Combination Dumplings Recipe

"This recipe is from James Reason's show Alive and Cooking. I have made some minor changes for dietary reasons. I have subbed spring onion for brown onion and chicken mince/ground chicken for pork mince/ground pork. Times are estimated and guessing amount of wontons as he specifies 2 packs (does not mention quantity) but based on the ingredients and 4 serves I think it would be 24 (2 packs of 12 wontons, allowing 6 per person as an entree)."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Mix together the prawn, chicken (or pork), mushroom, carrot, cabbage, lemon zest, spring onion (or onion), garlic, chilli pepper, salt and hoi sin sauce until all combined.

Step 2

Fill each won-ton skin with a heaped teaspoon of mix then seal together with a pinch and then steam for to 10 minutes, serve with dipping sauce of your choice.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When buying shrimp, look for ones that are firm and translucent. Avoid buying shrimp that are soft, mushy, or have a strong odor.
When buying ground chicken, make sure to check the expiration date. Ground chicken should be used within 1-2 days of purchase.

Ingredient substitutions

Substituting spring onion for brown onion: This substitution is beneficial because spring onions are milder and sweeter in flavor than brown onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish. The thinking behind this substitution is to add a layer of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Substituting chicken mince/ground chicken for pork mince/ground pork: This substitution is beneficial because it is a healthier alternative and offers a more lean protein option. The thinking behind this substitution is to reduce the fat content of the dish while still providing a protein source.

Variations

Vegetarian Dumplings Substitute the shrimp and chicken for equal quantities of tofu, and replace the hoisin sauce with a vegetarian-friendly sauce.

Serve with

Fried Rice - Fried rice is the perfect accompaniment to Combination Dumplings, as it is a great way to balance out and complement the flavors of the dumplings. The fried rice can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand, such as vegetables, eggs, and even small pieces of meat. The rice can also be cooked in the same pan as the dumplings, making the meal even easier to prepare.

Vegetable Spring Rolls: Vegetable spring rolls are a great addition to the combination dumpling meal, as they provide a light and crunchy contrast to the dumplings. The spring rolls can be filled with a variety of vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, and served with a dipping sauce of your choice. They are a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to the meal.

FAQ

Q: How much wonton wrappers do I need?

A: You will need 24 wonton wrappers for this recipe, allowing 6 per person as an entree.

Q: What type of filling can I use for wonton wrappers?

A: You can use a variety of fillings for wonton wrappers. Popular choices include pork, shrimp, beef, vegetables, and cheese. You can also mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique filling.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: Combination dumplings are said to have originated from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in China. The dish was created by the imperial chef to the emperor and was often served at court banquets.

Fun Fact 2: The recipe for Combination Dumplings was popularised by celebrity chef James Reason, who featured it on his show Alive and Cooking. The dish has since become a popular item on modern Chinese restaurant menus.