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StovetopComplexity

Pork Dumplings

Pork Dumplings contain 2g protein and 27 calories per serving—a volumetric appetizer or side component rather than a primary protein vehicle. Batch-preps 48 servings on the stovetop, providing a low-calorie option for between-meal snacking or pre-workout carbs. Pair with a dedicated protein source to build complete macro-balanced meals.

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Ingredients

48 servings
  • Dumpling Wrappers, Round
  • Cabbage, Napa (Chinese)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • Ground Pork(454g)

    Regular ground pork is typically 70/30. Look for lean if available.

  • Vinegar, White(30g)
  • Ginger, Fresh Root(38g)
  • Green Onion (Scallion)(60g)
  • Garlic(20g)
  • Soy Sauce, Low Sodium(15g)
  • Canola oil

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the halved cabbage crosswise into very thin strips, then chop the strips a few times so they are in shorter pieces. You should have about 4 cups. Place the sliced cabbage in a medium bowl and toss with the kosher salt. Let stand for 10 minutes (the cabbage will release some liquid).
  2. 2Grab the cabbage by handfuls and give them a good squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible (it won't be a massive amount, but this is an important step). Transfer the squeezed cabbage to a large, dry mixing bowl.
  3. 3Add the pork, vinegar, ginger, green onions, garlic, and soy sauce. With your hands, mix gently until the ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. 4Set up your dumpling making station: Line up your dumpling package, a small bowl of water, the pork filling, a parchment-lined baking sheet, and whatever work surface you'd like to use for shaping the dumplings. Set 3 wrappers in front of you.
  5. 5For each dumpling, place a loose 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Dip your finger in the bowl of water and run it all around the edges of the wrapper to create a seal.
  6. 6Lift one edge of the dumpling wrapper to fold it in half (if your wrappers are a square, fold two opposite sides together to close it like a book). Gently press the edges to seal it. With your fingers, make small pleats along the edges of the dumplings, wetting your fingers as needed so the pleats stay. This will take some practice — have fun with it! I end up with 5 - 6 pleats per dumpling.
  7. 7Transfer to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling (you'll get the hang of it more and more as you go). At this point, you can cook the dumplings immediately or freeze them for later.
  8. 8When ready to cook: fill a measuring cup with a spout with water, then set it and a tablespoon measure near your stove. Grab a large skillet with a lid that fits over it. Heat the skillet over over high heat. Drizzle in a few teaspoons of oil and swirl so that the pan has a thin but complete coating.
  9. 9Once the oil is hot, quickly place dumplings in the skillet in a single layer so that the dumplings are close together but their sides do not touch.
  10. 10Cook on the first side until the bottoms are golden brown and seared, about 3 minutes. Quickly add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan (be careful, it will spatter!). Immediately cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let cook until the wrappers look semi-translucent and the filling is cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes for fresh or 6 to 8 minutes if the dumplings were frozen (cut one open to check).
  11. 11Transfer the dumplings to a serving plate. Enjoy immediately dipped with additional soy sauce if desired. Repeat with remaining dumplings, or freeze them for later.

Nutrition — Per Serving

27

calories

2g

protein

2g

fat

Carbohydrates
0g
Saturated fat
0.8g
Sodium
17 mg
Dietary fiber
0.1g

48 servings per batch · ~13g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Pork Dumplings have per serving?

Each serving contains only 2g of protein and 27 calories, so these function as a minimal-calorie appetizer or side rather than a protein contributor. They're extremely light at 2g fat and 0g carbs per serving.

How long does Pork Dumplings take to make, and how many can I prep at once?

Quick prep time on the stovetop yields an impressive 48 servings per batch, making this extremely efficient for high-volume appetizer prep. You'll have dozens of portions ready from a single cooking session.

Are Pork Dumplings good for fat loss?

At 27 calories per serving with near-zero macros, these are useful as a low-calorie filler or snack during a cut, but they contribute virtually nothing toward protein targets. They're best used as a palate cleanser or appetizer alongside higher-protein main dishes.

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