Dumpling Filling Recipes (2024)

We’ve posted many Chinese dumpling filling recipes over the years, each with their own unique flavor and character, including fillings made with ground pork, chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables.

Dumplings are both a celebration food (especially around Chinese New Year), as well as an everyday emergency meal. With a big batch in the freezer, you’re never more than 15 minutes away from a tasty snack, breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Take your pick of the dumpling fillings we have below, get together with friends and family, and make a big batch!

Distinguishing Different Types of Dumplings

Many cultures have some sort of dumpling in their culinary repertoire, from kreplach and pierogies to momos, mandu, and gyoza.

Today, we’re talking about the dumplings known in Chinese as jiǎozi (饺子). These are distinguished from other Chinese dumplings, like soup dumplings (xiǎo lóng bāo – 小笼包), round glutinous rice dumplings (tāngyuán – 汤圆), wontons (húntún – 馄饨), steamed buns (bāozi – 包子), and other special dumplings like egg dumplings (dàn jiǎo – 蛋饺), which are wrapped not in a flour-based dough, but with egg, and dim sum har gow (虾饺) or siu mai (烧卖).

These are the folded little creations that you can steam, pan-fry, or boil. When steamed, you can call them zhēng jiǎo (蒸饺). Boiled dumplings are known as shuǐjiǎo (水饺), while pan-fried dumplings can be called jiān jiǎo (煎饺) or guōtiē (锅贴), which literally means “pot stick,” and is where the English term potsticker comes from.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (1)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (2)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (3)

However you decide to cook them, these dumpling fillings will work in most applications! That said, you may see slightly different folding techniques from recipe to recipe. For instance, Northern style dumplings are usually boiled (shuǐjiǎo – 水饺), made with fresh dumpling dough, and folded in a very simple manner (no pleats). Shanghai-style dumplings have thinner wrappers and are usually pleated.

You can make any of these dumplings with either homemade dumpling dough or with store-bought wrappers. If you’re intimidated by the idea of wrapping your own dumplings, don’t worry! We have a tutorial on How to Fold Chinese Dumplings in 4 Ways, from crazy easy, to more advanced. Start with the easiest method and work your way up. Practice makes perfect!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (4)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (5)

Dumpling Filling Recipes

Pork

Ground pork is the most common dumpling filling base across China. We have several pork dumpling recipes, each with a different vegetable complement.

1. The Only Dumpling Recipe You’ll Ever Need

This was the very first dumpling recipe we ever published on the blog, and still one of our most popular. Countless Woks of Life readers have replicated it over the years. It’s also our most flexible recipe. Use bok choy, frozen Shepherd’s Purse, or other tender leafy greens to make the dumpling of your dreams!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (6)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (7)

2.

Pork and Chinese garlic chives is a classic dumpling combination, and a family favorite. We have one version from my mom’s cousin’s husband from Beijing, as well as our own delicious version. Find Chinese garlic chives in Chinese grocery stores, or grow your own Chinese chives (they’re a super easy, hardy perennial that also flowers in late summer and can be grown as an ornamental plant).

Dumpling Filling Recipes (8)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (9)

3. Pork and Celery Dumplings

Our grandma (Judy’s mom) used to make these dumplings often when we were growing up. It wasn’t always my favorite combination, but I’ve grown to appreciate the subtle celery flavor here. The key is making sure the dumpling filling is nice and juicy, and not too dry. This has become a go-to recipe!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (10)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (11)

4. Pork and Cabbage Dumplings

These pot-sticker-style dumplings demonstrate the guotie (potsticker) cooking method. If you’re afraid of folding dumplings, this is a good recipe to start with. No fancy pleating needed!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (12)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (13)

5. Japanese Pork Gyoza

While this isn’t a Chinese dumpling, but a Japanese one, we had to mention it as they’re so popular in Japanese restaurants. You can whip up the filling in a food processor, as the texture of gyoza filling is a bit different from a Chinese dumpling filling. Make sure to use thin wrappers here.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (14)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (15)

Seafood

Shrimp, fish, and crab are special additions to dumpling fillings—particularly for special occasions!

6. San Xian Filling with Shrimp, Pork, and Chicken

This is a classic wonton filling, but you can also use it to make dumplings. The combination of shrimp, pork and chicken in one little pouch makes for a super flavorful eating experience!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (16)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (17)

7. Shandong Pork and Fish Dumplings

This is a Northern Chinese style filling with a combination of pork and deboned fish. If you’ve never had a fish-based dumpling, you’ll be surprised at how delicate and delicious these are.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (18)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (19)

Chicken

If you don’t eat pork, chicken dumplings are a great alternative. We prefer to use dark meat chicken here. If you can’t find pre-ground dark meat chicken, try grinding it yourself using boneless skinless chicken thighs and our hand-chopping technique!

8. Chicken Zucchini Dumplings

Looking for a different way to use up summer zucchini? Or a dumpling filling recipe that doesn’t require a specialty Chinese vegetable? This Chicken Zucchini dumpling filling is it! These delicately flavored dumplings are a real crowd-pleaser, and a great new way to use zucchini/courgettes.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (20)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (21)

9. Chicken Dumplings with Shiitake Mushrooms

Chicken and mushrooms were a match made in heaven. Dried shiitake mushrooms give this filling a really rich flavor. It’s one of my favorites!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (22)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (23)

10. Buffalo Chicken Potstickers

This one is a major wildcard, but if you’re looking for a game day snack or party appetizer that will surprise and delight your guests, make these buffalo chicken potstickers! Serve them alongside Kaitlin’s Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with lots of blue cheese dip!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (24)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (25)

Beef

11. Chinese Beef Dumplings

In Northern China, where pork isn’t consumed as much, you’ll see beef or lamb dumplings on restaurant menus and street carts. This recipe is our tasty beef dumpling, with lots of chopped scallion.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (26)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (27)

Vegetarian

12. Vegetable Dumplings

If you’re looking for a vegetarian dumpling filling, look no further than this recipe. It’s been a Woks of Life reader favorite for years. Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, you may be shocked at enjoying these dumplings more than the meat-filled ones!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (28)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (29)

Bonus Recipes!

