PinterestIngredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1/2 pound ground pork (or chicken, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dipping sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional for extra spice)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or your choice of protein), chopped cabbage, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Set the filling aside.
2. Make the dough:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring, until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
3. Assemble the dumplings:
   • Roll out the rested dough into a thin log shape and cut it into small pieces, about the size of a walnut.
   • Take each small dough piece and roll it out into a thin, circular wrapper. You can use a rolling pin for this.
4. Fill the dumplings:
   • Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wrapper.
   • Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape.
   • Pinch and pleat the edges of the wrapper together to seal the dumpling. Repeat this process for the rest of the dumplings.
5. Steam the dumplings:
   • Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
   • Place the dumplings in the steamer, leaving space between them so they don’t stick together while cooking.
   • Steam the dumplings over boiling water for about 8-10 minutes or until the filling is fully cooked.
6. Prepare the dipping sauce:
   • While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil (if using) in a small bowl.
7. Serve:
   • Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the steamer.
   • Garnish with finely chopped green onions, if desired.
   • Serve the spicy steamed dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy steamed dumplings! Feel free to adjust the spice level and filling ingredients to suit your taste preferences.