Best Basic Pot Sticker Wrapper Recipes

HOMEMADE DUMPLING DOUGH

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
• Create a well in the middle (like you would when making pasta).
• Slowly add about 130 ml of the hot water, while mixing with chopsticks or a fork until the flour forms clumpy bits. You can alternate mixing and pouring water, if that's easier.
• Add up to 70 mL of the rest of the hot water (or room temperature water, if using), while mixing, to form a clumpy dough. There will be dry spots and wet clumps of dough.
• Gently mix the dough by hand to bring it together to form a scraggly dough, with no dry spots. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 - 30 minutes. If it's too wet, add a little more flour. If too dry, add just a little water (about ½ tsp at a time).
• After 20 - 30 minutes, the dough will have completely hydrated, and be soft enough to knead.
• Knead the dough for a few minutes until it looks smooth and feels supple (ear lobe soft).
• Roughly separate the dough into 4 portions, and wrap them in plastic wrap (or place them in ziploc bags) and let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (I prefer to leave it for 1 hour).
• You should get a dough that is soft, not sticky, and firm enough to hold its shape.
• Place the flour and salt in the bowl of your mixer.
• Stream in the 130 ml of hot water, while running the mixer on low.
• Replace the mixer attachment with the kneading attachment. Add the rest of the hot water (or room temperature water) while kneading the dough. You should be able to form a scraggly dough.
• Knead the dough until you have a soft, supple, smooth dough.
• Portion the dough into 4, and wrap each portion in plastic wrap or put it in ziploc bags, and let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes (I prefer to leave it for 1 hour).
• Process the flour and salt for a few seconds to mix.
• In a steady stream, pour about 130 mL of the hot water while the processor is running. Add the rest of the water, until the mix starts to resemble very coarse crumbs.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Using your hands, bring the flour clumps together to form a soft but firm ball of dough. Adjust water or flour as needed (if the dough is too dry or too wet).
• Knead the dough further on your work surface for a few minutes (2 - 5 minutes). Use flour sparingly if the dough is getting sticky. You're looking for a smooth, soft, and supple dough (ear lobe soft).
• Divide the dough into 4, and wrap each portion in plastic wrap (or place it in ziploc bags). Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes (I prefer to leave it for 1 hour).
• If you're using the dough the following day instead, place it in the fridge (sealed in plastic bags), and then return it back to room temperature before handling it.
• Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour, and have a clean cloth napkin and a well floured area ready to place your cut wrappers. I like to keep a little extra flour in a bowl or shaker, to use as needed.
• Take one portion of dough, and roll it out into a tube that's about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Make sure the tube has an even thickness throughout.
• Cut the tube into 8 or 9 equal portions. While you work with each individual portion, cover the other portions with a cloth napkin or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Place one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface, with the cut side down.
• Press down on the dough with the heel of your palm to flatten it slightly. Then, using a small rolling pin, roll out the dough into a circle that is about 2.5 - 3 inches in diameter.
• While holding up one end of the wrapper with your fingers, use the rolling pin to roll out the opposite end of the dumpling wrapper. Apply light pressure with the rolling pin when rolling out the dough.
• Rotate the dumpling wrapper with one hand (from the end that you're holding up), and roll out the edge of the dumpling wrapper right around the circle with your other hand (please see video below for reference).
• This method will take some practice to get it right. You should end up with a dumpling wrapper that is about 4 inches in diameter, and slightly thicker in the middle.
• EASIER OPTION - Place the flattened dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out (while rotating) using a small rolling pin, until you have a round dumpling wrapper that is about 4 inches in diameter.
• Store the dumpling wrappers on a lightly floured work surface, making sure there is a light dusting of flour between each wrapper. Stagger the wrappers, rather than stacking them directly on top of each other (otherwise they will all stick together!). Keep them covered in plastic wrap or a clean cloth napkin.
• Repeat with the other dough portions. Use the dough wrappers as soon as possible, since they become stickier the longer they are kept.
• Set the pasta roller to the thickest setting. Flatten one portion of dough, and feed it through the pasta machine. Fold it in half, and roll it through the pasta machine again.
• Repeat this process, while reducing the pasta thickness setting, until you have a dough sheet that is about 2 - 3 mm in thickness.
• Once the dough is rolled out, place it on a lightly floured work surface. Cut out dumpling wrappers using a well floured cookie cutter (about 3.5-4 inches in diameter).
• OPTIONAL - Re-knead the leftover dough and let it rest for about 45 minutes (while covered). This can be re-rolled in the pasta machine once more to cut out more dumpling wrappers. Make sure to let the dough rest further if it shows any resistance (or shrinkage).
• Store the cut dumpling wrappers on a lightly floured surface, making sure there is a light dusting of flour between each wrapper. Stagger the wrappers, rather than stacking them directly on top of each other (otherwise they will all stick together!). Keep them covered in plastic wrap or a clean cloth napkin.
• Repeat with the other dough portions. Use the dough wrappers as soon as possible, since they become stickier the longer they are kept.