Perfect Dumpling Dipping Sauce

While we enjoy a dipping sauce of plain Chinese black vinegar, if you’re looking for something with a little more complexity and zip, this is the perfect dipping sauce for your dumpling creations! Whip it up in less than 5 minutes.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (30)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (31)

Homemade Dumpling Wrappers

Did you know that all you need to make dumpling wrappers is all-purpose flour and water? While we often use store-bought wrappers for convenience, making your own is a real game-changer if you have the time.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (32)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (33)

Whole Wheat Dumpling Wrappers

If you want a dumpling wrapper with a little more fiber and less refined carbohydrate, try out this whole wheat version

Dumpling Filling Recipes (34)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (35)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (36)

Gluten-free Dumpling Wrappers

Our gluten-free dumpling wrappers prove that you can still enjoy any of these dumpling fillings on a GF diet!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (37)
Dumpling Filling Recipes (38)

Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup

Looking for a different way to enjoy your stash of frozen dumplings? Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup is a spicy, delicious recipe from my mom that you have to try.

Dumpling Filling Recipes (39)

***

We hope you enjoyed this collection of dumpling filling recipes, and that it inspires you to try your hand at making dumplings at home!

Dumpling Filling Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common dumpling filling? ›

Ground pork is the most common dumpling filling base across China. We have several pork dumpling recipes, each with a different vegetable complement. This was the very first dumpling recipe we ever published on the blog, and still one of our most popular.

What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

Why add cornstarch to dumpling filling? ›

In the Filling: Incorporate a small amount of cornstarch into the filling mixture. Cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture, preventing the filling from becoming too wet and soggy during cooking. It also creates a sturdier texture, allowing the dumplings to hold their shape better.

How do you test dumpling fillings? ›

If it tastes bland before you stuff it into the wrapper, it will be even more tasteless as a dumpling, as the wrappers will mute the flavor slightly. Depending on what your filling is, and if you don't want to taste it raw, you can perform a “spot test” and cook a tablespoon of filling to test the seasoning.

What are dumplings traditionally filled with? ›

Popular meat fillings include ground meat (usually pork, but sometimes beef or chicken), shrimp, and even fish. Popular mixtures include pork with Chinese cabbage, pork with garlic chives, pork and shrimp with vegetables, pork with spring onion, and garlic chives with scrambled eggs.

Which flour is best for dumplings? ›

These dumplings start with all-purpose flour, which creates structure and holds the other ingredients together. Baking powder is a leavening agent, which means it releases gas that makes the dough expand. It's responsible for the dumplings' light and fluffy texture.

How to give dumplings more flavor? ›

A little citrus zest also makes a great addition. Lemon zest is a good all-rounder, but orange would also work well, particularly for lamb or beef stews. A little mustard or horseradish will also add a hit of extra flavour to your dumplings – not too much though, as they also add moisture.

What are the three components of dumplings? ›

What are dumplings made of? The dumpling dough is made of three main ingredients: flour, water and salt. But which flour you use depends on which dumpling you want to make.

Do you cook the filling before making dumplings? ›

The answer is no. While you should always read the recipe you're using carefully and cook the filling if it instructs you to, the majority of the time, fillings should remain uncooked until you steam or boil your dumplings. Simply mix them together, fill them, and cook.

How do you thicken dumpling filling? ›

You can thicken this dish by adding more flour, or even cornstarch. Create a slurry with either of these ingredients and milk or water, then stir into your broth base until you get your desired consistency.

What will thicken dumplings? ›

Use Cornstarch to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

To give that a little thicker texture we're going to add 1 cup of cool water to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and stir it up well. Make sure the soup is brought back to a good boil and go ahead and stir in the cornstarch mixture.

Why are my dumplings gummy? ›

If you overcook your dumplings in the steamer or when boiling, the dough of the wrappers will have a gummy texture that isn't very pleasant, and your filling might get dry and tough. If you overcook them in the pan, you risk a similar gummy texture on top and a bitter, burnt crust on the bottom.

Why do my dumplings taste like dough? ›

If your dumplings taste like flour, that means the flour hasn't been cooked thoroughly. David Mowbray is right -- You need a new recipe!

Are dumplings done when they float to the top? ›

Cover and bring to a vigorous boil. Add roughly one cup of cold water and return to boil while covered. Repeat this step again. The dumplings will be completely cooked and ready when they float on the surface of the boiling water.

What are the most popular dumplings? ›

World of Dumplings
  • Gyoza – Japan. Gyoza dumplings. These little treasures are a staple in ramen houses throughout Japan. ...
  • Pierogi – Polish dumplings. Pierogi. ...
  • Momos – Nepalese dumplings. Fried momo. ...
  • Ha gow – Chinese dumplings. A selection of dim sum. ...
  • Bryndzove halusky – Slovakian dumplings. Bryndzove halusky.

What is Chinese dumpling filling made of? ›

Prepare dumplings: Mix pork, garlic, egg, chives, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Place a dumpling wrapper on a lightly floured work surface and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the middle.

What are dumplings traditionally made of? ›

Dumplings are most commonly formed from flour or meal bound with egg and then simmered in water or gravy stock until they take on a light cakey texture. Many recipes call for herbs, onions, grated cheese, or chopped meat to be rolled into the dough before cooking.

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