingredients according to your taste.