20-Minute Cabbage & Pork Dumplings
Get ready for a quick fix of juicy pork and tender cabbage wrapped in delicate dumpling skins. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Facts
250
Calories
15g
Protein
30g
Carbs
10g
Fat
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 package round dumpling wrappers (about 30 wrappers)
- Water for sealing the dumplings
- Sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Start by mixing ground pork with finely shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
- 2
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions to the mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
- 3
Place one tablespoon of filling into the center of each dumpling wrapper.
- 4
Brush the edges of the wrappers with water and fold over to seal, pinching the edges together firmly to create a half-moon shape or pleated top.
- 5
Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan. Arrange dumplings on the hot pan and cook for about 2 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned.
- 6
Add 1/4 cup water to the pan, cover with a lid, and steam-cook the dumplings for an additional 7-8 minutes or until the water has evaporated and they're fully cooked through.
- 7
Serve hot with sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions on top if desired. Enjoy!
So you're craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Meet your new best friend for weeknight meals—Cabbage & Pork Dumplings that come together in just 20 minutes flat. Juicy pork meets tender cabbage wrapped up neatly inside soft dumpling wrappers. You'll be savoring these steaming hot beauties before you know it.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- It's quick and easy—no need to wait hours for a meal to come together.
- Packed with flavor—the combination of savory pork, fresh cabbage, and a hint of sesame oil creates a winning taste profile.
- Versatile for any occasion—these dumplings are just as good for a casual family dinner as they are for impressing guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the wrappers—less is more here. Overfilling will lead to unwieldy dumplings that can easily break.
- Not sealing properly—make sure you pinch those edges well to avoid any filling leaks during cooking.
- Cooking without a lid on your pan—if you don't steam-cook, the dumplings won't cook through fully and could be dry.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No pork? Substitute ground turkey or beef for a different protein. If you're vegetarian, go for some finely chopped mushrooms instead.
Can’t find dumpling wrappers? You can use wonton wrappers or even make your own thin dough wraps using flour, water, and a bit of oil.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need to pre-cook the pork before stuffing the dumplings? Nope! The raw meat will cook up beautifully with the steaming process, so you can skip that step.
How do I serve these dumplings? Serve them hot off the pan, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color. You can also add some soy sauce or a dipping sauce if you like.
Final Thoughts
Look, we all need nights when dinner doesn’t feel like a chore. These Cabbage & Pork Dumplings hit the spot with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. So go ahead—make these tonight and treat yourself (or someone else) to an easy but delicious meal. You've got this!