With the last-minute exams and grading just before Thanksgiving, I peddled home with barely enough energy to tear open a cardboard box and microwave a frozen entrée. I selected a chicken-and-vegetable dumpling dinner last Tuesday, and during my first bite, a dangerous idea popped into my head…
I could make these myself!
And with that, I was doomed. I patiently ate our traditional Thanksgiving feast at my parents’ place but returned itching to go to the grocery store. At Safeway, I zeroed in on the wonton wrappers and hugged them to my chest, picturing all of the possible fillings and flavor combinations.
I started simple with a fresh vegetable filling, and we gobbled them up faster than last week’s turkey. With 50 more wonton wrappers left in the package, it’ll be a guessing game to see what I use them for next!
If people prefer a milder taste, omit the chili garlic sauce from the dipping sauce.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and chili garlic sauce, and set aside.
- In another small bowl, combine the pepper, corn, peas, and salt. Working with one wrapper at a time, spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the vegetable filling onto the top half of the circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Dip your finger in the bowl of water, and wet the entire circumference of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half, and pinch the edges together between your thumb and forefinger to seal. Repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling.
- Gently place the dumplings into the boiling water, and cook for 3 min, turning once. Drain, and serve immediately with the chili garlic dipping sauce.
Excellent! I wonder if these can be frozen? I suppose yes, because you can buy frozen ones. This would be good to make without preservatives, MSG, etc.
Have you tried to make, freeze then fix?
I haven’t tried with this batch, but I’m sure they could be! Instead of boiling, I’d put them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and pop that in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer them to a labeled Ziplock bag. Just add 1-2 minutes to the boiling time, and you’re set!
Your dumplings look great! Love the photos 🙂
Thanks so much! I had a bit too much fun with the chopsticks during their photo shoot…
They’re a great prop but can also be tricky. Sometimes they won’t stop rolling around when I’m doing the same thing 🙂
I chose mine strategically for that exact reason! These ones are a bit more rectangular towards the end, so I can rest them on things without them wobbling all over the place.
I need to keep that in mind for future shoots — I tend to grab ones based on the look first and then forget about the challenges 🙂
Fashion over function! ;]
These look delicious – I’ve just started making my own dumplings recently and was amazed at how easy they are with pre-made wrappings, I particularly love homemade wontons in soup – really you can’t have too many dumplings in your life.
We ate a batch of them in soup too! I love how versatile dumplings can be, and you’re right — they’re almost too easy with pre-made wrappers!
Yum! We made a pork mince version of this a while back. I LOVE dumplings. Mmmm! Maybe a dessert dumpling? Nutella or Condensed milk inside? I’m bad 😉
Mmm, minced pork sounds delicious! I actually used the wonton wrappers to make a dessert; hopefully I’ll get a chance to post it soon!
These look great! You have so many ideas!
Thank you! I think about food way too much… But at least it normally has tasty results — and it’s fun to photograph!