Easy Homemade Steamed Meat Dumplings Recipes from Around the World

Dumplings are more than just a dish; they are a delightful experience that transports you to the heart of Asian cuisine. Whether you savor them steamed, fried, or boiled, each bite is a testament to the artistry of culinary tradition. Today, we dive into one of our favorite recipes: steamed meat dumplings, a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!

We remember the first time we tasted these dumplings in China. It was love at first bite, and once you try them, you’ll understand why! Their soft, fluffy exterior envelopes a savory filling that bursts with flavor, making them an irresistible treat.

Essential ingredients for 10-15 dumplings
Ready to begin? Let’s get cooking!

Essential ingredients for 10-15 dumplings

Dough:

100 g of all-purpose flour
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of oil (sunflower oil works best)
Boiling water (as needed)

If you're short on time or lucky enough to have a local Asian grocery store, pre-made dumpling wrappers are available—about 30 wrappers typically cost around €2.

Filling:

Ground meat (we prefer a mix of pork and beef, but feel free to use your choice)
1 green onion
A small piece of fresh ginger
1 garlic clove
Soy sauce

Dipping sauce:

Soy sauce
Honey

Ready to begin? Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Preparing the dough

If you're up for making the dough from scratch, it's quite simple. Just mix all the ingredients and knead until smooth. Let it rest for about 20 minutes before rolling it out thinly. Use a glass to cut out circles (aim for a thickness of approximately 3 mm).

Step 2: Making the filling

Next, chop the garlic and ginger into small pieces. Slice the green onion and add all these ingredients to the ground meat. Mix everything by hand, similar to how you would prepare meatballs, and drizzle in some soy sauce for seasoning and moisture. Allow the mixture to rest for about an hour to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Shaping the dumplings

Take a circle of dough and place a teaspoon of filling in the center. Fold it over to create a tortellini shape—such a charming word! Continue this process until all your dumplings are formed, even if they’re still raw.

Step 4: Cooking the dumplings

Line the bottom of a bamboo steamer with a lettuce leaf (a tip we learned in China to prevent sticking) and arrange the dumplings on top. Steam over medium heat for about 20 minutes.

Tip: If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can use a rustic method. Place a small bowl in a pot of water and set a plate on top with the dumplings, ensuring the plate is above the water level. Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. If unsure about this method, opt for boiling the dumplings instead; they're delicious that way too.

Alternatively, you could invest in a bamboo steamer like this one! 🙂

Step 5: Enjoy your dumplings!

Remove the dumplings from the steamer and enjoy them while they're hot! Don't forget about the dipping sauce! Just mix a teaspoon of honey with soy sauce, and you’re ready to savor these tasty bites. Ah, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! 🙂

Once you master this recipe, feel free to experiment with different ingredients for the filling, such as shrimp, potatoes with ricotta (not exactly traditional, but oh-so-delicious), or various vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

For a visual guide, check out this easy dumpling recipe video that walks you through the process step by step:

Bon appétit!