To make dumplings, you generally follow these steps:

Ingredients for Dumpling Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• About 3/4 cup water (room temperature)
• Optional: salt for seasoning

Making the Dough

1. Mix the flour and salt (if using) in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water while stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

• Common fillings include finely chopped vegetables (like napa cabbage, bok choy), ground meat (pork, chicken, or beef), and seasonings such as soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and sometimes cooking wine.
• Vegetables should be blanched briefly, cooled, drained, and chopped finely.
• Mix all filling ingredients vigorously until well combined and paste-like.

Assembling Dumplings

1. Roll the dough into a long cylinder and cut into small pieces.
2. Flatten each piece into a thin circle.
3. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center.
4. Moisten edges with water, fold the dough over the filling, and pinch to seal. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look.

Cooking Methods

• Boiling: Drop dumplings into boiling water, stir gently to prevent sticking, boil until they float and cook for 6-8 minutes (longer if frozen).
• Pan-frying: Heat oil in a skillet, add dumplings, fry until bottoms are golden, add water, cover and steam until water evaporates, then crisp the bottoms again.
• Steaming: Place dumplings in a lined steamer basket, steam over simmering water for 8-10 minutes.

Optional: Freezing

• Place assembled dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for storage.

This process yields traditional Chinese-style dumplings (jiǎo zi) that can be enjoyed boiled, steamed, or pan-fried