Description
These cabbage dumplings are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional dumplings, featuring a flavorful pork filling wrapped in tender steamed cabbage leaves. The dumplings are pan-seared to a golden crisp and then steamed to juicy perfection, served with a savory soy-scallion dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp. grated peeled ginger
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (divided use)
- 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Dumplings
- 13 green cabbage leaves
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
Sauce
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- Remaining scallion (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, 1 scallion, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Add the beaten egg and mix gently until just combined to keep the filling tender.
- Cook cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cabbage leaves and cook for about 1 minute until tender. Remove and transfer to paper towels to drain excess water.
- Assemble dumplings: Cut each cabbage leaf in half lengthwise and remove the thick core. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork filling on one end of each cabbage piece, then tightly roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides to secure the filling. Repeat until all filling is used.
- Pan-sear dumplings: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings seam side down and cook in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per batch.
- Steam dumplings: After searing, add 1/4 cup water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid to steam. Cook until the pork is fully cooked through, about 10 minutes. Check one dumpling to ensure doneness. Repeat with remaining dumplings if necessary.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining sliced scallion, 1/3 cup soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil to create a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the steamed dumplings on a platter and serve warm with the soy-scallion sauce alongside for dipping.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the filling to keep the texture tender.
- Steaming after searing ensures the pork is fully cooked and dumplings are juicy.
- Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright note, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: cabbage dumplings, pork dumplings, Asian appetizer, steamed dumplings, pan-seared dumplings, healthy dumplings
