LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

DUMPLINGS 101

The Pleated Dumpling This all-purpose shape is made using round dumpling wrappers. It features a handy flat bottom that forms while you’re filling the wrapper, making them well-suited to different cooking methods.

Cooking Guide

STEAM ’EM Works with all the shapes. Set in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or a Napa cabbage leaf over simmering water, cover and cook 7 minutes, or 8 if cooking from frozen. Making soup? Boil times are 1 minute shorter.

POTSTICK ’EM Best with freshly made or thawed pleated dumplings. Potstickers are steamed dumplings with crispy bottoms. Heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) peanut or canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working quickly, arrange as many dumplings as will fit, flat side down, and fry until

STEP 1 Open wrapper package and cover wrappers with a clean, damp paper towel. Fill a small bowl or ramekin with water and arrange on your counter along with a small brush if you have one (it’s ok if you don’t).

STEP 2 Working with one wrapper at a time, lightly moisten halfway around edge of wrapper using the brush (or the tip of your finger).

STEP 3 Turn wrapper over and moisten opposing side of same half so that moistened portions of wrapper are on top of each other.

bottoms are golden, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup (125 mL) water, cover and cook until water is gone, another 3 to 4 minutes.

DEEP-FRY ’EM Wontons and pleated dumplings are the best shapes for deep-frying. Heat a 3-inch (8-cm) depth of peanut or canola oil in a large pot. Heat to 350°F (177°C). Fry several freshly made or thawed dumplings at a time for 2 minutes or until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel–lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dumplings.

STEP 4 Fold 5 or 7 tiny pleats using your index fingers and thumbs, gently pressing both sides of folded edge to secure the folds.

STEP 5 Fill hollow with 2 tsp (10 mL) filling of choice. Again, using the brush (or your finger), moisten unpleated inside edge of the wrapper.

STEP 6 Align with pleated edge and press gently along length of enclosure to secure. Place on baking sheet, seam side up. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, arranging in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID SPARSHOTT

200 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022