Hamburger Dumplings

I've been craving (and I mean craving) some hamburger lately… Generally Chinese cooking doesn't utilize hamburger much, and so far in Flower Net most scenes are taking place in China. I love some of the Chinese dishes I've been making, but I'm almost homesick for more of an American-style dish… This is my compromise - Hamburger Dumplings.

Hamburger Dumplings

Dough

• Flour (1 1/2 Cups)
• Vegetable Oil (2 Teaspoons)
• Salt (A Pinch)
• Boiling Water (1/2 Cup)
• Cold Water (1/2 Cup)

Filling

• Egg (1)
• Hamburger (1 Pound)
• Green Onions (1/2 Cup, Thinly Sliced)
• Water (2 Tablespoons)
• Soy Sauce (2 Tablespoons)
• Ginger (1 1/2 Teaspoons)
• Red Pepper Flakes (1 1/2 Teaspoons)
• Sesame Oil (1 Teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 Teaspoon)
• Pepper (1/2 Teaspoon)

Dipping Sauce

• Rice Vinegar (1 1/2 Tablespoons)
• Soy Sauce (1 1/2 Tablespoons)
• Red Pepper Flakes (A Dash)

Instructions

• In a bowl mix together the half of the Flour, and the Boiling Water. Mix in the remaining Flour, the Vegetable Oil, Salt, and Cold Water.
• On a lightly floured surface, turn the dough out and knead for 7 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile in a large bowl, beat the Egg, and add in the remaining filling ingredients. Mix thoroughly. 
• Roll the dough into a log, and cut into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch circle.
• Fill each center with a generous amount of filling. Pinch at the top to seal.
• In a large skillet heat some additional Vegetable Oil to medium high heat. Place in the dumplings pinched side up. Add enough Water to come about 3/4 of the way up the sides of the dumplings.
• Cover and cook on high for 8 minutes or until the water evaporates.
• Uncover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the bottoms are nice and crispy.
• In a small dipping bowl mix together the dipping sauce ingredients. 
• Plate and Enjoy!

I was honestly surprised how great these came out, and they really reminded me of the Dim Sum that we get at Empire in Portland, Maine. (Delicious in other words.) I love these little dumplings. I highly suggest trying these!

Anyway until Friday! (I'm too busy watching Murder, She Wrote reruns to blog more.)