Dumplings, served as a preferred appetizer or meal staple, have been beloved by eaters all around the world. Filled with meat or vegetables or unfilled, dumplings can definitely satisfy the taste buds of almost all eaters, from healthy eaters to dieters.
Not just that, dumplings vary in its cooking method, including steaming, boiling, pan-frying, deep-frying, serving in soup with a broth and stewing with beef or chicken. Can’t help falling in love with them, right?
In this article, we recommend 6 “must-try” dumplings of 6 cuisines when eating outside and making at home. It promises to work to those who are a big fan of dumplings and homemade food.
Find out recipes for dumpling dishes here!
Chinese dumplings
Chinese dumplings have successfully gone beyond China’s barrier to become a global sensation. They are not only highly consumed in China but they also preferred by gourmets, food lovers, healthy eaters and dieters over the world.
Chinese dumplings are a mix of dough mainly made from wheat flour and filled with minced meat (pork, beef, chicken), diced shrimp, vegetables or sweets, and can be cooked in different ways (boiled, steamed, fried, baked or served hot with broth).
Dumplings are one of two meal staples of people living in the north of China, along with noodles. Some of them are State banquet of China. For instance, Jiaozi- most traditional form of Chinese dumplings is eaten on Chinese New Year’s Eve and other special family reunions, and Tangyuan – a sweet glutinous dumplings is a “must-eat” at Dongzhi -Winter Solstice to signify a warm winters and Zongzi – a type of dumpling in the shape of a pyramid is served at Dragon Boat Festival.
Japanese dumplings
Other Asian “must-try” dumplings are (Gyoza), a favorite main dish and a preferred appetizer of both kids and adults in Japan. They is commonly filled with ingredients like minced pork and vegetables, and pan- fried (pot stickers), then eaten with a dipping sauce.
Gyoza have been eaten in Japan since the Edo period but they really became popular after World War II. They are smaller in size and thinner in wrapper compared to Chinese dumplings (Jiaozi).
There are three main types of gyoza, namely Yaki gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), Age gyoza (deep-fried dumplings) and Sui gyoza (dumplings that are boiled in water or soup broth). In addition, you can also try fried gyoza, steamed gyoza and Mushi gyoza (dumplings served in a bamboo steamer basket).
Korean dumplings
Korean dumplings (Mandu) have made a name for itself among dumplings lovers over the world. Mandu were long part of Korean royal court cuisine but are now found in supermarkets, restaurants, and snack places such as throughout the country.
Like Chinese Jiaozi and Japanese Gyoza, Korean Mandu can be steamed (Jjin mandu), boiled (Mul mandu), pan-fried (Gun mandu), deep-fried (Tuigin mandu) and served in soup with broth. They are often eaten with the global sensation Kimchi and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, chili and vinegar.
Regarding filling, they can be made with can be made with beef, chicken, Kim Chi or vegetables. So, eaters can definitely choose those that can satisfy their taste.
Thai dumplings
Thai dumplings (“Pun Sip Neung” or “Pun Clip Neung) are also a “must- try” dumpling dish of those who are a dumplings lover. Although they are not a global sensation like Chinese, they also reveal its own feature, both in the way of preparing spices and making dipping sauce.
Traditionally filled with chicken (or pork), cooked on banana leaves steamer and served with a Thai-style dipping sauce, Thai dumplings must be a good choice of those who prefer a healthier diet. If you are a big fan of dumplings, give it a try to know how it differs with other cuisines.
If you want to make these delicious dumplings, click on the link and follow our recipe. It might be a bit time consuming but worth trying to treat your family a delicious Friday night meal, right?
Russian dumplings
If you are engaged in homemade dumplings, you should also add the recipe for Russian dumpling (pelmeni or peljmeni) in your cooking diary. The word “pelmeni” roughly translates to “little ear”- the shaped appearance of these dumplings when folded traditionally.
Pelmeni are considered as the heart of Russian cuisine and a preferred main dish of both kids and adults alike. They are commonly filled with ground beef, pork, and sometimes lamb, and served with red-wine vinegar, black pepper, melted butter, sour cream or broth. If you are interested in making it right at your kitchen, follow the recipe.
Jamaican dumplings
Crispy golden-brown wrapper with the whole dough made of flour inside, Jamaican dumplings (also known as Johnny Cakes) are also a “worth-trying” dumpling dish. More importantly, Johnny Cakes are a “must-serve” food at Jamaican Festival and a staple food for breakfast, lunch and dinner when served with other foods such as eggs, fish, callaloo, ackee, or meat.
Unlike many other dumplings that can be cooked in different ways and filled with different fillings (meats and vegetables), Jamaican dumplings are unfilled and then deep-fried. Some may claim that they have no nutritional value but a meal of the Jamaican will be incomplete without it. As it simple to prepare ingredients and fast to cook, try it if you get interested.
We’ve introduced you 6 dumplings worth added in your “must-try” dumpling dishes. You can taste them at restaurants or treat yourself with homemade ones with given recipe. Hope you enjoy them!