Easy Recipes from the Pot Rack – February 2022

Happy Chinese New Year—the year of the Tiger. A tiger by definition is fierce, determined, and ambitious. Sounds like a recipe for success that all of us can follow as we forge into another year of uncertainty. So, in honor of that tiger within us, I’m suggesting you whip up a batch of these easy and delicious Asian Shrimp Dumplings. Pro tip: a dumpling press makes this a super fast creation.

Ingredients:

12 oz peeled and de-veined shrimp, rough chopped
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1 Tblsp chopped scallion
1 tsp Sake (rice wine), optional
1 tsp Mirin
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
20 wonton wrappers
1-2 Tblsp oil for pan-frying
1/2 cup water

Instructions:

  • Combine the shrimp, ginger, cabbage, scallion, Sake, Mirin, soy sauce and sesame oil in a bowl, Stir and mix well. Filling will be sticky.
  • Place a piece of the won ton wrapper in a dumpling mold and spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling onto the wrapper. Dip your finger into a small bowl of water and circle around the outer edges of the wrapper. Fold the dumpling over to form a half moon shape and press mold to seal.
  • Place the dumplings on a corn starch dusted surface or baking sheet.
  • Using a non-stick skillet (preferred) add oil on medium-low heat, then arrange all the gyoza on the skillet. Pan fry the gyoza until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
  • Add the water and cover it with the lid. Steam the dumplings until the water completely evaporates.
  • Serve with your favorite Asian inspired sauces like Ponzu, sweet chili sauce or just a little Soy sauce.

Beyond the Recipe:

Dumplings of any kind are a staple in my house because we use them in many ways. We love to eat them as a snack, an appetizer, a quick soup or as a main course. Sure, you can buy them at Trader Joe’s and keep them on hand in your freezer. But you can also make fresh homemade batches from time to time that taste even better and suit your palate. The trick is just a few selective ingredients. Lucky for us, we have a great international market right here in Medford. If you haven’t tried the Asia Grocery Market, you are missing out. The market is located at 225 E. Barnett Road in the Winco Plaza right next to Tosu Ramen House. They have everything you need to whip up delectable Asian dishes. When I can’t find lemon grass and Gochujang in my local grocery store, I can always find it at Asia Market. Now I know that sounds fancy and maybe a bit daunting… it’s not. Just a few ingredients can make a stellar dumpling. Give the simple recipe above a try and branch out into some new flavors and let me know what you come up with.

Be sure to check out our website for recipes and foody tips at www.thepotrack.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @JvillePotRack.

Go get ‘em Tiger!