Fried Beef Dumplings Recipe
Fried Beef Dumplings are a beloved staple in many cuisines, especially in Asian cooking. With their crispy golden exterior and savory, juicy filling, these dumplings are perfect for an appetizer, snack, or main course. The combination of ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and crispy fried dough creates a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist. Making dumplings at home may seem challenging, but this recipe is simple and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy freshly cooked dumplings that rival any restaurant’s.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package round dumpling wrappers (about 30-40 wrappers)
- 1/4 cup water (for sealing the wrappers)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, chopped cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Combine thoroughly until the mixture is evenly seasoned.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean work surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the beef mixture into the center of the wrapper.
- Dip a finger in water and moisten the edge of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, making sure there are no air pockets. You can also pleat the edges for a decorative touch.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until all the dumplings are assembled.
- Fry the Dumplings:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the dumplings in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Let the dumplings steam for about 5-6 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the filling is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms.
- Transfer the dumplings to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste or red pepper flakes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried beef dumplings hot, accompanied by the dipping sauce. They are delicious on their own or can be paired with a side of steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to seal the dumplings properly and may cause them to burst during cooking.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: To avoid sticking, a non-stick skillet works best for frying dumplings.
- Freezer-Friendly: These dumplings can be made in large batches and frozen. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the steaming time.
Why You’ll Love Fried Beef Dumplings
Fried Beef Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, with their crispy bottoms, tender filling, and satisfying blend of flavors. The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and aromatics like garlic and ginger provides a delicious, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the tangy dipping sauce. They make a great appetizer for parties, a tasty snack, or even a full meal when served with sides. This recipe brings the authentic taste of dumplings to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a homemade version of this restaurant favorite.
Conclusion
This Fried Beef Dumplings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic taste of dumplings at home. The crispy fried exterior, juicy beef filling, and flavorful dipping sauce make for an irresistible combination. Easy to prepare and cook, these dumplings are a must-try for anyone who loves Asian cuisine or is looking to try their hand at making dumplings from scratch. Give them a go, and you’ll see why they’re such a beloved dish!