Ingredients
FOR THE DUMPLINGS:
1/2 pound ground pork
2 scallions, light white and green parts thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 tablespoon freshly grated or minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and minced (about 1/4 cup)*
1/2 package of gyoza or wonton wrappers (about 30 wrappers)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or more as needed
1/4 cup water
FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon sambal or garlic-chile sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Preparation
1 In a mixing bowl, combine the pork, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil and lemongrass. Mix without overworking the meat. 2 Prepare your work station. Set a large plate or butcher block for preparing the dumplings and a small cup of water. Place 1 tablespoon of filling into each wrapper and wet half of the outer rim of the wrapper. Fold like a taco, gently pushing the filling into the belly of the taco with your forefinger. 3 To pleat, hold the dumpling in the left hand, using the right hand to fold the flap closest to you toward the middle, and repeat, to create a pleat, gently pressing the filling into the belly of the dumpling as you move to the right. The dumpling will form a crescent shape. Set completed dumplings on a foil-lined baking sheet. TO PAN-FRY:
1 Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add as many dumplings pleated-side up as possible into the pan without overcrowding or touching each other. Cook until the bottoms are browned, about 2 minutes. 2 Add the water carefully as it will steam and cover. Cook until the water has evaporated, about 2 minutes more. Remove the lid and cook until the wrappers are translucent and the filling cooked, about 2 minutes more. Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with the dumplings. TO BOIL:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When ready, carefully lower the dumplings into the water, one at a time. Cook in batches. Similar to ravioli, you will know the dumplings are done when they float to the top and are translucent. Drain and serve with dipping sauce.