PERFECT POTSTICKERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
• Combine the first 11 ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl (pork through cayenne). Set aside.
• To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush 2 of the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold over, seal edges, and shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.
• Heat a 12-inch saute pan over medium heat. Brush with vegetable oil once hot. Add 8 to 10 potstickers at a time to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, without touching. Once the 2 minutes are up, gently add 1/3 cup chicken stock to the pan, turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove wontons to a heatproof platter and place in the warm oven. Clean the pan in between batches by pouring in water and allowing the pan to deglaze. Repeat until all the wontons are cooked. Serve immediately.

VEGETARIAN POT STICKERS WITH HOMEMADE DUMPLING WRAPPERS

Steps:

• Make the hot water dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, salt and two-thirds of the boiling water. Mix on medium speed while slowly adding the remaining water until well mixed and a ball is formed and the dough is not too hot to handle, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a little flour if it gets too wet.
• On a floured surface, knead the dough until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball. Place back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rest for at least 1 hour.
• Make the dumpling wrappers: Working on a floured surface with floured hands, roll out the dough to form a long 'noodle', 1-inch in diameter. Cut 1/2-inch pieces and turn them over so the cut sides are facing up. Flatten with your palm and roll out thin using a rolling pin. The dumpling wrapper should end up about 3 inches in diameter.
• Make the vegetarian filling: Heat the oil in a wok or large saute pan over medium-high heat, then saute the onions and season with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon white pepper. Add the ginger and mushrooms and saute 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cabbage, carrots and chives and season to taste. When the mixture is soft, place in a colander to drain. Add the cilantro and sesame oil when mixture is cooled. Check for seasoning.
• Make the dumplings: Place a small mound of filling in the middle of the wrapper. (Be very careful not to touch the edges with the filling as this will impede proper sealing of the dumplings. Nothing is worse than dumplings breaking during cooking.) Lightly brush the top half edge with water and fold the wrapper in half to form a half moon shape. Starting on one end fold/pinch the wrapper tightly together. Proceed with this fold/pinch method until the dumpling is completely sealed. There will be approximately 7 to 10 folds per dumpling. Rest the dumplings with the folded edges straight up.
• Cook the dumplings: In a nonstick saute pan coated well with 1 tablespoon oil, place the pot stickers flat side down, turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the bottom is browned. Have pan cover ready, add 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan and cover immediately. Be careful, the liquid will splatter! The water will steam the pot stickers. Check them in 5 minutes as more water may be needed. (Ideally, you add about 1/4 inch layer of liquid, depending on the size of the pan.) The trick here is that once the dumplings are firm and fully cooked the water will evaporate and the bottoms will crisp-up again. You can listen to the point no water is left, that is when you can take the lid off.
• Make the dim sum dipper: Combining all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Serve with the pot stickers.

