Pork Momos
Juicy, savory minced pork wrapped in a delicate, thin dough and steamed to perfection. These Tibetan-style dumplings are a beloved street food across India, perfect with a spicy dipping sauce.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Gradually add warm water while mixing to form a shaggy dough.
- d.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes firm, smooth, and pliable.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30-45 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making the wrappers easier to roll.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Pork Filling
- b.While the dough is resting, prepare the filling.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the minced pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies.
- d.Add the light soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped cilantro, 0.75 tsp salt, and black pepper powder.
- e.Gently mix all the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Momos
- b.Divide the rested dough into 24 equal-sized small balls.
- c.Working with one ball at a time (keep the rest covered), dust it with flour and roll it into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Aim to make the edges thinner than the center.
- d.Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper.
- e.To shape, you can either fold it into a half-moon and pleat the edges, or gather the edges up in small pleats to form a round, purse-like shape. Pinch the top firmly to seal.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam the Momos
- b.Prepare your steamer by adding water to the bottom pot and bringing it to a rolling boil.
- c.Lightly grease the steamer basket or tray with oil to prevent the momos from sticking.
- d.Arrange the shaped momos in the steamer, ensuring there is at least a 1-inch gap between each one to allow for expansion.
- e.Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 10-12 minutes.
- f.The momos are cooked when the wrappers appear translucent and shiny, and the filling is firm.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Carefully remove the momos from the steamer.
- c.Serve immediately with a spicy tomato chutney or a soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest filling, use minced pork with a fat content of at least 20%. The fat renders during steaming, making the inside moist and flavorful.
- 2Roll the wrappers as thin as possible, especially at the edges, for a delicate texture that doesn't overwhelm the filling.
- 3Always keep the dough and rolled wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out, which makes them difficult to seal.
- 4Do not overcrowd the steamer. Steam in batches if necessary to ensure the momos cook evenly and don't stick together.
- 5Prepare your dipping sauce while the dough is resting to save time.
- 6Uncooked momos can be frozen for later. Place them on a tray without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Steam directly from frozen for 15-18 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Substitute pork with minced chicken, lamb, or finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
PreparationPreparation
For 'Kothey' style momos, pan-fry the steamed momos in a little oil until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
DoughDough
For a healthier alternative, use a 50/50 mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour (atta) for the wrappers.
FlavorFlavor
Add a pinch of ground Szechuan peppercorns (timur) to the filling for a unique, numbing spice note authentic to the region.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Source of B Vitamins
The pork filling provides essential B vitamins like B12, B6, niacin, and thiamine. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Flavorful Aromatics
Ginger and garlic not only provide a delicious aromatic base but also contain bioactive compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of 6 pork momos contains approximately 430-460 calories. This can vary based on the fat content of the pork and the thickness of the wrappers.