Andrea, Author at Asian Dumpling Tips

Practice Playdoh Dumplings

Remember the post on making Asian dumplings with kids? One of the parents, Kirsten, who attended that neat event last April emailed this photo. She wanted to report on the progress she’d made with her daughter, the little girl in the red dress in the original post.

Kirsten was shaping dumplings and her daughter wanted to help. Mom thought of a nifty idea and got out the Playdoh. The little one at the front is her daughter’s handiwork.

In Asian Dumplings, I describe certain doughs as being like Playdoh. This is working in reverse! Love it.

Sichuan Crescent Dumpling Recipe (Zhong Jiaozi)

All Recipes, Chinese Dumpling Recipes

I sampled a number of dumplings during my three-week trip to Asia last month. One of them was a Sichuan specialty called Zhong jiaozi, which literally means Zhong's poached dumpling. The name doesn't say much for the dumpling, which is extraordinarily easy to prepare but the flavors are synergistic and wonderful.

Once back in the States, I looked through my bookshelves and tinkered in my kitchen until I could come up with a terrific version. These are a cinch. Use the basic dumpling dough made in the processor, roll out the wrappers, fill them and form half-moons (which look like crescents). Then poach them and you're done. A very satisfying Asian dumpling for the fall.

Visit Viet World Kitchen for the Sichuan crescent dumpling recipe.

Cold Udon Noodles (Zaru Udon)

All Recipes, Dumpling Sides Recipes

An Asian Dumplings reader emailed last week asking what to serve with her dumplings. The first thing I thought of were noodles! Since you're becomingwell-versed in Asian doughy foods, how about making your own homemade udon noodles? They're fabulous and easy, requiring only 3 ingredients: flour, salt and water.

Boil them up, add a cool sauce and some garnishes and you have a great accompaniment to the pork and shrimp gyozas on page 41. Or, any of the other poached, fried and steamed dumpling from chapter 1 of Asian Dumplings.

Should you want to gild the lily, make Japanese pork belly buns and offer them as a prelude to the noodles.

I posted the cold udon noodle recipe on Vietworldkitchen.com.

Nifty Dumpling Tricks from Chengdu

Cooking Equipment, Cooking Tips & Tricks, Technique Videos and Photos

I just came back from a 3-week trip to Asia, where I went to Taipei, Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing and Chengdu. There was much to learn, eat, and observe. Of course, I had to check out lots of dumplings. I watched the professional dumpling makers wherever and whenever I could. On this trip, I had my digital and Flip video camera.

In Chengdu, China I captured some footage that reinforced authentic, time-honored dumpling traditions but also showed me some modern techniques too. Check out the post and video at Vietworldkitchen.com:

Asian Dumpling Tips from Chengdu Pros

Dumpling Tools: Tortilla Press Buying Tips

Asian Dumpling Basics, Cooking Tips & Tricks

As you may have noticed, I use a Mexican tortilla press to make dumpling skins that are darn close to perfect rounds. There are several kinds of tortilla presses to choose from and they all have their pluses and minuses.

I was asked yesterday what kind and size to recommend for dumplings and tortillas. In response, I just posted some tips on Viet World Kitchen:

Asian Dumpling Tools: Tortilla Press Buying Tips

Keep on making and eating those dumplings!

Review: Weichuan Frozen Asian Dumplings

Store Bought Dumplings

I love to make dumplings but don't know them all! One way to explore the
world of Asian dumplings to eat ones made by others. Those dumplings
are either at a dumpling shop, Asian restaurant, or from
market. There are so many fillings and dough styles to try. I often
spend a good 15 minutes at the store perusing the frozen food aisle or
open cases.

I've reviewed Trader Joe's frozen Asian dumplings and Okami bao from Costco. Someone asked me about the ones sold at Asian markets. So many of them are full of MSG and not much else. However, I recently found some good ones made by the WeiChuan company. It's part of their new line of Shandong dumplings.

I was mightily impressed and just posted details on Viet World Kitchen:

Tasty
MSG-free Frozen Asian Dumplings