Dumplings are one of those foods that instantly feel like comfort. Warm, savory, crispy on the bottom, and juicy inside, they are basically the perfect bite. These homemade Pork Dumplings are filled with a flavorful mix of ground pork, napa cabbage, garlic, ginger, green onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then cooked potsticker style so they get golden and crisp on the bottom while staying tender and steamy on top.
Growing up, dumplings were always one of my favorite foods, and honestly, they still are. There is never a wrong time to eat them. After school snack? Dumplings. Late night craving? Dumplings. A weekend cooking project that pays off all month? Dumplings. Hosting family and need an easy appetizer that everyone will fight over? Dumplings.
The best part is you can make a big batch and freeze them, so you always have homemade dumplings ready anytime the craving hits.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pork Dumplings
If you love crispy, golden bottoms with a juicy filling inside, these dumplings are about to become your new favorite.
- The filling is flavorful, savory, and perfectly balanced
- They cook up crispy on the bottom and tender on top
- They freeze beautifully for quick meals later
- They are fun to make and even more fun to eat
- Perfect for parties, family dinners, and late night cravings
Honestly, there is never a wrong time for dumplings.
When to Make These Homemade Pork Dumplings
These homemade pork dumplings are perfect for:
- Lunar New Year celebrations
- Meal prep Sundays
- Family dinner nights
- Appetizers for guests
- Game day snacks
- Late night cravings
- Freezer stocking for busy weeks
If you want a recipe that feels special but is still practical, this is it.
How to Freeze Dumplings
To freeze dumplings for later:
- Fully prepare the dumplings but do not cook them.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1 to 2 hours until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer safe zip top bag.
They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Cook Frozen Dumplings
No need to thaw them.
Cook frozen dumplings the same way you would cook fresh dumplings, but add 5 to 8 extra minutes during the steaming step.
FAQs
What are dumplings vs potstickers?
Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or pan fried. Potstickers are dumplings cooked using the pan fry and steam method, which creates a crispy bottom.
Can I make pork dumplings ahead of time?
Yes. These are perfect for prepping ahead. You can refrigerate uncooked dumplings for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Do I need to cook napa cabbage first?
No, not for this recipe. Thinly slicing it helps it cook perfectly inside the dumpling.
Can I use store bought dumpling wrappers?
Yes, and I highly recommend it. Shanghai style wrappers work great for this recipe.
Homemade Pork Dumplings (Potstickers) with Napa Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 inch ginger minced
- 1 egg
- 4 napa cabbage leaves thinly sliced (white stems removed)
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- Dumpling wrappers (Shanghai style recommended)
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, minced ginger, egg, sliced napa cabbage, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Lay parchment paper on the counter or set out a baking sheet. Prepare your dumpling wrappers, filling, and a small bowl of water for sealing. Keep unused wrappers covered so they do not dry out.
- Place one dumpling wrapper on your work surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center. Dip your finger in water and lightly wet the edges of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper in half into a half moon shape. Create pleats along one side, pressing them into the other side, until fully sealed. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add dumplings in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Carefully add about 1/3 cup water to the skillet. Immediately cover with a lid and steam for 5 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the wrappers look slightly translucent.
- Remove dumplings from the pan and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
Dumpling Dipping Sauce
This is my favorite simple dipping sauce combo:- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- Honey
- Sesame oil
What did you think?