how to easy cook kabobs

How to Easy Cook Kabobs.

Meat on a stick is always a big hit at barbecues. But kabobs aren't just about the protein -- mixing in some tasty veggies with the steak, chicken, or pork gives you a complete meal, all on one handy skewer. The good news is you don't even have to wait for a barbecue to enjoy kabobs. Grilling is certainly the classic way to cook them, but you can also throw the skewers in the oven under the broiler and wind up with kabobs that are just as delicious.







Ingredients.

3 ½ pounds (1.6 kg) protein, such as beef, chicken, pork, or seafood.

3 to 4 vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Marinade (optional).

Salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional).







Part 1 Making the Kabobs.



Cut a protein into cubes. You can use any type of protein that you like for your kabobs, but beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and seafood are the most common options. Use a sharp knife to cut 3 ½ pounds (1.6 kg) of the protein you’re using into approximately 2-inch cubes (5-cm) that you can easily thread on a skewer.[1]

When it comes to seafood, choose heartier fish, such as salmon, swordfish, or tuna. Shrimp also work well for kabobs.

If you’re a vegetarian, you can omit the protein or substitute tofu for any type of meat.



Marinate the protein for a few hours. To ensure the most flavorful kabobs, you should create a marinade for the protein. Choose a marinade that complements the type of protein that you’re using, and allow the meat sit in it for to 2 to 5 hours.[2]

A marinade doesn’t really penetrate the meat or protein, so there’s no need to marinate overnight.

If you don’t want to marinate the protein, you can simply season the protein on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Make a basic marinade by mixing 1 cup (237 ml) of vegetable oil, ¾ cup (177 ml) of soy sauce, ½ cup (118 ml) of lemon juice, ¼ cup (59 ml) of Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup (62 g) of mustard, 2 garlic cloves, and freshly ground black pepper.[3]

You can also try a pineapple marinade, Jack Daniel’s marinade, Coke marinade, or your personal favorite marinade recipe.



Chop the vegetables. To ensure that the kabobs cook evenly, pair your protein with veggies that have the same cooking time. Onions, bell peppers, zucchini, grape tomatoes, and yellow squash are good options with most proteins. Use 3 to 4 whole vegetables, depending on their size, and cut them into chunks that are the same size as your protein.[4]

You can also use fruit, such as pineapple, peaches, and mangoes, for your kabobs.



Choose metal or wooden skewers. To assemble the kabobs, you’ll need some type of skewer. Metal skewers are reusable, but they can be difficult to clean and are often hot to the touch when they’re done cooking. Wooden skewers are inexpensive so you can throw them away when you’re done and not worry about cleanup. They are prone to charring, though.[5]

For a good sized portion, choose skewers that are about 12-inches (30-cm) long.



Soak wooden skewers for a half hour. Because wooden skewers can burn easily, you should soak them in water before you cook your kabobs. Place the skewers in a shallow dish, and cover them with water. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes.[6]



Space the ingredients on the skewers. When your protein is finished marinating, you can assemble the kabobs. Thread the protein and vegetable pieces onto the skewers, pushing the items so they’re close together without actually touching. Make sure there’s some space at the end of the skewer to avoid overcrowding -- 2 -inches (5-cm) is usually enough. [7]

You can thread the protein and vegetables on the skewers however you like. Alternating them is usually the most common method.

If you’re not sure if the cooking time of the protein and veggies matches up, you’re better off making separate kabobs for the protein and vegetables.







Part 2 Grilling the Kabobs.



Preheat the grill to medium-high. It’s best to grill kabobs over direct medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat at medium-high for 10 minutes with a gas grill and 20 to 25 minutes with a charcoal grill.[8]

For a gas grill, you can just set the temperature gauge to medium-high for preheating.

With a charcoal grill, you can tell that it’s reached the right temperature by holding your hand 4 to 5 inches (10- to 13-cm) above the cooking grate. When you can only keep your hand there for 4 to 5 seconds before the heat is too much, it’s at medium-high heat.

