Spicy Sesame Dumplings (Suan La Jiaozi)

These dry-mixed dumplings are coated in a rich, tangy, and spicy sesame sauce. A quick, incredibly fragrant meal that satisfies any craving.

Ingredients

• 20–25 dumplings
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 2 red chili peppers, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil
• 2 tbsp sesame paste
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp chicken essence
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the aromatic base

   

   Add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, chopped red chili, red chili flakes, and white sesame seeds into a metal mixing bowl. This combination of aromatics forms the fragrant foundation for the sauce.

   Tip: Ensure your garlic and chili are finely chopped to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
2. 2Sizzle the aromatics

   

   Carefully pour hot oil over the prepared spices and aromatics in the metal bowl. The heat will immediately release their essential oils and create a fragrant, sizzling base for your sauce.

   Tip: Be cautious when pouring the hot oil to avoid splattering.
3. 3Add sesame paste

   

   Add about two spoonfuls of sesame paste into the bowl with the hot, infused oil and spices. The paste provides a rich, nutty depth to the sauce.

   Tip: If your sesame paste is very thick, you can whisk in a little bit of warm water or soy sauce to help it emulsify.
4. 4Season the sauce

   

   Add a spoonful of light soy sauce, a spoonful of vinegar, and a pinch each of salt, chicken essence, and sugar to the bowl. Mix everything well until combined into a smooth, savory sauce.

   Tip: Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratios to match your preference for a more tangy or savory flavor profile.
5. 5Boil the dumplings

   

   Boil the dumplings in a pot of water. Once they are fully cooked—usually when they float to the surface—carefully remove them from the water.

   Tip: If you prefer a firmer texture, rinse the cooked dumplings quickly in cold water before mixing them with the sauce.
6. 6Garnish and serve

   

   Add a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro over the dumplings and sauce. Mix well to coat each dumpling, and serve immediately while fragrant and hot.

   Tip: For an extra kick, add a dash of fresh chili oil if you enjoy even more spice.
7. 7Mix the dumplings

   

   Add fresh cilantro to the bowl with the sauced dumplings. Use a spatula to toss everything together thoroughly so that every dumpling is evenly coated in the rich, spicy sesame sauce.

   Tip: Be gentle when mixing to ensure the dumpling skins remain intact.
8. 8Sauce the dumplings

   

   Take the cooked dumplings and drain them well. If you prefer a more refreshing texture, rinse them quickly in cold water. Place the dumplings into a bowl and pour the prepared soul sauce generously over the top.

   Tip: Draining the water thoroughly helps the sauce cling to the dumplings better.

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