If you have made Asian dumplings using purchased wrappers, how about trying out making your wrappers from scratch? Freshly made Asian dumpling wrappers are (1) easier to fold and shape, (2) do not require water to seal as they are super soft and moist, (3) taste a lot better than store bought ones, and (4) do not involve a special trip to an Asian market. The ingredients are at your fingertips: all-purpose flour and water. Once you have rolled your own, you’ll be on your way to making perfect pot stickers, mandu, momos, Shanghai soup dumplings (xiao
long bao), baked and steamed bao, and deep-fried curry puffs.
I can’t physically/personally teach you how to do make your own wrappers, but I think you’ll gain lots of pointers between this video and the detailed instructions on page 24 and 25 of Asian Dumplings. See page 22 of Asian Dumplings for the basic dumpling dough recipe.
To encourage cooks to try rolling out their own fresh dumpling wrappers, I posted a YouTube video tutorial last May. But I’m my worse critic, and soon after I uploaded the video, I felt like it had room for improvement. I wanted to lead cooks from beginning to the end of how to form the wrappers. A few days ago, my husband and I spent a rainy afternoon making this more detailed how-to video. You’ll see me in my home kitchen and my hands do most of the ‘talking.’
I can’t physically/personally teach you how to do make your own wrappers, but I think you’ll gain lots of pointers between this video and the detailed instructions on page 24 and 25 of Asian Dumplings. See page 22 of Asian Dumplings for the basic dumpling dough recipe.
Related information:
What if you don’t have a tortilla press like I do? Substitute some kind of heavy flat bottomed object, such as a 4-cup glass measuring cup, saucepan, or skillet.
Helpful how-to links:
- Do-it-yourself Asian rolling pin: it is simple and cheap to make a bunch for a dumpling party!
- Basic dumpling shapes: Half Moon, Pea Pod and Big Hug (video)
- Advanced dumpling shapes: Pleated Crescent (video)
- How to Shape a Rope Edge (video)
When I first came to this country, I actually learned about Asian dumpling wrappers from a Taiwanese lady before I knew about the factory made wrappers (Yes, it was decades ago). She could roll out dumpling skins very fast. I suppose practice makes perfect.
BTW, did you see the Vietnamese in Prague segment in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation?
Posted by: Tuty | 02/03/2010 at 10:38 AM
Excellent video! I made your dough recipe the other day and it was sooo much better than the one I was using before for wrappers. So much easier to handle the dough! I'll never go back!
Next adventure will be bao!
Posted by: Sage | 02/04/2010 at 04:29 PM
Sage -- Thanks for reporting back on your experience. You totally made my day!
Tuty -- Last year I had some pictures sent to me of Viet markets in Prague. It's really cool. Thanks for letting me know that Bourdain did that.
Posted by: Andrea Nguyen | 02/05/2010 at 09:50 AM
Very much enjoy your website and your book. I haven't yet found the moment to do the wrapper from scratch but the time is coming! Many thanks for your excellent instructions. You are a very clear teacher.
Posted by: Audrey | 03/12/2010 at 01:35 PM
I agree with your idea.You look like very talented.It is very happy to meet you. Thank you!
Posted by: coach outlet | 11/03/2010 at 01:17 AM
Well written and excellent predictions. This year should be really interesting. I will wait for that forever.
http://www.nikeshoxsells.com/
Posted by: Cheap Nike Shox | 04/14/2011 at 12:46 AM
Well, your blog are very great, come to see my space http://www.christianlouboutinpumps2011.com/, guys!
Posted by: Christian Louboutin | 04/18/2011 at 08:03 PM
Such a good writing, or by I saw for the first time. I'm quite happy, you are a good writer
Posted by: Air Max Outlet | 05/06/2011 at 02:25 AM
I agree with your idea.You look like very talented.It is very happy to meet you. Thank you!
Posted by: Adidas Jeremy Scott | 05/13/2011 at 10:42 PM
A great man is always willing to be little.
Posted by: Cheap Sandals | 07/06/2011 at 07:39 PM
Activity is the only road to knowledge . (George Bernard Shaw , British dramatist)
Posted by: Christian Louboutins | 07/06/2011 at 07:51 PM
It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.
Posted by: MBT Sport | 07/13/2011 at 09:46 AM
Thank your for sharing your wonderful article. I very agree with your views from here.
Posted by: Ed Hardy | 07/19/2011 at 08:49 PM
Such a good writing, or by I saw for the first time. I'm quite happy, you are a good writer
Posted by: Visvim | 07/19/2011 at 08:52 PM
It Takes a Long Time to Build a Good Reputation and Only a Short While to Ruin It. Trust and credibility is built slowly but can be lost almost instantly.
Posted by: Christian Louboutin Shoes | 08/03/2011 at 05:21 PM
well this blog is great i love reading your articles.
Posted by: ghd australia | 08/08/2011 at 02:05 AM
I want to congratulate the winner for the nomination race.I want to know suggestion from others.
Posted by: Ken Griffey Jr Shoes | 08/11/2011 at 01:06 AM
The enhanced version is available for use on the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Kindle app that goes with those devices.
Posted by: GHD Australia | 08/16/2011 at 02:43 AM
I love you not because of who you are,but because of who I am when I am with you.
Posted by: Nike Air Max | 09/02/2011 at 01:13 AM
I hope you have a nice day! Very good article, well written and very thought out. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future.
Posted by: Moncler Jackets UK | 09/03/2011 at 08:42 AM
If you look at Linked data as a model on which apps can be built enterprise apps that synch publicdata with their internal data (web intelligence, for example) may give rise to several business application models as well.
http://www.northfacecheap.net/
http://www.uggsclassicshort.us/
Posted by: cheap ugg classic short | 09/18/2011 at 06:49 PM
.Nice information, many thanks to the author. It is incomprehensible to me now
MBT Shoes Sale
mbt shoes sale
cheap mbt shoes
buy mbt shoes
mbt shoes
Posted by: mbt Shoes | 09/23/2011 at 01:01 AM
Now, do you really want it, let's go and get running shoes!!!!! As long as you are out of your hands, you can get nike free. Are you moving? Have to fight, because I know in the end it's worthwhile, now its time for us to make our mind to buy it, it really it's worth it.
Posted by: moncler jackets | 09/28/2011 at 01:12 AM
I think that I have seen somewhere in my country this food. I don`t know if it`s made with real recipe or not.
Posted by: olympic london accommodations | 09/28/2011 at 01:50 AM
If a man empties his purse into his head , no man can take it away from him , an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest .
8
Posted by: Air Max | 10/13/2011 at 09:03 PM