You can also use a grill pan on your stove to cook the kabobs.



Grill the skewers on the first side for several minutes. When the grill is preheated, arrange the kabobs in a single layer on the cooking grate. Let them cook for several minutes on the first side depending on what type of protein you’re using:

Grill steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minute per side.

Grill pork for 6 to 8 minutes per side.

Grill lamb for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Grill salmon, tuna, or swordfish for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Grill tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side.



Flip the kebabs over and cook for another few minutes. When the kabobs are finished grill on the first side, use a pair of tongs to turn them over. Cook them on the second side for the same amount of time that you did the first.[9]

The kabobs are done grilling when the veggies are tender and all of the protein and vegetable pieces are browned on all sides.







Part 3 Broiling the Kabobs.



Preheat your broiler. Place your oven rack so it’s approximately 4-inches (10-cm) from the broiler element. Turn the broiler up to high, and allow it to preheat for about 10 minutes.[10]

Be sure to follow your oven’s instructions for proper use of the broiler.



Place a baking rack on top of a baking sheet. To keep the kabobs from steaming in the liquid they release, it’s important to keep them elevated. Set a baking rack on top of a large baking sheet so the liquid can drip below while they broil.[11]



Arrange the kebabs on the rack. With the baking rack on the baking sheet, set the kabobs on top of the rack.Set them in a single layer so they’ll cook evenly.[12]



Broil the kebabs for a few of minutes. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Allow the kababs to broil for several minutes depending on what type of protein you’re using:[13]

Broil steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Broil chicken for 6 to 8 minute per side.

Broil pork for 6 to 8 minutes per side.

Broil lamb for 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Broil shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Broil salmon, tuna, or swordfish for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Broil tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side.



Turn the kebabs over and cook for another few minutes. When the kabobs are finished broiling on the first side, use a pair of tongs to turn them over to the other side. Let them broil on the second side for the same amount of time that they broiled on the first side.[14]

You can tell that the kabobs are done broiling when all of the sides are browned and the vegetables are tender.



Finished.





Tips.

You can get creative with your kabobs. Try different combinations of protein, marinades, and veggies to see which are your favorite.

To save time, you can tell the butcher that you’re making kabobs when you purchase your meat. That way, they can cut it into cubes for you.

For fancy, flavorful kabobs, try using herbs as the skewer in place of metal or wood. Rosemary works well because its stalks are woody and thick.



Things You’ll Need.

Knife.

Shallow dish.

Whisk.

Metal or wooden skewers.

Grilling.

Gas or charcoal grill.

Tongs.

Broiling.

Broiler.

Baking sheet.

Baking rack.

Tongs.

November 19, 2019

how to make frito pie

How to Make Frito Pie.

Frito pies were invented by the Texas-based Frito Corporation, but adored throughout the Southwestern US. You can use your favorite chili recipe, or take this example of a classic Texas red chili.





Ingredients.

Baked Frito Pie or Walking Tacos.

3 cups Frito chips (one large bag, or one small bag per person).

½ yellow onion, diced.

1 cup (240 mL) sour cream.

1 cup grated cheddar cheese.

1 16-oz (450g) can chili (or homemade chili, below).

1 fresh tomato, diced or ½ can diced tomato (optional).

⅓ head lettuce, shredded (optional).

Texas Red Chili.

3 dried chipotle chili peppers.

4 dried ancho chili peppers.

2 pounds (0.9 kg) ground chuck.

1 yellow onion, diced.

2.5 cups (950 mL) chicken or beef stock.

12 oz (350 mL) beer.

1 tbsp (15 mL) cumin.

1.5 tbsp (22 mL) corn flour (masa).

pepper and salt.







Method 1. Easy Baked Frito Pie.



1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Now's a good time to dice the onions, while you wait.



