Rice paper dumplings

Rice paper dumplings

These rice paper dumplings feature a savory filling of ground pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, wrapped in delicate rice paper for a unique twist on traditional dumplings. Crispy-fried to golden perfection, they make a delightful appetizer or snack paired with a tangy dipping sauce.

Pork

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

Rice paper dumplings offer a charming fusion of textures and flavors, combining the crispness of fried wrappers with the juicy filling inside. Traditionally, rice paper is used in Vietnamese summer rolls, but here it is cleverly adapted to wrap a rich pork and vegetable mixture, then shallow-fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. This method provides both a satisfying crunch and a tender center. The filling is a harmonious blend of finely chopped cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and ground pork, seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to impart an aromatic and umami-rich quality. These ingredients are stirred together by hand to ensure even distribution and a moist, cohesive texture that stays deliciously juicy after frying. Best served warm with a simple yet flavorful dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and fresh spring onions, these dumplings pair wonderfully with steamed greens or a light Asian-inspired salad. They are perfect for parties, casual meals, or anytime you crave a playful, tasty bite with a hint of comfort food nostalgia.

Ingredients

  • 0.25 White Cabbage
  • 1 Carrots
  • 100 g Shiitake Mushrooms
  • 400 g Ground Pork
  • 2 cloves minced Garlic
  • 20 g Ginger
  • 2 tsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 tsp Sesame Seed Oil
  • 3 sliced thinly Spring Onions
  • 20 Rice Paper Sheets
  • 75 ml Vegetable Oil
  • 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 0.5 tb Sesame Seed
  • 2 sliced Spring Onions

Instructions

Begin by placing the white cabbage into a food processor and pulse until it reaches a finely chopped consistency. Sprinkle with half a teaspoon of salt, toss the cabbage gently to distribute the seasoning, and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture. Then transfer the cabbage onto a clean tea towel and squeeze thoroughly to remove as much liquid as possible, ensuring your filling won't be soggy. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cabbage with grated carrot, finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and thinly sliced spring onions. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Using your hands, scrunch and mix the ingredients vigorously until evenly combined, creating a well-integrated, juicy filling. Next, prepare your rice paper sheets by briefly dipping each sheet for just a couple of seconds in a shallow dish of warm water. This softens them sufficiently without becoming too fragile. Lay each softened sheet on an oiled chopping board. Spoon one heaping tablespoon of the filling into the center of the sheet. Carefully fold the bottom edge over the filling, then bring down the top edge, folding in the sides to fully enclose the filling and shape a neat square parcel. If the rice paper feels delicate and flimsy, you can soak an additional sheet and wrap the dumpling again for extra sturdiness. Repeat this process with all the sheets and filling, placing the finished dumplings on an oiled plate to prevent sticking. Heat 75 ml of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan, ensuring the oil fills no more than one-third of the pan's depth, over medium-high heat. Fry the dumplings for 3-5 minutes on one side until beautifully golden and crisp. Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully turn them to brown the other sides. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes to ensure the pork filling cooks through while retaining moisture. Remove the lid and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the dumplings. Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce by combining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, half a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and thinly sliced spring onions in a small bowl. Serve the hot, crispy dumplings alongside the dipping sauce for a deliciously tangy accompaniment.

Quick Info

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4