pot paste dumplings

How to Make Pan-Fried Dumplings (Guotie)

Pan-fried dumplings, or *guotie*, are beloved for their crispy golden bottoms and juicy fillings. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

For the filling: Mix 300g ground pork (or chicken/veggies) with chopped cabbage, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until sticky—this ensures the filling stays intact.

For the dumplings: Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, fold it in half, and pinch the sides to seal, creating pleats for a classic look. Repeat until all filling is used.

Cooking: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Arrange dumplings in a single layer, frying for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden. Pour in ½ cup of water (covering the dumplings halfway), then cover and steam for 8-10 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked. Uncover, let any remaining water evaporate, and fry for another 1-2 minutes to crisp the bottoms further.

Serving: Transfer to a plate, garnish with cilantro or serve with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Enjoy these crispy, flavorful dumplings as a snack or main dish!