Chao tze (traditional chinese dumplings)
Chao tze are traditional Chinese dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and Chinese cabbage, often enjoyed pan-fried for a crispy texture. This recipe guides you through making the dough and filling from scratch, followed by cooking methods like steaming or pan-frying.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 105 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour10 oz ground pork
1 cup chinese cabbage (pak-choi)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
Chao tze, also known as traditional Chinese dumplings, are a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine. These dumplings are typically filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and vegetables, and they can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. This recipe will guide you through the process of making delicious Chao tze from scratch.
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, place the all-purpose white wheat flour.
2. Gradually add about 2/3 cup of warm water to the flour while stirring with a fork or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough with your hands for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
1. In a separate bowl, combine the ground pork, finely chopped Chinese cabbage, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Mix thoroughly until well combined. You can use your hands to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
1. After the dough has rested, divide it into two portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cut each rope into small pieces, about 1 inch wide. You should end up with several small dough pieces.
3. Flatten each piece with your palm, then use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Try to keep the edges thinner than the center.
4. Place about 1 teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
5. Fold the dough in half to create a semicircle. Press the edges together and pleat them to seal, ensuring there are no gaps where the filling could escape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
1. There are several ways to cook your dumplings: boiling, steaming, or pan-frying. Here’s how to pan-fry them to get a crispy bottom and tender top:
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Arrange the dumplings in the pan, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Carefully pour in about 1/4 cup of water and immediately cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Steam the dumplings for 6-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are fully cooked through.
- Remove the lid and let the dumplings cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms.
1. Transfer the cooked dumplings to a serving plate.
2. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce (such as soy sauce, vinegar, or chili oil).
Cooking Chao tze at home can be a rewarding experience. With a bit of patience and practice, you'll be able to produce delicious, homemade dumplings that can be enjoyed by family and friends. Whether you choose to steam, boil, or pan-fry them, these traditional Chinese dumplings are sure to impress with their flavorful filling and delicate wrapper.
Chao tze (traditional chinese dumplings) FAQ:
You can steam, boil, or pan-fry Chao Tze. Pan-frying gives them a crispy bottom and tender top, while steaming keeps them soft. Cooking times may vary depending on the method.
For pan-frying, cook the dumplings for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown, then add water, cover, and steam for 6-7 minutes. Always ensure they are fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings as needed for flavor.
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them by steaming or pan-frying until heated through.
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. It can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
Cooking Tips:
- Chill the filling mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When kneading the dough, add water gradually to achieve the right consistency – it should be smooth and elastic.
- Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
- Use a spoon to drop small portions of filling onto the dough wrappers to ensure even distribution.
- If you are new to pleating dumplings, start with simple fold-over techniques. You'll get more creative with practice.
- To prevent the dumplings from sticking, dust the working surface and the tray with flour.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 420kcal
Protein 24g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 1.59g
Sugar 0.32g
Fat 20g
More recipes
Potato pancakes with smoked salmon
Crispy potato pancakes topped with smoked salmon and cream.
22 Dec 2025Chicken stir-fry with cashews, chilli and broccoli
Quick and tasty chicken stir-fry with cashews and broccoli.
29 Dec 2025Quick and easy chinese corn soup
A comforting Chinese corn soup made with sweet corn and chicken broth.
12 Nov 2025Chinese custard tarts
Delightful Chinese custard tarts with flaky pastry and creamy filling.
09 Feb 2026Chinese egg drop soup with noodles
Comforting Chinese egg drop soup with noodles and silky egg ribbons.
17 Nov 2025Honey shrimps
Crispy honey shrimp, coated in a sweet sesame sauce, perfect for any occasion.
21 Dec 2025