Potstickers
Crispy golden-brown bottoms, tender steamed tops, and a juicy pork and cabbage filling. These classic Chinese-American dumplings are easier to make at home than you think and perfect for an appetizer or main course.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Filling
- b.In a medium bowl, toss the finely chopped napa cabbage with 1 tsp of salt. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- c.Gather the salted cabbage in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This is a critical step for a juicy, not watery, filling.
- d.In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, squeezed cabbage, scallions, minced ginger, and garlic.
- e.Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper.
- f.Using your hands or a spatula, mix in one continuous direction for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and paste-like. This develops the proteins for a better texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Potstickers
- b.Set up a small bowl of water for sealing. Place a potsticker wrapper on your palm.
- c.Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling.
- d.Dip your finger in the water and moisten the entire outer edge of the wrapper.
- e.Fold the wrapper in half over the filling to form a half-moon. Pinch the top center to seal.
- f.Create 3-4 small pleats along one side of the sealed edge, pressing each pleat against the flat side to seal completely. Ensure there are no air pockets.
- g.Place the finished potsticker on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don't touch. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Potstickers (in batches)
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully arrange 10-12 potstickers in a single layer, flat-side down. Pan-fry for 2-3 minutes, without moving them, until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp.
- d.Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the skillet (be careful, it will steam and spatter). Immediately cover the pan with the lid.
- e.Reduce heat to medium and steam for 6-8 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is fully cooked.
- f.Remove the lid and allow any remaining water to evaporate. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms.
- g.Transfer to a serving platter and repeat with the remaining potstickers.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare Dipping Sauce and Serve
- b.While the potstickers cook, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl.
- c.Serve the hot potstickers immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not skip squeezing the water from the cabbage. This prevents the filling from becoming watery and the potstickers from falling apart.
- 2Mix the filling in one direction to help develop the proteins, resulting in a bouncier, more cohesive texture.
- 3To test the filling's seasoning, pan-fry a small spoonful before you start wrapping all the dumplings. Adjust salt or soy sauce as needed.
- 4Use a non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid for the best results, preventing sticking and ensuring proper steaming.
- 5To freeze, arrange uncooked potstickers on a parchment-lined tray without touching. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the steaming time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or finely chopped shrimp. For a vegetarian version, use a mix of crumbled firm tofu, finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, and carrots.
FlavorFlavor
Add 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine to the pork filling for a more authentic, complex flavor.
Dipping SauceDipping Sauce
Enhance the dipping sauce by adding a minced clove of garlic, some finely grated ginger, or a teaspoon of chili oil for heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The ground pork filling provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Contains Essential Nutrients
Ingredients like napa cabbage, scallions, garlic, and ginger contribute vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and manganese. Ginger and garlic also contain beneficial compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of six homemade pork potstickers contains approximately 420-480 calories, including the dipping sauce. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of the pork and the amount of oil used for frying.