Description
This recipe features tender dumplings filled with a savory pork or chicken mixture, served alongside a refreshing smashed cucumber salad. The dish is elevated with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce that adds a perfect balance of flavors and a hint of spice. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal, this combination is easy to prepare and brings a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dumpling Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Dumpling Filling
- 1 cup ground pork or chicken
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Smashed Cucumber Salad
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup warm water (to thin the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt. Gradually add water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rests, combine ground pork or chicken with finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and set aside.
- Prepare the Smashed Cucumber Salad: Cut cucumbers into quarters lengthwise, then smash them gently with the flat side of a knife or mallet to create uneven, craggy edges. Place the smashed cucumbers in a mixing bowl.
- Marinate the Cucumbers: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss well to coat. Allow the salad to marinate while you prepare the dumplings.
- Roll and Cut Dough: After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch diameter cutter or cup to cut out round circles for the dumplings.
- Fill and Seal Dumplings: Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out during cooking.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the dumplings in batches by dropping them into the boiling water. Boil for 5-6 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and red pepper flakes if using. Gradually add warm water while whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked dumplings on plates alongside the smashed cucumber salad. Drizzle the peanut sauce over the dumplings or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground pork or use a mix of both depending on preference.
- To keep dumplings from sticking, dust them lightly with flour or cornstarch before cooking.
- The smashed cucumber salad can be adjusted with more or less vinegar and sugar according to taste.
- The peanut sauce is adjustable in thickness; add more water to thin or more peanut butter to thicken.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat filling with crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms.
- If you prefer a milder peanut sauce, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 dumplings with salad and sauce
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: dumplings, smashed cucumber salad, peanut sauce, Asian recipe, homemade dumplings, appetizer, easy dinner
