Dumpling (饺子, jiǎo zi), a traditional Chinese noodle dish, is a thin dumpling skin wrapped around a variety of delicious dumpling fillings, boiled in water until crystal clear, and dipped in a sauce that leaves a long-lasting aftertaste.
Dumpling Customs
Dumplings are wrapped on New Year’s Eve. It is one of the most important elements of New Year’s celebrations in the northern part of China. Dumplings on the 30th day of the Lunar New Year, because it is an important part of the festival, so, there are also stipulated many rules and conventions and customs content.
Dates, peanuts, coins, sugar and chestnuts will be added to the dumplings when they are wrapped to represent the luck of the coming year. All these customs are needed to match the atmosphere of the New Year.
Characteristics of Dumplings
Dumplings are characterized by their thin skin and tender filling, delicious flavor, and unique shape, which makes them hard to get tired of eating. Dumplings are made from a wide variety of nutrients, and the steaming method ensures that there is little loss of nutrients and is in keeping with the Chinese food culture of color and flavor.
Dumplings are a time-honored folk food, popular among the general public, and there is a popular saying that “it’s not as good as dumplings”. Dumplings have become an indispensable delicacy during the Chinese New Year festivities.
Diversity of Dumplings
The diversity of dumplings is reflected in their fillings and wrapping methods, with different regions and flavors having different characteristics and preferences. Generally speaking, northern dumplings are more common and popular than southern dumplings because the cold climate in the north provides sufficient heat and nutrition.
Dumplings in the north are usually made with meat, such as pork, beef, and lamb, and some vegetables, such as cabbage, chives, and celery, are also added for a more flavorful and fattening filling.
Dumplings in the south, on the other hand, are made with seafood and vegetables, such as shrimp, fish, crab meat, bamboo shoots, spinach, etc. The fillings are lighter and more delicate.
Dumplings can be wrapped in a variety of ways, and different wrapping methods can reveal different shapes and aesthetics. The most common wrapping method is to fold the dough in half and then pinch the edges tightly with your fingers to form a semicircular dumpling. This method is easy to learn and is a common way to make dumplings at home. In addition to this method, there are also more elaborate and complex methods, such as crystal dumplings, flower dumplings, and rabbit dumplings, etc. These dumplings usually have transparent or colored skins and selected fillings, and the resulting dumplings take on different shapes and forms, resembling a work of art. There are also cultures and techniques behind these wrappings, such as crystal dumplings, a specialty of Guangdong, flower dumplings, a specialty of Sichuan, and rabbit dumplings, a specialty of Jiangsu, all of which reflect the customs and aesthetics of different regions.
How to savor Chinese dumplings
The deliciousness of a dumpling lies not only in its filling and wrapping method, but also in the way it is tasted, and different tasting methods can bring different tastes and enjoyment. Generally speaking, there are several ways to taste dumplings:
- With soy sauce and vinegar: This is the most common and classic tasting method. Soy sauce adds freshness and color to the dumplings, while vinegar adds acidity and freshness to the dumplings, and the pairing of the two balances out the greasy and cloying taste of the dumplings, making this method suitable for meat and vegetable dumplings.
- Pairing with peanut sauce: This is a special and innovative tasting method. Peanut sauce can add flavor and sweetness to the dumplings, as well as smoothness and toughness, and the combination of peanut sauce can make the dumplings richer and denser, as well as sweeter and milder, making it suitable for seafood and dessert dumplings.
- With soup: This is a simpler and healthier tasting method. Soup can add moisture and nutrition to the dumplings, as well as warmth and fresh aroma. Soup can make the dumplings softer and fuller in texture, as well as lighter and more natural in flavor, and this method is suitable for vegetarian and lighter types of dumplings.
Tips for cooking dumplings
Once the water has boiled, place the dumplings in the pot and then push the dumplings along the sides of the pot with a spoon to prevent them from sticking together. Next, after the first boil, add a small amount of cold water and heat again, repeating this process twice until the dumplings float, indicating that they are cooked.
How to store uncooked dumplings
Freezing: The most common method is to place raw gyoza in the freezer. This extends the shelf life of the gyoza while preserving their flavor. Arrange the dumplings evenly on a plate, making sure they don’t stick to each other. Then, place the entire plate in the freezer. Once the dumplings are frozen hard, you can bag them separately for better storage.
Separate layers: Before freezing, you can put a layer of plastic wrap or thin non-stick greaseproof paper between the dumplings to prevent them from sticking together during the freezing process.
Ziploc bags or containers: Place frozen gyoza in a ziploc bag or freezer box to prevent frost and odors from intruding while slowing down freeze-drying.
Labeling: It’s a good idea to label the bag or box with the date before packing the gyoza. This will help you know how fresh the gyoza are and eat them within a reasonable time.
Eat as soon as possible: Raw gyoza are best eaten as soon as they are frozen. The quality of frozen gyoza is usually best within 3-4 weeks. Prolonged freezing may affect the texture and flavor of the gyoza.
Please note that thawed gyoza should not be refrozen as this may reduce the quality of the food.
The bottom line
This article presents a comprehensive picture of the rich connotation and cultural background of dumplings, from the origin, customs and characteristics of dumplings, to the diversity of dumplings and ways to taste them, to tips on how to cook dumplings and how to preserve raw dumplings. Dumplings are not only a delicious food, but also a symbol of reunion, happiness and a bright future, making them an indispensable delicacy for traditional Chinese festivals.
