I accidentally made 57 dumplings last Sunday. Started with 12, but couldn’t stop folding!

I used to think making dumplings at home was too hard. Too time-consuming. Boy, was I wrong! These pork and shrimp dumplings changed everything for me. They’re surprisingly simple to make, even on busy weeknights.

The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your kitchen right now. Fresh shrimp, ground pork, and a few pantry staples come together beautifully.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through each step. From mixing the perfect filling to folding dumplings like a pro. Plus, I’m sharing my go-to dipping sauce that makes these little parcels absolutely irresistible.

Ready to impress your family with homemade dumplings tonight?

Quick Recipe Info

I love how flexible these dumplings are. You can make them ahead for busy weeknights or turn dumpling-making into a fun family activity on weekends.

Steps to Make Pork and Shrimp Dumplings

This is where the magic happens! Don’t worry if your first few dumplings look wonky, mine definitely did. The key is to keep the filling moist and the edges sealed tightly.

1. Prepare the Filling

Combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, grated garlic, grated ginger, and green onions in a large bowl.

Add soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Mix everything together using your hands or a wooden spoon until well combined.

Pro Tip: Mix in one direction only – this helps develop the protein texture and keeps the filling from getting mushy. The mixture should feel slightly sticky when ready.

2. Set Up Your Assembly Station

Lay out dumpling wrappers on a clean surface dusted with cornstarch. Have a small bowl of water nearby for sealing edges. Keep finished dumplings on a cornstarch-dusted plate to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Cover unused wrappers with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Work with about 6-8 wrappers at a time for best results.

3. Fill and Fold the Dumplings

Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with water using your finger. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges together, creating pleats if desired. Make sure all edges are sealed completely.

Pro Tip: Don’t overfill! Too much filling will make sealing difficult and cause dumplings to burst during cooking. Less is definitely more here.

4. Cook Your Dumplings

• Steaming (Recommended): Place dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other. Steam for 12-15 minutes over boiling water until the filling is cooked through and the wrappers are translucent.
• Pan-Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place dumplings flat-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Add 1/3 cup water, cover immediately, and steam for 8-10 minutes until water evaporates.
• Boiling: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently add dumplings and stir once to prevent sticking. Cook until they float to the surface, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the steamer. Cook in batches for even results. If you don’t have a steamer, use a large pot with a heat-safe plate elevated on a bowl inside.

5. Make the Dipping Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add minced garlic or green onions if using.

And there you have it! Hot, juicy dumplings are ready to be devoured. Serve them immediately while they’re still warm – trust me, they won’t last long on the table.

Pro Tip: Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Make extra because everyone will want more!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (6-7 dumplings)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods used.

Dumpling Folding Tips for Beginners

Don’t worry if your first few dumplings look a little wonky – even experienced cooks started somewhere! These simple tips will help you fold like a pro in no time.

• Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel – Dry wrappers crack and tear easily, making them impossible to seal properly
• Don’t overfill your dumplings – Use about 1 tablespoon of filling maximum. Too much filling makes sealing difficult and causes bursting during cooking
• Wet the edges before sealing – Dip your finger in water and run it around the wrapper edges. This creates a strong seal that won’t come apart
• Start with simple half-moon shapes – Skip fancy pleats for now. Focus on creating a tight, leak-proof seal first. Pretty folds can come later once you master the basics

Want to see these techniques in action? Check out this helpful video tutorial by Epicurious for step-by-step visual guidance on folding perfect dumplings every time.

Make Them Last: Storage Tips

These dumplings are perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy them all week long!

• Refrigerator: Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a steamer for 3-5 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
• Freezer (Uncooked): Place raw dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. Keep for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen – just add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Freezer (Cooked): Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a steamer for 5-7 minutes.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare filling and wrap dumplings in the morning. Keep covered in the fridge and cook fresh for dinner – they taste even better after the flavors have time to meld!

Ready to Make Your Own?

I promise you, once you make these pork and shrimp dumplings at home, takeout will never taste the same.

The process is actually relaxing – there’s something therapeutic about folding each little parcel. Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Don’t overthink it. Grab some wrappers from the Asian grocery store this weekend and give it a try. Your family will be amazed that you made restaurant-quality dumplings from scratch.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get those hands floury and start folding! Drop a comment below and let me know how your dumpling adventure goes.