🥟 Five Spice Dumplings
with USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice
Flavors that Fold Right Into Your Hands!
There’s something magical about dumplings—the way they bring people together, the quiet joy of folding each one, and that burst of flavor when you take the first bite. This recipe celebrates that moment—with a USimplySeason twist, of course.
These dumplings are infused with our Chinese Five Spice blend, a warming mix of star anise, clove, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorn that adds both comfort and complexity to each bite. Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen table with family or meal prepping for your week ahead, these dumplings deliver big flavor in a tiny, foldable package.
⏳Prep Time: 1 hour (includes dough rising) | 🔥Cook time: 15–18 minutes | 🥘 Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes | 📌Servings: 10–12 buns
🧄 Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, tofu, or mushrooms for a veg version)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped Napa cabbage (optional, squeeze out water)
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For Assembly:
- 1 pack round dumpling wrappers
- Small bowl of water (for sealing the edges)
For Pan-Frying (Optional):
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1/3 cup water (for steaming while pan-frying)
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
1. Mix the Filling
- In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Don’t be shy—use your hands to really mix it all together so the flavors infuse.
- Chill the mixture for about 10–15 minutes while you prep your wrappers.
2. Wrap the Dumplings
- Place about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of each wrapper.
- Dip your finger in water and run it along the edge.
- Fold into a half-moon shape and pinch the edges closed—or pleat them if you’re feeling fancy. Either way, you’ll end up with something beautiful and delicious.
3. Cook Your Way
Pan-Fried (Potstickers Style):
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high.
- Arrange the dumplings flat side down, letting them cook until golden on the bottom (about 2 minutes).
- Add 1/3 cup water, cover, and let them steam for 4–5 minutes until the water evaporates and the filling is fully cooked.
Boiled:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop in the dumplings and cook until they float, then give them another 2 minutes. That’s when you know they’re done.
Steamed:
- Set up your steamer and steam the dumplings over boiling water for 8–10 minutes.
🥢 Dipping Sauce to Match the Vibes
- Savory-Sweet Soy Sauce Dip:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp chili oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Optional: chopped garlic or green onions
Mix it all together and dip away!
✨ Make It Your Own
Here’s the beauty of this recipe: you can riff on it endlessly.
- Try a shrimp + pork combo or go fully plant-based with tofu and mushrooms.
- Swap out Napa cabbage for finely shredded kale or carrots.
- Add a splash of hoisin or a spoonful of chili crisp to the filling for a bold twist.
- Leftovers? Toss them into lettuce wraps or a quick stir-fry.
🍽️ One Blend, Many Possibilities
This is more than a dumpling—it’s a pocket of potential. A flavor ritual. And with USimplySeason Chinese Five Spice, it’s a celebration of spice that turns every bite into a moment worth savoring.
