Easy Homemade Pork Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork

• 1 cup cremini mushrooms

• 1 bunch green onions

• 1 bunch cilantro

• 1 tsp white pepper

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 5 garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp ginger paste

• 1 package wonton wrappers

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

• 1 tbsp cornstarch, optional

Instructions:

1. To a blender or food processor, add your mushrooms, green onions, cilantro, and garlic. Blend until you have a deep green paste, super fragrant and flavorful.

2. In a large bowl, combine pork with the mushroom paste, white pepper, sesame oil, and ginger paste. Mix with a wooden spoon or by hand until everything just comes together. Try not to over mix which causes a tough, chewy filling.

3. Begin wrapping your wontons. Place ~1 tablespoon of the pork mixture to the center of a wonton wrapper. Using your finger, swipe water along the edges of the wrapper and then pinch up to shape. To create a four-pointed star shape, pinch opposite corners, the four points meeting in the center. Pinch along the edges to secure the filling inside.

4. Line up on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour before cooking. Store in freezer for up to 3 months!

5. When you’re ready to cook, heat a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Add dumplings and pan fry until the bottoms are slightly golden, about 60-90 seconds. Add approximately 1/4 cup of water, cover, and steam for 3-5 minutes until the water evaporates and the dumplings release with crispy bottoms.

   Note: To achieve that beautiful lacy crust, stir in 1 teaspoon of corn starch to your water before steaming.

6. Turn out onto a large plate and serve hot with a dipping sauce made from chili oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fish sauce.