Dumplings Inspired by Turning Red

Bring a little red-panda magic to your table with these dumplings inspired by Turning Red.

We tried recreating Mei Mei’s dumplings for our family movie night. They were not perfect, but making them was part of the fun!

Sealing the dumplings was the most challenging step, and a few of our first ones opened slightly while cooking.

After a few attempts, however, we learned how to seal them properly, and they turned out to be a success.

Don’t feel discouraged if your first dumplings are not perfect. With a little practice, each one will become easier to shape.

The estimated preparation time is approximately 60–90 minutes, and the dough makes about 18 dumplings.

They are perfect for movie nights, celebrations, or meals inspired by Turning Red.

For more ideas inspired by the movie, you can also try pork and lettuce stir-fry or smiley-face congee.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup hot water

For the Filling

• 9 ounces (250 g) ground pork or chicken
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Gradually add the hot water while stirring with a wooden spoon.
• Once the dough begins to come together, knead it until smooth and elastic.
• Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet.
• Add the ground meat, garlic, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is lightly browned and no longer pink.
• Transfer the cooked meat to a large bowl.
• Add the cabbage, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and chicken bouillon powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
• Arrange the dumplings inside without allowing them to touch.
• Cover and steam for 12–15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the dumplings rest, covered, for another 5 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy.

• After the dough has rested, shape it into a ring.
• Cut the dough into pieces approximately ¾ inch (2 cm) wide and roll each piece into a small ball.

• Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a thin round wrapper.
• Place approximately 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
• Bring the edges of the wrapper around the filling and twist the top to close it.
• Press the dough firmly to create a tight seal and prevent the dumpling from opening while cooking.
• Repeat until all the wrappers and filling have been used.
• Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
• Place a steamer basket over the pot. Line the basket with cabbage leaves to help prevent sticking.
• Arrange the dumplings inside without allowing them to touch.

• Cover and steam for 12–15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let the dumplings rest, covered, for another 5 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy.

And that’s it! Your delicious Turning Red-inspired dumplings are ready.

I hope you enjoy them. See you in the next recipe!