Chinese Pork Dumplings with a Crispy Skirt

Dumplings are prepared and served around the world in many ways with a variety of fillings. The steamed version is the best known around the world, but if you ever come across dumplings with a crispy skirt, also called potstickers (Guō Tiē 锅=pot/wok, 贴=to stick), don’t hesitate to try these delightful dumplings. They are also referred to as Gyoza by the Japanese.

dumplings with a crispy skirt

How to create dumplings with a crispy skirt

Instead of steaming the dumplings, they are pan fried with a vinegary corn starch slurry which creates a crunchy golden-coloured crust once the water evaporates and the dumplings brown. 

Adding vinegar to flour and starch not only adds zing to the dish, but also creates the thinnest, crispiest skirt. Any vinegar will do, and corn starch can also be replaced by other kinds of starch. All-purpose flour can be substituted by rice flour. 

dumplings with skirting

It is crucial to use a good non-stick pan with a lid. We find it is easier to make an evenly cooked skirt when filling the pan completely with dumplings. Also prepare a big enough plate to flip the dumplings onto.

dumplings with a crispy skirt

Pork Dumplings with a Crispy Skirt

Dumplings are prepared and served around the world in many ways with a variety of fillings.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetisers & Starters, Meat & Poultry, snacks
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 60 pieces
Calories 19 kcal

EQUIPMENT (click pictures for details)

Ingredients
 
 

For the filling

For the skirt mixture

For the sauce

Instructions
 

Cook the shiitake

  • Cut the fresh shiitake mushrooms into small dice.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Boil the shitake in water with the lid on for approximately 8-10 minutes.
    Place them in a colander and keep the cooking water for later.
    dumplings with skirting

Prepare the skirt mixture

  • Combine all ingredients and whisk well. Keep aside.
    dumplings with skirting

Prepare the dumplings

  • Combine the minced pork with the drained sweet corn, cooked shiitake and diced green chilli.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Season with salt, Sichuan pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil and grated ginger. Add 4-5 tbsp of the shiitake cooking juice and mix well.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Place a spoonful of filling onto each wrapper. Seal the wrapper using the technique you’re most comfortable with.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing all ingredients together.

Cook the dumplings

  • Heat a little oil over high heat. Pan fry the dumplings shortly.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Pour in the skirt mix, cover with a lid and cook over medium heat.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Uncover when the liquid evaporates completely and cook for another 30 seconds to create a clear, golden-brown skirt.
    dumplings with skirting
  • Flip the dumplings with skirt onto a plate and serve.
    dumplings with skirting

Nutrition for 1 portion

Calories: 19kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 18mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg
Keyword crispy skirt, dumplings, gyoza, pork
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! #culinaryambition

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating