Meat & Cabbage Filling

This traditional Chinese-style filling combines lean ground pork with fresh, finely chopped Napa cabbage for a perfect balance of meaty richness and vegetal crunch. The mixture is seasoned with aromatic ginger, dry sherry, and soy sauce to create deep, umami-rich flavors that shine through in every bite. It is an essential component for making homemade dumplings or bao buns, offering a versatile base that pairs beautifully with various dipping sauces. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this filling holds together well and cooks evenly, ensuring a juicy and satisfying experience. The technique of mixing the meat with cold water and seasonings ensures the pork remains tender and moist, while the cabbage provides a refreshing texture contrast.

Cuisine: Chinese

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 48

Calories: 338.1

Description

This traditional Chinese-style filling combines lean ground pork with fresh, finely chopped Napa cabbage for a perfect balance of meaty richness and vegetal crunch. The mixture is seasoned with aromatic ginger, dry sherry, and soy sauce to create deep, umami-rich flavors that shine through in every bite. It is an essential component for making homemade dumplings or bao buns, offering a versatile base that pairs beautifully with various dipping sauces. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this filling holds together well and cooks evenly, ensuring a juicy and satisfying experience. The technique of mixing the meat with cold water and seasonings ensures the pork remains tender and moist, while the cabbage provides a refreshing texture contrast.

Ingredients

1 lbs Lean ground pork
2 tablespoons Cold water
1 tablespoons Dry sherry
1 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoons Salt
1 tablespoons Finely chopped fresh ginger
1/2 lbs Chinese cabbage, trimmed

Directions

1
Finely chop the Chinese cabbage until you have approximately 2 cups of chopped greens.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground pork, cold water, dry sherry, soy sauce, salt, and finely chopped fresh ginger.
3
Mix the meat mixture thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
4
Add the chopped Chinese cabbage to the meat mixture.
5
Gently fold and mix until the cabbage is thoroughly blended with the pork mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 48

Amount Per Serving
Calories 338.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19.8g31%
Saturated Fat 6.6g33%
Cholesterol 90.8mg31%
Sodium 14940.3mg623%
Total Carbohydrate 6.3g3%
Dietary Fiber 1.7g7%
Sugars 1.9g
Protein 32.1g65%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

To assemble dumplings, place about 2 teaspoons of filling into the center of each wrapper.

Fold the edges of the wrapper together to form a half-moon shape.

Pinch and pleat the top edge to seal the dumpling, creating a ruffled edge.

Cook the dumplings according to your preferred method, such as steaming, boiling, or pan-frying.

Keywords: chinese, dumpling, filling, pork, cabbage, ginger, soy sauce, sherry, recipe, asian, homemade, ground pork, napa cabbage, steamed, boiled, pan-fried, umami, savory, traditional, comfort food

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/meat-cabbage-filling/