2. Spread most of the Fritos in a baking dish. Use ⅔ of the Fritos, or enough to cover the whole pan. Save the rest for the topping.



3. Cover with chili. You can use any kind of canned chili, or make your own using the recipe below.

Optionally, add diced tomatoes, canned or fresh.



4. Bake for 15 minutes. Once your oven is preheated, put the casserole dish in the oven. Leave it for about fifteen minutes, until the chili is hot.

For an even easier recipe, add all the ingredients on top of the chili and bake in one sitting.



5. Top with other ingredients. Spread a layer of sour cream over the chili with a spoon. Top with the diced onion, the rest of the Fritos, and the grated cheese. The Fritos on top will stay much crunchier than the Fritos at the bottom of the pan.

Optionally, sprinkle the sour cream layer with shredded lettuce for a fresher taste.



6. Bake for another five minutes. Return to the oven and bake a few minutes longer, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.







Method 2. Walking Tacos.



1. Heat chili on the stove. Pour the can of chili into a pan over medium heat. Cover and let warm, stirring occasionally.

You can make homemade chili instead, or use the recipe below.

For more flavor, add diced tomatoes and/or canned beans if the canned chili does not include them. Most Texan chili skips both of these ingredients.



2. Slit open the side of each Frito bag. A "walking taco" is a Frito pie served in the Frito bag instead of a bowl. Each person gets one Frito bag. Cut each bag open along the side instead of the top to make a larger opening.



3. Spoon chili and cheese into each bag. Spoon the chili directly into the Frito bag, then top with melted cheese. You can leave this as is to keep the chips crunchy, or stir it together for a delicious mess.

Diced onions and sour cream are optional toppings.

If you want room for more chili, crush some of the chips first by squeezing the bag.







Method 3. Texas Red Chili.



1. Cut and toast the dried chili peppers. Slice open the peppers and remove the seeds, stem, and white inner flesh. Heat a dry skillet and toast the peppers for about 30 seconds on each side, until dark spots begin to appear. You can skip this step and use chili powder instead, but whole dried chili peppers give a much better flavor.

Do not touch your eyes until you've washed your hands thoroughly. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.

If you like extra-spicy, chili, set aside some of the seeds and add them once the chili is cooking.



2. Soak the peppers in hot water. Submerge in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water, not boiling water, for 5–10 minutes. Puree the peppers and water in a blender and set them aside for now.

If you think you'll use them again, you can make a large batch in advance. For maximum flavor, soak for 30 minutes and simmer in oil, covered, for another 20 minutes.



3. Brown ground chuck in a large frying pan. Add the beef to a hot frying pan and cook until brown. Stir occasionally and break it into even-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. For best results, brown in small batches, so most of the beef can touch the pan surface. This will take a few minutes per batch.

Use a nonstick pan, or nonstick cooking spray.



4. Cook the onions until translucent. Add the diced onions to the hot pan and cook until translucent, about five minutes.



5. Combine chili ingredients in a large saucepan. Combine chili pepper puree, beef, and onions in a large pot. The larger and heavier the pot, the better the meat texture will be. Add the chicken or beef stock, beer, cumin, a grind of pepper, and several pinches of salt.

If food has stuck to the frying pan, deglaze it with some of the stock and add it to the chili.

Red ale or stout is a good choice. Replace with more stock for a nonalcoholic version; otherwise, about 25% of the alcohol will remain.



6. Simmer until the meat is tender. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until the meat is tender and the chili is thick, 45–60 minutes. Stir occasionally.

For extra flavor, instead cover with a slightly ajar lid and cook for up to 3 hours.



7. Mix in corn flour paste (optional). This makes a thicker, less greasy chili. Add the corn flour to a bowl and spoon in some of the chili broth. Stir until it forms a paste, then pour it into the chili. Stir until thoroughly combined.



