Fried dumplings (鍋貼 or Guōtiē)

The recipe for these delicious Guo tie comes from the famous food blogger, Bee Yinn Low's new book, Easy Chinese recipes, Family favorites from Dim Sum to Kung Pao.  Of course she also has an equally famous blog, www.rasamalaysia.com, full of great recipes!  Her recipe is used with her permission.  Thanks Bee!


On 5 February 2012, it will the 9th anniversary of my arrival in Taiwan. I arrived here with 20kg of clothing and other belongings in my backpack and not a clue what to expect from the country, the people, their culture or their food. I am ashamed to say that it has taken me this long to try my hand at cooking Taiwanese food. I blame the ever present language barrier. Believe me when I say, it isn't that easy to learn how to speak Mandarin Chinese like  local. But I try.


These dumplings are not difficult to make, and making 20 of them shouldn't take you very long. I made 200 of them on my first attempt and that took quite a few hours! They freeze incredibly well, so do make a few extra. They make for a quick, convenient light meal in minutes.


Fried dumplings (鍋貼 or Guōtiē)
Makes 20
Recipe adapted from Easy Chinese Recipes by Bee Yinn Low.

Dumpling wrappers (Makes 20)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus some extra for dusting and rolling)
• 1/4 cup water plus 1 teaspoon water

Method:

1. Combine the flour and water to form a dough. Knead the dough until it is no longer sticky and the surface becomes smooth - about 10 to 15 minutes).  Cover with a clean, damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. On a flat, foured surface, divide the dough into 2 equal portions and roll them into cylinders, 2.5cm in diameter and about 13 cm in length.
3. Cut each cylinder into 10 equal pieces, each about 1.25cm thick.
4. Using a flour dusted rolling pin, roll each piece into a disc, about 9cm in diameter. You can use a 9cm diameter cookie cutter to trim off the edges and make them into circles.

Dumpling Dipping Sauce (Makes 125ml)

Dumplings are traditionally served with a vinegar and soy sauce dipping sauce.  Here is my version of it.  You may leave out the chili or use less, if you don't like it hot.

Ingredients:

• 125ml cider or rice vinegar (Chinese black vinegar is more traditional)
• 30 ml soy sauce
• 1 small chili, de-seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• a 4cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled und cut into fine matchstick strips
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped

Method:

1. Combine the vinegar, soy sauce and chili (if using) in a small bowl. Stir well.
2. Pour the sauce into individual dipping bowls and add the ginger and garlic. Serve the sauce as a condiment with the fried dumplings.

Guo tie (Fried dumplings) (Makes 20)

 Fried dumplings are quite versatile because you can change the filling as you like.  The more traditional filling is most definitely pork and cabbage, but you can also use shrimp or beef. The cabbage is usually added to add more flavor to the dish.

Ingredients: (For the filling)

• 250 g minced pork (or meat of your choice)
• 1/2 cup Finely chopped cabbage 
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
• a 2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1tsp Chinese cooking wine or sherry (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 dashes of white pepper

...and you will also need...

• 20 dumpling wrappers
• 1.5 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp flour
• dumpling dipping sauce

Method:

1. Make the filling by combining all the ingredients. Leave the filling to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. Fill the wrappers by following the video below. 
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over moderate heat.  Arrange the dumplings on their bottoms,  side by side without too much space between them. Cover the pan with a lid.  Fry them until their bottoms become golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, mix the water and the flour in a cup.
4. Add the water and flour mixture and cover the pan with its lid immediately. The water should sizzle and steam the sumplings. Turn the heat low as soon as the water has completely evaporated. Cook the dumplings for a further 2 minutes.  Remove from the pan. Serve hot with dumpling dipping sauce.