As the Lunar New Year approaches, the air is filled with the mouth-watering aromas of traditional dishes, signalling a time of joy, feasting, and celebration. This year, we welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, elegance, and transformation.
The Importance of Food in Lunar New Year
Food plays a significant role in Lunar New Year celebrations, with many dishes serving as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Among the numerous festive favourites, steamed pork dumplings stand out as a beloved classic. These delicious treats are not only a delight to eat but also carry significant meaning, resembling ancient money pouches and representing fortune and prosperity in the coming year. The pork filling adds an extra layer of symbolism, signifying strength, wealth, and blessings.
Pork Dumpling Essentials
Below we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to make your own steamed pork dumplings at home. Before you get started, be sure to visit Nunawading Homemaker HQ to pick up the essential tools and utensils you’ll need, including the D.Line 3 Piece Bamboo Steamer and Soffrito A Series Dumpling Maker available at House, as well as the Breville The Banquet Pan Electric FryPan available at JB Hi-Fi.
With these tools and our simple guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, steamed pork dumplings to share with family and friends during the Lunar New Year celebrations!
Year of the Snake Pork Dumplings
Ingredients
For the filling: 250g ground pork (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a twist) 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage 2 green onions, finely sliced 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp minced garlic ½ tsp white pepper ½ tsp salt
For the wrappers: 30 dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
For cooking and serving: 2 tbsp vegetable oil ½ cup water Soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil for dipping
Method
- Combine all filling ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until evenly combined. A spoon or your hands work best here to ensure the flavours meld together.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the centre of a wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold in half, and pleat or press to seal tightly. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
- Fill a wide pot or wok with 2.5 cm of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, ensuring that the water level is below the bottom of the bamboo steamer.
- Cut cabbage leaves to fit the bottoms of two stackable bamboo steamer baskets. This will prevent the dumplings from sticking to the baskets.
- Place 10 dumplings in a single layer in each steamer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the dumplings for even steaming.
- Stack the steamer baskets, cover with a lid, and place the steamer in the prepared pot. Reduce the heat to medium-high and steam the dumplings for 5-10 minutes, or until the wrappers are glossy and slightly translucent.
- Repeat the steaming process with the remaining dumplings.
- Arrange dumplings on a platter and serve hot with dipping sauce on the side.
Tip: dumplings freeze beautifully! Make a big batch, freeze them on a tray, then store them in a bag for a quick future meal. Happy Lunar New Year!