8. Adjust spices and serve. Taste the chili. Add more salt, pepper, or cumin if desired. Let it sit off the heat to absorb more flavor and cool enough to eat. Serve with Fritos and grated cheese.

Squeeze a lime over it for extra flavor.

For sweet chili, stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) brown sugar and 1 tbsp (15 mL) white vinegar, then let simmer another ten minutes.



9. Finished.





Tips.

Add spices or other ingredients to customize the recipe, or follow a different chili recipe.

You can use any type of chili pepper you like. For best results, combine two or more peppers with different flavors. Try a smoky chipotle or guajillo with a fruity ancho or pasillo, and an extra-hot pequin or arbol.



Warnings.

In the UK and some other regions, corn starch is sold as "cornflour." You need actual flour made from corn for this recipe.

November 21, 2019

how to make easy pemmican

How to Make Easy Pemmican.

Pemmican is a traditional Native American food known to last for years when it's prepared properly. To make your own, choose high-quality ingredients, such as dried fish or meat, dried berries, and fat. Grind the protein and berries until they're powdery and then mix them with warm rendered fat to make a thick paste. You can spread the pemmican flat and cut it into strips or shape it into a log for easy slicing.



Ingredients.

1⁄4 pound (110 g) of dried fish or red meat (such as salmon, deer, beef, or caribou).

1/2 cup (75 g) of dried berries (such as Saskatoon berries, blueberries, or cranberries).

1/2 cup (100 g) of rendered fat or bacon grease.

1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) of salt.

1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) of freshly ground black pepper, optional.

Makes about 1 cup (340 g) of pemmican.





Grinding the Meat and Berries.



Choose dried meat or fish. You can make pemmican with your choice of protein or a combination of proteins. Purchase salmon, deer, beef, or caribou that don't contain preservatives or added flavorings or dry your own. To dry your own, start with 3⁄4 pound (340 g) of fresh meat or fish since it will lose weight as it dries. Briefly cook it in a 350 °F (177 °C) oven and turn it off. Leave it to dry in the oven for about 1 day.

For a hands-off way to dry meat or fish, put the prepared meat in a dehydrator and dry it for 8 to 12 hours.

For pemmican that has the most nutritional value, choose grass-fed meat instead of grain-fed meat. Grass-fed cows ingest more nutrients that are passed on in the meat, such as omega-3s, vitamins B1 and B2, and vitamin E.



Select dried berries. Most pemmican recipes rely on using equal amounts of dried fish or meat and dried berries. Dry your own or buy dried berries, such as Canadian Saskatoon berries, blueberries, or cranberries. To dry your own, start with about 3/4 cup (225 g) of fresh berries. Spread them on a baking sheet and cook them at 150 °F (66 °C) for up to 10 hours or put them in a dehydrator for 10 to 16 hours.

The berries will add a tangy flavor to the pemmican. If you don't want the flavor, you can leave the berries out and double the amount of dried meat or fish.



Grind the dried berries until they're powdery. Put 1/2 cup (75 g) of dried berries into a mortar and use the pestle to crush the berries. Since the berries have lots of very tiny seeds, you'll need to spend about 20 minutes to grind the berries into a fine powder. Transfer the powdered berries to a bowl.

Tip: To save time, you can grind the dried berries and dried meat or fish together in a food processor.



Weigh the dried ingredients to ensure they're equal. Once you've got your dried protein and dried berries, weigh them separately. You should plan on using the same weight of dried ingredients.

Save excess meat, fish, or berries for another use.



Grind the dried meat or fish until it's powdery. Put 1⁄4 pound (110 g) of your dried fish or red meat into the mortar. Pound and grind the fish or meat until it's powdery like the dried berries.

It should only take 5 to 10 minutes to pound the meat since there aren't tiny seeds.



Combine the dried berries and meat or fish. Spoon the powdered berries onto the powdered meat or fish in the mortar. Then use the pestle to grind and mix them together.

If you used a food processor to grind the ingredients, you can skip this step.







