Half-Moon Pork and Cabbage Dumplings
Traditional dumplings shaped like half-moons, filled with seasoned pork and cabbage, pan-fried until golden and steamed to perfection. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground pork, finely chopped Napa cabbage, finely chopped green onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cups, finely chopped Napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 20 (4-inch round) dumpling wrappers
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 lb ground pork, 2 cups chopped Napa cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Step 2: Mix until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Place 1 tablespoon filling on a dumpling wrapper center.
- Step 4: Moisten wrapper edges with 2 tbsp water, fold in half to form a half-moon, and press edges firmly to seal, pleating as needed.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 6: Place dumplings in skillet, seam-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Step 7: Add 1/2 cup water, cover with lid, and steam for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 8: Uncover and cook 1-2 minutes more to crisp bottoms, then transfer to a plate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Moon Pork and Cabbage Dumplings take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Moon Pork and Cabbage Dumplings?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Moon Pork and Cabbage Dumplings?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Moon Pork and Cabbage Dumplings for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Moon Pork and Cabbage Dumplings?
Chinese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and absolutely delicious. Will be my go-to recipe for weeknights!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for family dinners. My kids begged for seconds, and the cabbage balanced the pork beautifully.
- ★★★★★
The half-moon dumplings were a hit at my dinner party—crispy edges and juicy filling every time!
