What is Dumplings for Beginners about?
Dumplings for Beginners is a step-by-step cookbook for making Asian dumplings and dim sum classics at home. It includes 50 recipes plus lessons on doughs, wrappers, folds, cooking methods, sauces, soups, and sides.
Who wrote Dumplings for Beginners?
Dumplings for Beginners is written by chef Terri Dien. She has taught hundreds of dumpling classes and has a professional cooking background in both restaurants and culinary instruction.
Is Dumplings for Beginners good for complete beginners?
Yes, this book is designed for beginners. It explains the basics of ingredients, tools, doughs, folds, and cooking methods before moving into the recipes.
Does this book teach you how to make dumpling wrappers from scratch?
Yes, it teaches homemade wrapper doughs step by step. It includes master recipes for basic dumpling dough, crystal dumpling dough, and bao dough.
Can I use store-bought wrappers with these recipes?
Yes, the book explicitly says store-bought wrappers are fine for many recipes. It also gives tips for making store-bought wrappers easier to pleat and seal.
What kinds of dumplings are included in Dumplings for Beginners?
The book covers boiled, steamed, pan-fried, and deep-fried dumplings. Recipes include shu mai, har gow, potstickers, wontons, bao, gyoza, mandu, momos, and xiao long bao.
Does the book show different dumpling folding techniques?
Yes, it includes step-by-step folding instructions for five classic shapes. These include the half-moon, pleated crescent, classic wonton fold, parcel fold, and soup dumpling fold.
How many recipes are in Dumplings for Beginners?
The book includes 50 recipes. Along with dumplings, it also includes dipping sauces, broths, soups, and side dishes.
Does this cookbook include sauces and sides, or just dumplings?
It includes more than dumplings. There is a full section on soups, side snacks, and dipping sauces such as soy-vinegar sauce, chili crisp sauce, XO sauce, and scallion-ginger oil.
Will I learn different ways to cook dumplings?
Yes, the book teaches four main cooking methods: boiling, steaming, pan-frying, and deep-frying. It also explains the texture and best uses for each method.
Does Dumplings for Beginners include vegetarian or vegan recipes?
Yes, it includes both vegetarian and vegan options. Examples include charred cabbage and chive dumplings, tofu and carrot wontons, crystal chive dumplings, and red bean paste baos.
Are there gluten-free options in this book?
Yes, the book includes a gluten-free crystal dumpling dough and notes that it can be used for gluten-free options. It also mentions using a gluten-free baking mix in place of all-purpose flour for the basic dough.
Does the book help with dumpling troubleshooting?
Yes, it includes troubleshooting for common problems like wrappers tearing, dumplings bursting, sticking to the pan, cracked frozen skins, and checking whether fillings are fully cooked.
Can I freeze the dumplings and make them ahead?
Yes, the book explains how to refrigerate and freeze dumplings, wrappers, fillings, and even soups. It also gives storage times and notes which dumplings should be cooked from frozen versus frozen after cooking.
How long does it take to make dumplings from scratch with this book?
The book breaks the process into manageable stages rather than treating it as a one-session project. For example, the basic wrapper process takes about 45 minutes, and many fillings can be made ahead and chilled for later use.
Do I need special equipment to use this cookbook?
No, but some tools help. The book covers essentials like mixing bowls, a small rolling pin, a nonstick skillet, a stockpot, and steamer baskets, while also suggesting alternatives when possible.
If I want to make dumplings at home instead of ordering takeout, will this book help?
Yes, that is one of the book’s main goals. It is written to help home cooks make popular dumplings from scratch, with the option to use store-bought wrappers when that makes the process easier.