Warming the Fat.



Choose a rendered fat to use in the pemmican. You can render your own fat if you have a high-quality source of meat fat, such as grass-fed beef or elk. Start with at least 1 cup (200 g) of fat and shred it until it's crumbly. Heat it over low for 2 to 3 hours so impurities float to the top and strain it to use in the pemmican. To save time, you can purchase rendered fat and then measure out as much as you need. Look for fats from beef, elk, bison, or caribou.

Although you can use pork or lamb fat, they don't contain the same nutritious fatty acids as grass-fed red meats have.

If you want to render bacon grease, it's important to heat it slowly over low heat until all of the water evaporates from the grease.

Tip: Avoid using vegetable oil, shortening, or butter in the pemmican. These can separate and they don't contain the nutrients that fat from red meat has.





Put 1/2 cup (100 g) of rendered fat into a saucepan. To make it easier to measure the rendered fat of your choice, let it come to room temperature. Then spoon it into a 1/2 cup (100 g) measuring cup and pour it into a small saucepan.

Most rendered fats that you purchase will be solid, but if you're using homemade rendered fat that's still warm you can skip this step.





Melt the fat until it reaches 120 °F (49 °C). Stick a thermometer onto the side of the saucepan and turn the burner to low. Heat the fat and stir it occasionally so it melts and warms to a temperature of 120 °F (49 °C).

It's important to prevent the fat from reaching 150 °F (66 °C) because you'll lose valuable nutrients if the fat gets too hot.







Assembling the Pemmican.





Stir the rendered fat into the powdered ingredients. Once the rendered fat is warm, stir it into the bowl with the powdered berries and meat or fish. To help the mixture absorb the fat, stir in a little at a time until it's all combined.

The pemmican mixture should look moist and crumbly, but you shouldn't see any liquid or fat pooling in the bottom of the bowl.





Season the pemmican, if desired. Since pemmican is traditionally made for its nutritional and storage qualities, it's not heavily flavored. If you'd like to make the pemmican more palatable, you can mix in 1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) of salt and 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) of freshly ground black pepper.

If you don't plan on storing the pemmican for more than 2 weeks, you can also experiment by adding ground dried mushrooms or herbs. If you're using finely ground flavorings, add up to 1 tablespoon (6 g).





Wrap the pemmican in plastic wrap. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and spoon the pemmican onto the center. Use the back of a spoon to form it into a log shape. Then wrap the pemmican tightly with the plastic wrap.

If you'd like to make thin, flat strips of pemmican instead of a round log, spread the pemmican flat across a piece of parchment paper. Then refrigerate it until it hardens. You'll need to transfer it to an airtight container for longer storage.

Tip: You can also put the pemmican into lined small loaf or cupcake molds. Refrigerate the pemmican until the small portions are easy to pop out of the molds.





Store the pemmican at room temperature. For long-term storage, wrap the pemmican log in aluminum foil and place it in a sealable plastic bag. Keep the pemmican at room temperature in a dry, dark location. For example, if you have a cellar or pantry, put the pemmican there until you're ready to use it.

If you prefer to chill the pemmican, keep it in the refrigerator. Check it periodically to ensure that moisture hasn't gotten into the pemmican, which could cause it to spoil.



Use the pemmican within a few years. If you made the pemmican properly and removed all of the moisture from the ingredients, pemmican can be stored and eaten for several years. If you made a log of pemmican, peel back a bit of the plastic wrap and slice rounds off of it. You can eat the pemmican as it is, fry it in a pan until it's hot, or boil and mash it.

If you made thin, flat strips, it's best to treat the pemmican like jerky and eat it without cooking it further. It's also great as a garnish for crackers or flatbreads.

Always check if the pemmican has gone bad before eating it. Look for signs of mold and smell it. If it smells rancid, throw it out.





Tips.

