Pork Dumplings (Jiaozi) are one of the most iconic Chinese dishes, enjoyed especially during family gatherings and holidays like the Chinese New Year. These dumplings have a juicy pork filling wrapped in a thin dough skin, then boiled, steamed, or pan-fried.

Jiaozi symbolize prosperity and good luck, as their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots. Besides being symbolic, they’re incredibly delicious — soft on the outside and bursting with flavor inside.

📝 Recipe Information

⏱ Prep Time: 45 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4–6

🥟 Cuisine: Chinese

🧂 Ingredients

Dough (Wrapper):

All-purpose flour – 2 cups

Warm water – ¾ cup (adjust as needed)

Pinch of salt


Pork Filling:

Ground pork – 500 g (about 1 lb)

Napa cabbage – 1½ cups (finely chopped)

Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)

Ginger – 1 tbsp (minced)

Spring onions – 3 stalks (chopped)

Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp

Shaoxing rice wine – 1 tbsp

Sesame oil – 1 tbsp

Sugar – ½ tsp

White pepper – ½ tsp

Salt – to taste

🥢 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

Gradually add warm water while mixing with chopsticks or your fingers.

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).

Cover with a damp cloth and rest for at least 30 minutes.

👉 Tip: Resting makes the dough softer and easier to roll.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Finely chop the cabbage and sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.

Squeeze out the water from the cabbage.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, spring onions, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and white pepper.

Stir in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky — this helps create a juicy filling.

Step 3: Shape the Wrappers

Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a long log.

Cut into small pieces (about 10–12 g each).

Roll each piece into a small round wrapper (about 3 inches in diameter), making the edges slightly thinner than the center.

👉 Shortcut: You can also use store-bought dumpling wrappers if short on time.

Step 4: Fill and Fold the Dumplings

Place a small spoonful of pork filling in the center of a wrapper.

Fold the wrapper in half, pinch the center, then pleat the sides to seal.

Make sure the dumplings are tightly sealed to prevent leakage during cooking.

💡 Folding styles: Basic half-moon, pleated edge, or crescent shape — choose your favorite.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Option 1: Boiled Dumplings (Traditional)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add dumplings in batches, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

When they float to the top, add ½ cup cold water. Repeat twice.

When they float again, they’re fully cooked. Remove and drain.

Option 2: Pan-Fried Dumplings (Potstickers)

Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.

Place dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottoms are golden brown.

Add ½ cup water, cover, and steam for 5–6 minutes.

Uncover and cook until the water evaporates and bottoms are crisp.

Option 3: Steamed Dumplings

Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment or cabbage leaves.

Steam over boiling water for 10–12 minutes.

Step 6: Make a Dipping Sauce 🥢

Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp

Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp

Chili oil – 1 tsp (optional)

Minced garlic – ½ tsp

A few sesame seeds (optional)

Mix and serve alongside the dumplings.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve dumplings hot with dipping sauce.

Add a bowl of clear broth to turn it into a light dumpling soup.

Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for freshness.

🧡 Pro Tips for Perfect Jiaozi

Use fattier ground pork (around 20% fat) for a juicy filling.

Always squeeze water from the cabbage to avoid soggy dumplings.

Seal the edges properly to prevent leaking while boiling.

Pleating is optional but gives dumplings a beautiful finish.

🧧 Why You’ll Love This Dish

A symbol of luck and togetherness during festivals.

Juicy, flavorful filling inside soft or crispy wrappers.

Easy to freeze and cook later.

Fun and interactive to make with family or friends.

✨ Pork Dumplings (Jiaozi) are more than just a dish — they’re a celebration of flavor, culture, and connection. Whether boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, these little pockets of joy are always a crowd-pleaser! 🥟