PORK AND GINGER POT STICKERS WITH HOMEMADE DUMPLING WRAPPERS

Steps:

• Make the hot water dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, salt and two-thirds of the boiling water. Mix on medium speed while slowly adding the remaining water until well mixed and a ball is formed and the dough is not too hot to handle, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a little flour if it gets too wet.
• On a floured surface, knead the dough until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball. Place back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rest for at least 1 hour.
• Make the dumpling wrappers: Working on a floured surface with floured hands, roll out the dough to form a long 'noodle', 1-inch in diameter. Cut 1/2-inch pieces and turn them over so the cut sides are facing up. Flatten with your palm and roll out thin using a rolling pin. The dumpling wrapper should end up about 3 inches in diameter.
• Make the pork and ginger filling: Sprinkle the cabbage with the 1 teaspoon salt and let stand for 30 minutes. Place the cabbage on a clean dishtowel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any water. The dryer the cabbage the better. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the cabbage with the pork, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and sesame oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook a tester to check the seasoning.
• Make the dumplings: Place a small mound of filling in the middle of the wrapper. (Be very careful not to touch the edges with the filling as this will impede proper sealing of the dumplings. Nothing is worse than dumplings breaking during cooking.) Lightly brush the top half edge with water and fold the wrapper in half to form a half moon shape. Starting on one end fold/pinch the wrapper tightly together. Proceed with this fold/pinch method until the dumpling is completely sealed. There will be approximately 7 to 10 folds per dumpling. Rest the dumplings with the folded edges straight up.
• Cook the dumplings: In a nonstick saute pan coated well with 1 tablespoon oil, place the pot stickers flat side down, turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the bottom is browned. Have pan cover ready, add 1/4 inch of stock to the bottom of the pan and cover immediately. Be careful, the liquid will splatter! The stock will steam the pot stickers. Check them in 5 minutes as more stock may be needed. (Ideally, you add about 1/4 inch layer of liquid, depending on the size of the pan.) The trick here is that once the dumplings are firm and fully cooked the stock will evaporate and the bottoms will crisp-up again. You can listen to the point no stock is left, that is when you can take the lid off.
• Make the dim sum dipper: Combining all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Serve with the pot stickers.

POT STICKERS TRADITIONAL

Steps:

• Crumble pork into a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the pork, cabbage, green onion, ginger, water chestnuts, salt, sugar and sesame oil. Chill in the refrigerator 6 to 8 hours, or overnight.
• Place a tablespoon of the pork mixture into each of the wonton wrappers. Fold the wrappers, and seal the edges with a moistened fork.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium high heat. Place the pot stickers into the oil seam sides up. Heat 30 seconds to a minute. Pour water into the skillet. Gently boil 7 to 8 minutes, until oil and water begins to sizzle, then add remaining oil. When the bottoms begin to brown, remove pot stickers from heat.
• In a small serving bowl, mix together the chili oil, soy sauce, and vinegar, adjusting proportions to taste.

BASIC POT STICKER WRAPPER

Steps:

• Mix the flour, salt, and water together and form a uniform smooth dough.
• Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
• Divide the dough into about 32 pieces. Roll each into circles or squares.

FAST POT-STICKERS

Steps:

• Combine meat, cabbage, ginger, garlic, scallion whites and 2 tablespoons soy sauce in a bowl with 1/4 cup water. Lay a wrapper on a clean, dry surface, and using your finger or a brush, spread a bit of egg along half of its circumference. Place a rounded teaspoon of filling in center, fold over and seal by pinching edges together. (Do not overfill.) Place dumplings on a plate; if you want to wait a few hours before cooking, cover plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Or freeze, for up to two weeks.
• To cook, put about 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet and turn heat to medium-high. A minute later, add dumplings, one at a time; they can touch one another, but should still sit flat in one layer. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned and most of the oil has been absorbed. Add 1/4 cup water per dozen dumplings to pan, and cover. Lower heat to medium, and let simmer about 3 minutes.
• To make the dipping sauce, combine remaining soy sauce, green parts of scallions and vinegar.
• Uncover dumplings, return heat to medium-high and cook another minute or two, until bottoms are dark brown and crisp and water evaporates. (Use more oil if necessary.) Serve hot, with sauce.

BAKED POT STICKERS WITH DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients. Place 2 teaspoons of filling in center of a wonton wrapper. (Cover rest of wrappers with a damp paper towel until ready to use.), Moisten wrapper edges with water. Fold edge over filling and roll to form a log; twist ends to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling., Place pot stickers on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; spritz each with cooking spray. Bake 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown., Meanwhile, place jelly in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave, covered, on high until melted. Stir in vinegar and soy sauce. Serve sauce with pot stickers.