If you prefer to dry your own meat and berries, you'll need 2 to 3 times the amount of dried meat or berries that are called for. Then dry them in a dehydrator or in a 200 °F (93 °C)oven for about 1 day.

If your pemmican doesn't harden, you'll need to stir in more rendered fat.



Things You'll Need.

Measuring cups and spoons.

Mortar and pestle.

Bowl.

Spoon.

Plastic wrap.

Small saucepan.

Thermometer.

Sealable plastic bag.

Molds, optional.

Digital scale, optional.

November 12, 2019

how to make potstickers guo tie

How to Make Potstickers (Guo Tie).

Called "guotie" in Mandarin, and translated to "potstickers" in English, these are a popular type of dumpling traditionally eaten in many Asian countries. Follow the instructions below to make the guo tie completely from scratch, or purchase potsticker or Chinese dumpling wrappers ready-made and make your own filling. The following recipe makes about 20 dumplings, enough to serve as a meal for three or four people, or an appetizer for ten.





Making the Potsticker Wrappers.



Ingredients.

Potsticker Wrappers (alternatively, use storebought wrappers).

2 cups (480 mL) all-purpose flour (have extra on-hand).

1/3 cup (80 mL) boiling water.

2/3 cup (160 mL) room temperature water.

1 egg (optional).

1/4 tsp (1 mL; a small pinch) salt (optional).

1 tsp (5 mL) vegetable oil (optional).



Mix boiling and room temperature water together. The potsticker dough may reach a better consistency if the water is slightly warm.[1] Boil 1/3 cup (80 mL) water, then remove from heat and add 2/3 cup (160 mL) room temperature water.

Alternatively, heat 1 cup (240 mL) water on low heat and remove from heat after one to three minutes. If the water begins to simmer or boil, remove from heat and let cool to slightly above room temperature before using.



Consider adding optional ingredients. While none of these ingredients are required to make guo tie, some recipes call for salt, vegetable oil, and/or egg.[2][3] Stirring roughly 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt (or a small pinch) into the water may add flavor. The other optional ingredients should be added to the flour instead, before you continue to the next step. Mix the flour with 1 tsp (5 mL) vegetable oil and/or 1 small egg to add flavor and help the dough stick together. Continue as usual, but be aware that the egg will add more liquid to the dough, so you will probably not end up using all your water in the next step.

If this is your first time making potstickers, you may wish to skip this step to keep things simple. If the wrappers fall apart or taste too bland, you may add one or more of these ingredients in your next attempt.



Mix the water gradually into the flour until it becomes sticky. Put 2 cups (480mL) all-purpose flour into a large bowl. Add the warm water a little at a time, stirring the ingredients together with chopsticks or a wooden mixing spoon. Stop adding water once the dough feels slightly sticky, and there is no more dry flour visible.

Depending on the brand of flour and the humidity in your kitchen, you may not need to use all of the water you prepared. Keep the extra water around during the next few steps in case the dough dries out.



Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth. Once the dough becomes too sticky to stir, place the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface and knead the flour and water together. The dough should become smooth within a few minutes of kneading. Stop when the dough has no lumps and can be formed into a ball.

Add a light dusting of flour to the work surface or your hands if the dough sticks to them. Knead in more flour if the dough is too wet to work with.

If you see dry flour that isn't mixed into the dough, or if the dough won't stick together into a ball, add a little more warm water and knead it in.

Remember to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you begin kneading.



Wrap the dough and let it sit 10–30 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. This will trap the moisture released by the dough and cause it to soften.[4] Let the dough sit for at least 10 minutes, and preferably for half an hour.

To save time, make the filling while you wait. This step does not have to be precisely timed, so return to the dough once you are done making the filling.



Divide the dough into roughly twenty pieces. Return to the dough after it's had enough time to "relax," or soften into an easily manipulated ball. Pull it apart into small pieces, each one using about 1/20th of the total dough. You may find it easier if you first divide the dough into four large pieces, then cut each of these large pieces into five smaller ones.

