Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Steamed Pork Dumplings with Shiitake?
These are umami-rich steamed dumplings filled with ground pork and shiitake mushrooms, flavored with ginger, cilantro, and green onions.
Can I substitute the pork in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the pork with chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option.
What type of mushrooms are used?
The recipe calls for one cup of finely chopped shiitake mushrooms.
Are these dumplings freezer-friendly?
Yes, these dumplings freeze beautifully, making them great for meal prep or quick dinners.
How many dumplings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 40 wonton wrappers, yielding approximately 40 dumplings across 8 servings.
How much filling should I put in each dumpling?
Place 2 teaspoons of the pork mixture onto the center of each wonton wrapper.
How do I shape the dumplings?
Bring the four corners of the wrapper together at the top and pleat the sides to form a cup shape.
Do I need to seal the dumplings completely?
No, it is fine if the dumpling is not fully sealed at the top.
How long do the dumplings need to steam?
Steam the dumplings for 8 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer?
Line the steamer basket with a single layer of cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from drying out while working?
Cover the formed dumplings with a damp tea towel while you finish shaping the rest.
What kind of steamer should I use?
A bamboo steamer placed inside a large pot is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 100 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3.75 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 8.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What aromatics are used in the filling?
The filling uses green onion, fresh cilantro, and finely grated ginger.
What liquid seasonings are added to the pork?
The recipe uses soy sauce and sesame oil for flavoring.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used in the pork mixture as a binder.
Which part of the egg is used in the filling?
Only the egg white is used to help bind the ingredients together.
How should I prepare the ginger?
The fresh ginger should be finely grated.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the dumplings warm with your favorite choice of dipping sauce.
How much water should be in the pot for steaming?
Fill the pot with enough water to just touch the bottom of the steamer without overflowing.
Should the water be boiling or simmering?
The water should be brought to a gentle simmer while steaming.
How do I moisten the wonton wrappers?
Use your fingertip to lightly moisten the edges of the wrappers with water.
Can I use regular ground pork?
The recipe specifically recommends extra lean ground pork.
Is sugar included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar is added to the filling mixture.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include dumplings, pork, appetizer, steamed, Asian cuisine, and freezer friendly.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of these dumplings?
They have a savory, umami flavor profile enhanced by fresh aromatics and shiitake mushrooms.