Wasabi-Pork Dumplings!

March 4th was Rich's birthday and I asked him what he wanted for his "birthday dinner."  Turns out, he enjoyed sushi making so much (you may remember Valentine's Day) that he wanted to do it again.  So sushi it was.  We enjoyed spicy tuna, salmon/cream cheese Philadelphia rolls, and spicy avocado shrimp tempura rolls this time.  Also on the menu was something new and exciting, pork dumpings!  This was my first foray into homemade dumplings, and I must say, they were pretty simple to make and very delicious.

Here's what you need (makes about 12 dumplings)

Dumpling wrappers (usually found in the frozen section)
1/4 lb ground pork
2 stalks green onion, chopped
1 tbs corn starch
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp wasabi paste
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1 garlic clove, minced (or sub 1 tsp powdered garlic)
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or sub 1 tsp powdered ginger)
1 tbs peanut oil
1/3 cup water

1. Combine pork, green onion, yellow onion, corn starch, soy sauce, wasabi, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl
2. Place 1 tbs of the mixture in the center of dumpling wrapper
3. Slightly wet the outer rim of the wrapper with water
4. Fold dumpling in half (if dough breaks, you may be using too much filling)
5. Press edges firmly together to seal dumpling
6. Repeat until all pork mixture is used (should make about 12)
7. Add oil to a pan at medium heat
8. Add dumplings to pan, cook until slightly browned on each side (about 1 min each side)
9. Add water to pan and cover.  Cook until all water is evaporated.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions.  Use soy sauce for dipping!

Note: you can use a variety of fillings for these dumplings.  Try shrimp or chicken for something different.  Simple to make, and a great appetizer or side dish with sushi. 



It was Rich's birthday, but you would think it was Charlie's based on the evidence...

It's party time!