Kay's Beef and Chive Dumplings
Recipe Overview
Overview
Kay Chun’s Beef and Chive Dumplings are a delightful homage to family traditions, showcasing a blend of flavors that are both comforting and exciting. The recipe begins with marinating ground beef in soy sauce and aromatics, ensuring a well-seasoned filling that is the heart of these dumplings. The addition of zucchini not only enhances the moisture but also adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the beef.
Assembling the dumplings is a fun, hands-on experience, perfect for family gatherings. The technique of wrapping the dumplings is straightforward, and the inclusion of pine nuts adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Once wrapped, the dumplings are pan-fried to achieve a crispy bottom while steaming them ensures the wrappers remain tender and flavorful.
The accompanying dipping sauce, made with soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, complements the dumplings beautifully, enhancing their rich flavors. This recipe is not just about the food; it’s about the memories created around the table, making it a perfect dish for Lunar New Year celebrations or any family gathering. Enjoy these dumplings as a comforting meal that brings everyone together.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Toss zucchini in salt and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Tip: Salting zucchini helps draw out excess water and seasons it.
Tip: Marinate beef with soy sauce and vinegar for brightness.
Marinate ground beef with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and toasted sesame oil.
Tip: Mix filling gently to avoid overworking the meat.
Gently press tofu between paper towels to remove excess water.
Crumble tofu over beef and mix with remaining filling ingredients until well incorporated.
Drain zucchini and give it a gentle squeeze to remove excess water.
Add drained zucchini to the dumpling mix and mix until well incorporated.
Lightly dust a baking sheet with cornstarch.
Tip: Dust baking sheet with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of a wrapper, add pine nuts, moisten edges, and seal tightly.
Tip: Pinching the dumpling center helps seal and remove air bubbles.
Combine two parts soy sauce, one part vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
Tip: Add a touch of sugar to the dipping sauce to balance the vinegar.
Tip: Mincing pine nuts for the sauce adds nice texture and flavor.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet and arrange dumplings flat side up.
Tip: Don't overcrowd the skillet to ensure dumplings crisp up nicely.
Cook dumplings over medium-low heat until lightly golden on the bottom.
Add two tablespoons of water to the skillet to create steam.
Tip: Add just enough water to create steam without making dumplings soggy.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Soy
→ Substitution: Coconut Aminos
Ingredient: Tofu
→ Substitution: More Vegetables
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Zucchini helps keep the dumplings moist and adds a subtle flavor.
- •Tofu is used in the filling to enhance texture and moisture.
- •Using pine nuts in dumplings adds a surprise crunch and richness.
- •Pan-frying dumplings creates a crispy bottom while steaming them ensures a tender wrapper.
