10 BEST Homemade Dumpling Recipes (2024)

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In this collection of dumpling recipes, you’ll find everything from Japanese gyoza to Russian meat-stuffed pelmeni swimming in broth.

No matter which culture you come from, you probably have a handful of homemade dumplings you can’t live without. From pan-fried Asian pork dumplings to Slavic chicken dumplings topped with sour cream, there’s something so irresistible about popping the perfect bite-sized morsel in your mouth. To celebrate the world’s obsession with dumplings in all their different shapes, sizes, and styles, we’ve gathered our best and brightest recipes all in one place. In other words, pack your suitcase because we’re going worldwide!

The General Characteristics of Dumplings

To try and define a dumpling is nearly impossible. This broad category of food is so immense and diverse! They can range from sweet to savory, can be stuffed or unstuffed, and tend to be wrapped in a dough made of flour, potatoes, or bread. Above all, they’re fun to eat, bingeable, and just so darn satisfying.

FAQ

What makes a dumpling a dumpling?

There’s much debate about what makes a dumpling a dumpling, so we won’t try and define it for everyone. For some, a dumpling only consists of a flour morsel that’s boiled, while others consider dumplings to be any kind of finger food.

What types of dumplings are there?

Dumplings can range from boiled, deep-fried, pan-fried to baked. There are a million and one different varieties, which makes a dumpling obsession all the more fun!

Can you freeze most dumplings?

Yes, most dumplings can be frozen raw or cooked and stowed away in the freezer for a rainy day. To do so, assemble them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the freezer uncovered. Once completely frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for 1-3 months.

10 Best Dumpling Recipes

1. Pelmeni (Russian Dumplings)

Pelmeni are the national dish of Russia and an absolute must-try. They consist of tender flour dough that’s stuffed with a savory meat mixture (typically ground pork, beef, chicken, turkey, or a combinations) and boiled to perfection. They’re best served with sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Hot Tip: Invest in a pelmeni mold to make the process so much easier.

2. Chebureki (Russian Fried Dumplings)

You’ll find chebureki served as street food all throughout Russia. Typically, the signature yeast dough takes a bit of labor to make and roll out super thin with a rolling pin. But, you know we are all about shortcuts here at Momsdish! Our secret ingredient? Raw flour tortillas.

3. Gyoza Recipe (Japanese Dumplings)

These gyoza consist of dumpling wrappers that are stuffed with ground turkey, cabbage, scallions, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices. Above all, don’t forget to whip up a dipping sauce made of fresh ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili oil to smother them in. Bonus: Included within the recipe is a photo step-by-step on how to get those signature pleats.

4. Halushki (Traditional Ukrainian Dumplings)

Halushki can best be described as Ukrainian-style gnocchi (although they’re made with all–purpose flour, not potatoes). In this recipe, they’re tossed with bacon bits, butter, and sauteed mushrooms. Serve them as a side dish to your favorite protein for a well-rounded meal.

5. Pierogi with Farmer’s Cheese (Vareniki Recipe)

This dumpling list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t throw in a couple of sweet options. Stuffed with a sweet filling of farmer’s cheese, these Ukrainian dumplings are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Finally, top them with your favorite jam or a drizzle of melted honey for a sweet and salty flavor explosion.

6. The Classic Pierogi (Potatoes and Cheese)

These tender pierogi are stuffed with mashed potatoes and cheese, boiled, and finished with a pan fry to turn them slightly crispy. Could they get any more delicious? Oh, yes.They’re finished with a toss of butter and sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.

7. Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)

Khinkali are a popular version of dumplings served throughout the Eastern European country of Georgia. They look like little, scrumptious coin purses. In this version, they are filled with a mixture of both ground beef and chicken and herbs.

8. Dumpling (Pelmeni) Soup

While pelmeni are amazing all on their own, there’s nothing like throwing a batch into a simmering pot of chicken broth alongside your favorite vegetables. Slavic comfort food at its finest! Good luck trying to eat just one bowl.

9. Mom’s Chicken Dumpling Soup

Above all, everyone needs a solid chicken dumpling soup recipe to get them through the winter. This simple recipe includes all the essentials – juicy chicken, potatoes, carrots, and tender drop dumplings. In addition, it’s 100% kid-friendly and a great way to sneak veggies in a pick eater’s diet!

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Skip ordering Chinese takeout, grab a large pot, and make your own wonton soup at home with Asian-style dumplings, bok choy, mushrooms, and green onions. Use our pelmeni recipe or pick up a bag of your favorite wontons from the grocery store. If you want the soup to be a bit more filling, add in your favorite rice noodles or a bag of frozen shrimp.

