Pan-Fried Shanghainese Pork Dumplings with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce
Golden pan-fried pork dumplings filled with a juicy mixture of pork and traditional Shanghainese seasonings, served with a fragrant scallion soy dipping sauce. This chinese-inspired asian fusion ready in about 40 minutes blends ground pork, ginger, finely grated, stalks green onions, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground pork
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated
- 3 stalks green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 30 pieces dumpling wrappers
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp soy sauce for dipping
- 2 stalks green onions for dipping sauce, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 12 oz ground pork, 1 tbsp finely grated ginger, 3 stalks finely chopped green onions, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix until well incorporated and slightly sticky.
- Step 2: Place 1 dumpling wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about 1 tbsp of pork filling into the center. Moisten the edges with water and fold to seal, pleating the edges to form a half-moon shape. Repeat for all wrappers.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange half the dumplings in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 4: Carefully add 1/4 cup water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Steam the dumplings for 5-6 minutes until the water evaporates and the pork is cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove the lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms. Repeat with remaining dumplings.
- Step 6: For the dipping sauce, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 stalks thinly sliced green onions, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Step 7: Serve the hot dumplings with the scallion soy dipping sauce on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Shanghainese Pork Dumplings with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Shanghainese Pork Dumplings with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Shanghainese Pork Dumplings with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce?
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 Pan-Fried Shanghainese Pork Dumplings with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce 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 Pan-Fried Shanghainese Pork Dumplings with Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce?
Chinese asian fusion 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.