pork pot stickers

How to Make Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings (Guotie)

Pan-fried pork dumplings, or *guotie*, are a beloved Chinese snack with a crispy bottom and juicy filling. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: For the filling, mix 300g ground pork with 2 chopped water chestnuts, 1 shredded cabbage (squeezed dry), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, salt, pepper, and minced ginger/garlic. For the wrapper, use store-bought dumpling wrappers or make a dough with 2 cups flour and ¾ cup warm water.

Steps:

1. Fill & Fold: Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of a wrapper. Fold it in half and pinch the edges into pleats, sealing tightly to prevent leakage.

2. Pan-Fry: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange dumplings in a single layer, frying for 2-3 minutes until bottoms turn golden.

3. Steam & Finish: Pour ½ cup water into the skillet (carefully, to avoid splattering), then cover immediately. Steam for 5-7 minutes until water evaporates and dumplings are cooked through. Uncover and let the bottoms crisp up for another 1-2 minutes.

Serving: Serve hot with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy and tender!