Lazy Pierogi Recipe (Video) – Pierogi with a shortcut
Easy Crab Puffs Recipe (Crab Ragoons) – Crab and cream cheese puffs
Russian Sweet Piroshky (with Poppy Seeds) – Piroshky with sweet poppy seed filling
Farmer’s Cheese Donut Holes (Russian Ponchiki) – Donut holes filled with sweet cheese

10 BEST Homemade Dumpling Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

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What are the 3 components of dumplings? ›

What are dumplings made of? The dumpling dough is made of three main ingredients: flour, water and salt.

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What can I add to the dumplings to make them taste better? ›

A teaspoon of sugar adds an extremely subtle hint of sweetness. It also helps the dumplings retain their moisture through the cooking process and slows gluten development, which ensures tender dumplings. A pinch of salt seasons the dumplings and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

What is the best flour for dumplings? ›

For dumplings, 🌾 all-purpose flour 🌾 is typically the best type to use. It has a moderate protein content, which gives the dumplings a tender and soft texture. 🍴 If you want a slightly denser dumpling, you can use 🌾 cake flour 🌾 or 🌾 self-rising flour 🌾, which have lower protein contents.

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Why are my dumplings hard and not fluffy? ›

Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

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Do you cook dumplings with lid on or lid off? ›

Once your water is boiling, let your dumplings cook in the steam for about ten minutes. Don't remove the lid as letting the steam escape will disrupt the cooking process and result in undercooked dumplings, so keep that lid on!

What are Cracker Barrel dumplings made of? ›

The Cracker Barrel dumpling ingredients are very simple: just flour and buttermilk! The use of buttermilk adds a slight tang and a light, fluffy texture that you won't get with regular milk. The sauce, or broth, is a base of chicken stock, flavored with onions, carrots, and celery.

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What are traditional dumplings made of? ›

Dumplings are made from a simple dough consisting of all-purpose flour, water, and salt. The shaped dumplings are either fried in a pan until golden brown or boiled in a soup. The fried version is usually served as an accompaniment to breakfast codfish.

What is the American version of dumplings? ›

Originating in the Pennsylvania region the pierogies have been a staple in the city of Pittsburgh and all over western Pennsylvania. Pierogies are soft semicircular dumplings that are usually filled with potatoes or cheese. However, just like other dumplings, fillings are interchangeable depending on culture.

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Why are my homemade dumplings chewy? ›

If you are using a high-protein flour, such as bread flour, the dumplings may be tough. Using a lower-protein flour, such as all-purpose or cake flour, can help to make the dumplings softer and more tender. Overworking the dough: If you knead the dough too much or handle it too much, it can become tough.

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Why are my dumplings bland? ›

Season the filling well

If it tastes bland before you stuff it into the wrapper, it will be even more tasteless as a dumpling, as the wrappers will mute the flavor slightly.

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Why do my dumplings taste like dough? ›

I suspect the reason you notice a decidedly flour-y taste is because you aren't adding salt, or not using enough salt. Yes, even sweet baked goods need salt!

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Can I use plain flour instead of self raising for dumplings? ›

For dumplings made with wheat flour, all purpose or plain flour will suffice. If your recipe calls for leavening, you'll need to add baking powder and salt. Alternatively, you can use self-rising flour which has the leavening included. For a lot of dumplings, plain flour is all that is required with no baking powder.

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What happens if you use plain flour instead of self raising flour? ›

Because plain flour contains no extra ingredients, including rising agents, your cakes and pastries won't rise if you use this type of flour as it is. You'll need to add a rising agent, such as yeast or baking powder, into the plain flour if you want your baked goods to rise and become appetisingly fluffy.

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What keeps dumplings from falling apart? ›

The liquid should be at a low/moderate steady boil. If it's boiling too hard, the dumpling dough can fall apart. Simmering broth might not be hot enough to raise the dumpling dough. Remove or tilt the lid after they've cooked so the dumplings don't over-steam and get soggy and dense.

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How do you keep dumplings from getting tough? ›

Using a lower-protein flour, such as all-purpose or cake flour, can help to make the dumplings softer and more tender. Overworking the dough: If you knead the dough too much or handle it too much, it can become tough. Be sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it.

10 BEST Homemade Dumpling Recipes (2024)

The General Characteristics of Dumplings

FAQ

What makes a dumpling a dumpling?

What types of dumplings are there?

Can you freeze most dumplings?

10 Best Dumpling Recipes

1. Pelmeni (Russian Dumplings)

2. Chebureki (Russian Fried Dumplings)

3. Gyoza Recipe (Japanese Dumplings)

4. Halushki (Traditional Ukrainian Dumplings)

5. Pierogi with Farmer’s Cheese (Vareniki Recipe)

6. The Classic Pierogi (Potatoes and Cheese)

7. Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)

8. Dumpling (Pelmeni) Soup

9. Mom’s Chicken Dumpling Soup

10.

Other Similar Recipes You May Like

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

Why are my dumplings bland? ›