Best Dumpling Recipes

Dumplings are one of the most traditional Chinese foods which has over 2000 years of history! The earliest dumplings can be dated back to around 200 BC in Eastern Han dynasty. It is amazing to know that we have been eating dumplings for such a long time. The reason? Dumplings are absolutely delicious especially when homemade!!!  

For Chinese, dumplings aren’t just a delicious meal, it also means fullness and completeness and eating them is commonly seen at family gatherings. 

There are many different kinds of dumplings from China and each kind provides a different flavor mix. Most commonly used dumpling fillings include pork and chive, pork and cabbage, egg and chive, beef and celery, lamb and onion. Even though you can buy frozen dumplings in a store, nothing beats the flavor of homemade dumplings. Here I gathered some of the best recipes out there for the best homemade dumplings!

1. Pork Dumpling with Napa Cabbage

Pork and napa cabbage makes a dumpling filling super juicy and tasty. Most of the potstickers served in restaurants use this filling. The ingredients are easy to get and it doesn’t take too long to make! Try this recipe if you are a beginner at making dumplings. 

2. Pork Chive Dumplings

Pork and chive dumplings are my favorite kind of dumplings. I often get this dumpling when growing up in my hometown Chengdu. Chives have a strong taste by themselves but when mixed with the minced pork, they become super tasty. This kind of dumplings often creates an exciting eating experience! It is also super easy to make and I would highly recommend trying it at home!

3. Pork and Celery Dumplings

If you are looking for some fresh tasting dumplings, pork and celery dumplings are perfect! The celery taste is strong and it makes pork taste refreshing. Celery is also super high in fiber, making the dumpling more healthy! 

4. San Xian Pork, Shrimp and Mushroom Dumplings

San Xian literally means “Three Delicious Flavors”, here referring to pork, shrimp and shiitake mushroom. All three ingredients have strong flavors and when mixed together, the dumplings are extremely flavorful.  San Xian is a traditionally used dumpling filling in China and if you want to get a taste of tradition, try it out! 

5. Egg and Chive Dumplings

Egg and chive are commonly used together to create pastries in China. They are a great combo and taste amazing together! Use fried eggs and chive to make the simple dumpling filling. This would be perfect if you don’t want meat in your dumpling fillings. 

6. Chinese Beef Dumplings 

Although the most common dumpling fillings are made with pork, beef dumplings are also popular. The filling is made with minced beef with green onion and corn. Beef dumplings have a stronger taste than other dumplings, so if you like something strong, try beef dumplings. 

7. Chinese Shrimp Dumplings

Shrimp dumplings are mostly seen in Cantonese dim sum and usually steamed. Also called “Har Gow”, the shrimp dumplings are tender and delicate snacks. Try this dumpling if you are making breakfast or brunch. They are perfect as an appetizer as well. 

8. Vegetable Dumplings

You can totally be vegetarian and make dumplings! The vegetable dumplings can be made with a lot of different kinds of veggies, the most commonly used ingredients are shredded carrots, wood ear mushroom, shiitake mushroom, chives etc. There is no limit and you can literally use any veggies you love! 

9. Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings are a delicacy in China. They often come in steamed form and     upon each bite, hot and meaty soup comes out. They can give you a unique and delicious eating experience. Make the soup dumplings if you want to surprise your guests!

10. Vegan Mushroom Dumplings

There are many ways you can make vegan dumplings and this recipe features shiitake mushroom, ginger, cabbage and carrots. The panfried version also makes the dumplings more interesting. Definitely a must try vegan dumpling!

11. Lamb Dumplings

Lamb dumplings are popular during Chinese New Year’s celebration and Winter Solstice Festival because lamb is associated with producing “heat” for the body. If you want something hearty, filling and full of flavor, definitely give this lamb dumplings a try! 

12. Tomato and Beef Dumplings

Tomato and beef fillings are not as common as the other kinds of dumplings but it surely is flavorful and refreshing. It is a traditional filling used in the northern part of China. The fillings are made with minced beef, tomato, onion and cabbage. If you want to try something different yet traditional, this recipe would be perfect!