How to Make Chinese Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Chinese Dumplings

Chinese dumplings, or jiaozi (饺子), are one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine. Whether pan-fried, steamed, or boiled, dumplings are comforting, flavourful, and surprisingly fun to make at home. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know from the dough to the filling so you can master the art of dumpling-making in your own kitchen.

📌 What Are Chinese Dumplings?

Chinese dumplings are small parcels of dough wrapped around a savoury filling. They’re commonly filled with minced meat and vegetables, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Dumplings are traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year, but they’re a staple all year round.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups plain flour

• ¾ cup warm water

• A pinch of salt (optional)

Classic Pork & Cabbage Filling:

• 300g ground pork

• 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage

• 2 spring onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional)

• 1 tsp ginger, minced

• Salt and white pepper to taste

🛍 Tip: You can find all these ingredients at your local Oriental food store or check out suppliers like Lung Wah Chong, who stock authentic Chinese essentials for home and commercial kitchens.

You can visit our supermarket which stocks all ingredients at 41 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford OX1 2EP. Alternatively, you can visit our warehouse for more wholesale orders at Lung Wah House, Oxford ,OX2 0FA.

👨‍🍳 How to Make the Dumplings

1. Make the Dough

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour and water gradually.

• Knead into a smooth dough and rest it for 30 minutes covered with a damp cloth.

2. Prepare the Filling

• Mix all filling ingredients in a bowl.

• Stir well until the mixture becomes slightly sticky — this helps with juiciness and texture.

3. Roll Out the Wrappers

• Divide the dough into small balls (about 10–12g each).

• Roll each into a thin circle (approx. 7–8 cm in diameter).

4. Wrap the Dumplings

• Place a spoonful of filling in the centre.

• Fold in half and pinch the edges to seal. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look.

5. Cooking Options

• Boil: Place in boiling water until they float, then cook for another 2–3 minutes.

• Steam: Steam in a lined basket for 8–10 minutes.

• Pan-Fry (Potstickers): Fry until bottoms are golden, then add water and cover to steam.

🥢 Tips for Perfect Dumplings

• Make sure the edges of your wrappers are thin for easy sealing.

• Don’t overfill, or they’ll burst when cooking.

• Freeze extras! Lay uncooked dumplings on a tray, freeze, then store in bags.

🌟 Dumpling Variations

Once you master the basics, try:

• Chicken & chive dumplings

• Prawn & ginger

• Vegan tofu & shiitake

• Or use ready-made dumpling wrappers for ease!

📍Where to Buy Ingredients

Looking for authentic Chinese ingredients for dumpling-making?

📦 Lung Wah Chong supplies many of the UK’s top restaurants and home chefs with:

• Premium dumpling wrappers

• Frozen dumplings (Ajinomoto Gyoza, Dim Sum & more)

• Chinese sauces, oils, and pantry staples

🎉 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a dumpling party or cooking for the family, making dumplings is a hands-on activity full of tradition and flavour. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be folding like a pro!

Looking for wholesale supplies or want to stock frozen dumplings in your restaurant?📩 Contact Lung Wah Chong to learn more.