I could eat dumplings for every meal. Just about every cuisine in the world includes some sort of dumpling, which means endless variety! These were a little outside the norm. The red curry filling adds a tiny bit of Thai, while the steamed exterior is more Japanese. Wherever they hail from, they are absolutely genius. These are cooked just like potstickers, seared for a crispy bottom and then steamed to finish. We loved these and managed to devour the entire batch between the three of us.
To go with an unusual dumpling, why not make an unusual slaw? This cucumber/napa slaw is light and fresh, with a zingy, barely-there dressing. Perfectly cool in contrast to the spicy salty dumplings. And good left over the next day too.
Red Curry Shrimp Dumplings
Red Curry Shrimp Dumplings
(adapted from theperfectpantry.com)
3/4 pound shrimp (21-25 or 26-30), defrosted if frozen, peeled and deveined
2 scallions, roughly chopped
2 tsp grated ginger root (I use a microplane)
4 tsp Thai red curry paste
1 tsp fish sauce
1 pkg. wonton wrappers
Canola oil for cooking
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp chile garlic sauce (optional if you want a little more kick)
In a food processor add the shrimp, scallions, ginger, curry paste and fish sauce. Pulse several times until the ingredients come together and form a finely-chopped paste.
Set out a small bowl of water.
Working with just a few wonton wrappers at a time, place 1 teaspoon of the shrimp mixture in the center of each.
Do not overfill or it will not seal well.
Wet your finger and run it around the edge of the wonton wrapper. Then, pull all corners to the center, and pinch to seal the dumpling. Repeat with remaining wontons and filling.
Little yummy presents ready to cook!
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Place the dumplings flat side down in the pan, and cook for 1 minute until the bottoms are brown.
Pour in 1/2 cup water. Immediately cover the pan. Cook until the water is almost evaporated, approximately 3 minutes. Then, uncover, and cook until the remaining water evaporates.
Meanwhile, stir together the soy sauce, sesame oil, lime and chile sauce in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.
Serve the dumplings hot, with dipping sauce. The original recipe says it makes 24, but we ended up with 30-40. Just depends on how generous you are with the filling I suppose.
Cucumber Peanut Slaw
Cucumber Peanut Slaw
(from healthyseasonalrecipes.com)
1 small head Napa Cabbage, finely sliced
3-4 small cucumbers (1 ½ pounds), julienne cut
1/2 cup chopped roasted, salted peanuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/3 cup peanut oil or canola oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Dried red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Combine cabbage, cucumber, peanuts and cilantro. In a small bowl whisk together oil, lime juice, sugar, salt, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Pour over slaw and toss to combine.
3hungrymonkeys 