Potsticker Dumplings

I have always loved Potsticker Dumplings, Wortip, or Chinese dumplings, as they are also known. Hell, being Ukrainian, I love anything that even vaguely resembles a perogy.

And every culture seems to have its own version of the dumpling. But in the Chinese culture, dumplings are considered good luck food, as they symbolize wealth and good fortune. My dumpling good luck came several years ago when I had the chance to learn how to make them from the masters themselves!

Jump to:

• 💭Potstickers vs. Dumplings
• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🔪 Instructions
• 🎥Video
• 🌙Lunar New Year vs Chinese New Year
• 💭How to make Potsticker sauce
• 🍽 Equipment
• 🌡️Storage
• 🦺FOOD SAFETY
• 🥟Potsticker Dumplings Recipe

Many years ago I worked at a Chinese restaurant and when they saw how crazy I was for Wortip, the cooks invited me into the kitchen to learn how to make them. This was a real stroke of luck because these guys had been making authentic Chinese Food for 30 ish years already! And the recipe for these authentic Wortip or Chinese Potstickers was the delicious result of that experience! Although making potstickers is similar to making perogies, there are a few differences, specifically in the folding (see video at end of recipe) and cooking method.

💭Potstickers vs. Dumplings

Potstickers are a type of dumpling, but not all dumplings are potstickers. Asia produces some of the most well-known dumplings, including won tons, pot stickers, and gyoza (a Japanese dumpling). Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling distinguished by a specific method of cooking, where they stick to the sides of the wok or pan and are browned on one side only. Potstickers, like dumplings are steamed, but also lightly browned in oil until they are mildly crispy and sticky. Gyoza, the Japanese version,  are also cooked in a similar manner, but they are a little smaller, the meat is a finer mince and the dough/wrapper is thinner.  You can read more about dumpling differences HERE.  Chinese dumplings symbolize wealth because their shape is similar to ancient gold.

🥘 Ingredients

🔪 Instructions

How to make Chinese Dumplings

1. Roll out dough to ⅛ inch thick on floured surface. Cut out 3-inch circles with round cookie cutter or glass
2. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the middle.
3. To Shape: Moisten edges of dough circles with water. 
4. Fold in half and pinch and seal. * If you have ever made perogies, it's very similar. Cover and finish the remaining.  (To fold in the traditional manner, WATCH VIDEO!)

*See recipe card for full instructions

🎥Video

https://foodmeanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Folding-Potstickers.mov

🌙Lunar New Year vs Chinese New Year

From late January to the middle of February, many Asian countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam and Singapore celebrate the Lunar New Year as national holidays. The dates of celebration are similar because many countries in Asia interpret the lunar calendar the same way. And even though North Americans don’t generally celebrate the Lunar New Year, many call the Lunar New Year “Chinese New Year."

While Asians celebrate the Lunar New Year in different ways, all celebrations have one common feature: family reunions. Traditionally in Chinese culture, members of a family get together to make dumplings on New Year's Eve. New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important holiday dinner in China and many other Asian countries.

💭How to make Potsticker sauce

I’m pretty particular about my potsticker sauce- I have tried many, but I LUV Calgary Ginger Beef restaurant's Dumpling sauce. They give you a container of Chinese red vinegar and a container of hot chili sauce. So I naturally assumed I was supposed to mix them together and that's what I've been doing for too many years to count! Apparently, not everyone does this. Obviously, I think it makes a great sauce! But there are lots of other sauces out there if you don't like this one. *Note: you have to buy the ingredients at an Asian supermarket (like T&T in Calgary). I actually bought the hot chili sauce from Ginger Beef restaurant.

Then you simply mix the two together. You'll need 1 teaspoon hot chili sauce to 2 tablespoon of Chinese red vinegar. This is what the hot chili sauce looks like:

🍽 Equipment

You need something about 3 inches round to cut the potstickers. You can use a cookie cutter (affiliate link) or the rim of a glass or mug. You will also need a non-stick frying pan with a lid (affiliate link).

🌡️Storage

• These potsticker dumplings can be stored, in an airtight container with the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure you store the sauce in a separate container.
• This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. *If you stack the Wor tip to freeze, ensure you have pieces of parchment paper between the layers.

🦺FOOD SAFETY

• Cook ground meats to a minimum temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) . Temperature is the very best way to check for doneness. I use this instant read thermometer- (affiliate link) it's great for everything food related!
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched the raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

Eating out is expensive and I love being able to make these homemade potstickers because I can never get enough in an order from a Chinese restaurant! This is a recent order I got from a restaurant, although they're delicious, they cost over $12 for only 10 dumplings!

I also made another fake-out copycat of my Ginger Beef recipe. It pairs perfectly with this wortip!

Like pierogi making, this is a really fun activity to do as a family and you could even make it into a dumpling party. I have done a few perogy parties in my time and they are a blast. Plus, everyone pitches in and leaves with a bunch of dumplings! This homemade Wortip makes a wonderful appetizer or snack for Chinese New Year but is really great any time of the year!