Alternatively, you may use your hand to roll out the entire ball of dough into a long log 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cut this log into discs 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) wide.[5]



Roll each piece of dough into a circle. Sprinkle flour over a flat, clean counter or cutting board to prevent the dough from sticking. Use a rolling pin to flatten each piece of dough over this surface, creating circles about 3 inches (7.5 cm) across.[6] Use smaller circles if the dough breaks apart or looks translucent, as the dumplings may fall apart if they are rolled too thin.

You can speed up the rolling process by using the heel of your palm to flatten each piece of dough into a roughly circular shape before you roll it out more thoroughly.

Filling the potstickers may be easier if you keep the center of the circle thick and the outside edges thin.



Sprinkle each circle with flour. After each circle is finished, sprinkle both sides generously with flour to prevent sticking, and add it to the stack of finished dough circles. Your dumpling wrappers are now complete.



Keep the wrappers wet. Cover wrappers with a damp paper towel to keep them moist as you work. Once you have made the wrappers, it is best to fill them immediately before they dry out. Store unused wrappers in the fridge if you will use them within a few days, or freeze them and use any time in the next few months.[7]







Making the Filling.



Ingredients Filling.

1/2 lb (250 g) ground meat (pork, shrimp, or beef are all common).

1 cup (240 mL) Napa cabbage, Chinese cabbage, or bok choy (finely chopped).

2 tsp (10 mL) sesame oil or Chinese cooking wine.

1 tsp (5 mL) fresh ginger.

1 tsp (5 mL) fresh garlic.

1-2 stalk(s) green onion.

2 tsp (10 mL) soy sauce.

1 tsp (5 mL) salt.

1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) pepper.

1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken stock (optional).



Finely chop the cabbage. Finely chop the vegetables until you have 1 cup (240 mL). While you can use any hard, leafy, green vegetables, guo tie are traditionally made using Napa cabbage or bok choy. Both of these vegetables are sometimes sold under the name "Chinese cabbage."

If you are making vegetarian potstickers, chop 2 cups (480 mL) of vegetables instead.



Remove excess moisture from the cabbage. Toss the chopped cabbage in 1 tsp (5 mL) salt. Let sit five minutes while the salt draws out moisture, then drain the cabbage in a strainer or colander.[8]



Peel and chop other herbs and vegetables. To add a spicy flavor to the guo tie, peel fresh ginger and fresh garlic, then chop them finely until you have 1 tsp (5 mL) of each. Finally chop one or two stalks of green onion (scallions).



Mix the vegetables and ground meat together. Mix these vegetables in a large bowl containing ground or finely minced meat. In different areas of Asia, ground pork, beef, or shrimp are all commonly used, or a mixture of these.

Wash your hands in warm, soapy water after handling raw meat to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria. Clean any surfaces or utensils that came into contact with the meat in hot, soapy water once you are done using them.



Add seasonings. Mix in 2 tsp (10 mL) soy sauce, 2 tsp (20 mL) sesame oil or Chinese cooking wine, and 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) pepper. There are many variations on this recipe, and you may decide to replace some seasonings or add your own. Other common options include 1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken stock or chicken broth, a dash of chili powder, or a dash of Chinese five spice powder.[9]

If you'd like to adjust the seasonings before you make the potstickers, take a small spoonful of filling and fry it in oil until it is browned through. Taste the filling and add more seasoning if necessary.







Filling the Potstickers



Hold a potsticker wrapper on the palm of your non-dominant hand. Take one of your circular potsticker wrappings and place it on the palm of the hand you use least.



Place the filling in the potsticker wrapper. Take approximately 1/2–1 tablespoon (7–15 mL) of filling using a spoon or chopsticks and place in the center of the potsticker wrapper. If the dough is thin or the circles of dough are small, use less filling.



Fold the wrapper loosely around the filling. Fold the potsticker in half to make a half-moon shape, but do not press the edges completely together. Only press the center of the edges together, so the corners of the dumpling are still unattached.

Note: If you are using storebought dumpling wrappers, use wet fingers to dampen the edges until they are soft enough to press together.



Fold a piece of dough at one corner. Grasp one layer of dough at the corner with your index finger and thumb, then fold it toward the center of the potsticker edge, where the two sides of the circle are pressed together.[10] The soft dough should stretch into a classic potsticker pleat or wrinkle. Press the two layers of dough together at the fold to keep it in place.



Repeat until there are three or four folds on each side. Using the same technique, grasp one layer of dough at the corner and fold it over toward the center edge. Press together with the opposite layer of the potsticker. Repeat this until there are three or four folds on each potsticker, and the potsticker is completely closed.







Frying the Potstickers



Heat a pan of oil. Add cooking oil to a wok, flat skillet, or frying pan, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan in a thin layer. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer, or when a small piece of vegetable or filling sizzles when placed in the oil.

Use a vegetable oil with a high smoking point, such as canola oil or peanut oil.



Add the potstickers to the hot oil. Carefully drop the potstickers into the pan from a short distance above the oil. Arrange them with a heat-safe utensil so the dumplings are close together but do not touch each other.[11]

You will likely need to cook your potstickers in several batches. Do not pile potstickers on top of each other in the pan, or they may not cook properly.



Reduce heat and cover the pan. Cover the pan, reduce to low heat, and fry for a few minutes until the bottom of the potstickers are crisp and golden-brown. Depending on the temperature of the pan, this could take anywhere from two to seven minutes.[12][13] You may lift the lid to check on the potstickers' progress.

Remove from heat immediately if you smell burning. Use a heat-safe utensil to unstick the potstickers from the pan, and continue after one or two minutes.



Add a small amount of water to the pan. Once one side of the potstickers are brown, lift the lid and pour 1–3 tablespoons (15–45 mL) water onto the pan, just enough to cover the base of the pan with a shallow layer.

Pour the water while rapidly moving in a circular motion around the edge of the pan. This distributes the water evenly and prevents one part of the pan from cooling down too quickly. This also reduces splatter from hot oil and water coming into contact.



Cover and cook for a few minutes more. Cover the pan again and cook on moderate or low heat for 4-5 minutes. Add more water if it boils away before the potstickers are done cooking. Note that you do not need to flip the potstickers at any point in this process; it is intentional that they are only crisp on one side.

Remove a potsticker and cut it open to check that it is done. The filling inside should be browned and fully cooked.



Serve immediately with dipping sauce. Remove the potstickers from the pan and cook additional batches if necessary. Once all the potstickers are cooked, serve them with a sauce of your choice:

Any dark vinegar can be used alone or mixed with an equal amount of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil.

Mix vinegar with sherry or dry wine and sweet soy sauce for a sweeter dipping sauce.

Black pepper and sliced ginger add a sophisticated flavor, and can be provided with or without a dipping sauce.



Dipping Sauce.

2 tbsp (30 mL) dark vinegar (especially Qing Kiang)..

2 tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce.

1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil.

Ground white pepper to taste.







Tips.

If you do not wish to fry your dumplings into potstickers, cook them in boiling water for 4–6 minutes instead. This method is also traditional in many areas where potstickers are eaten.

Based on preferences, filling can vary--in components and ratio--from pure meat (pork, shrimp, chicken, etc), to pure vegetables (bamboo, shiitake, cabbage, bok choy, etc), to a mixture of meat and vegetables.

The measurements for the dipping sauce can vary depending on how much sauce you want, as well as how salty or sour you would prefer the sauce to be. Feel free to experiment!



Things You'll Need.

Large bowl.

Mixing utensil.

Cling wrap.

Wok, frying pan, or flat skillet.

Lid that fits over the pan.

November 14, 2019