Smash Dumplings (Printer-friendly)

Savor these pan-fried dumplings, offering a crispy golden bottom and juicy, flavorful filling. Ideal for any occasion.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dumpling Filling

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

→ Dumpling Assembly

11 - 16 round dumpling wrappers (gyoza or wonton wrappers)
12 - Small bowl of water for sealing

→ For Frying

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

→ Dipping Sauce

15 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
16 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
17 - 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
18 - 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine ground meat, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and drained cabbage in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture becomes sticky.
02 - Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean work surface. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Lightly brush the wrapper edges with water, fold in half to create a half-moon shape, and press firmly to seal. Create small pleats along the sealed edge for a traditional look. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange dumplings in a single layer, flat side down, ensuring they do not overlap. Pan-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms develop a deep golden-brown crust.
04 - Carefully pour water into the skillet and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to medium and steam for 5 to 6 minutes until the water has completely evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through.
05 - Remove the lid and use a spatula to gently press down on each dumpling, slightly flattening to maximize surface area. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the bottoms become extra crispy and golden.
06 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil if using, and toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl. Transfer hot dumplings to a serving platter and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bottom gets incredibly crispy while the top stays tender and juicy
  • You can freeze uncooked dumplings for quick weeknight meals
  • The dipping sauce balances perfectly with the rich pork filling
02 -
  • Squeeze the cabbage until completely dry or your dumplings will burst during cooking
  • Don't overcrowd the pan or the dumplings will steam instead of fry
  • The water should sizzle violently when added, if not your pan isn't hot enough
03 -
  • Let the filling rest for 15 minutes before wrapping, this helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle
  • Cook a test dumpling first to check seasoning before wrapping the whole batch
Go Back