Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Dumplings

Dumplings are like a gift - small pretty packages filled with deliciousness.  Now who wouldn't want to receive that?!  This recipe is really just a starting point - you can really get creative and make your own variations.  The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients:

-1/4 lb ground pork

-2 oz raw shrimp, shelled and de-veined, and finely minced

-2 egg whites

-1 tsp ginger, finely grated

-1 stalk green onion, finely chopped

-2 tsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

-1 tsp sesame oil

-1 tsp oyster sauce

-1 tsp sugar

-1 tsp salt

-1/4 tsp ground black pepper

-1 package round dumpling wrappers

-cold water

• In a bowl, combine the pork, shrimp, and egg whites.  Using a fork, stir the mixture very rapidly in one direction until the mixture is well combined and spongy in texture. 
• Add ginger, green onions, cilantro, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, salt and pepper.  Mix in using the fork, stirring in the same direction as before, until just combined.
• Separate each dumpling wrapper as needed just prior to filling, in order to prevent them from drying out.
• Place a wrapper in the palm of your left hand (if you're right handed) and add about a tablespoon of the filling in the center. 
• Dip a fingertip in water and brush the edge of half the wrapper. 
• Fold over wrapper, ensuring there are no air bubbles and press firmly to seal.  Pinch and press the edges forming a few pleats.
• Place the dumpling on a lightly floured baking sheet and continue with the remaining dumplings.
• To store: If not consuming immediately, freeze entire baking sheet for one hour until individually frozen.  Pack in freezer bags to store.
• To cook: To a large pot of boiling water add dumplings and give a stir to prevent sticking.  Once the dumplings float; strain and drain excess water.  If cooking a lot of dumplings, add dumplings to a bowl and lightly coat with a drizzle of vegetable oil.  In a preheated skillet with a few tablespoons of vegetable oil, add  pan fry dumplings (in batches if needed) until golden brown and crispy.  Serve with dipping sauce.

Dipping sauce: 

-2 tbsp of soy sauce
-1 tbsp of seasoned rice vinegar
-1 tsp of sambal olek (hot chili paste)
-1/2 stalk of green onion thinly sliced
-1/2 tsp sesame oil
-1/2 tsp finely grated ginger
-1/2 tsp sugar

Combine all the ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved.