Auntie Mei's Famous Pork and Cabbage Jiao Zi

Learn to make Auntie Mei's famous jiao zi (Chinese dumplings)! Savory pork and cabbage filling in tender dough. Boil, steam, or pan-fry. Ready for a flavor explosion?

June 3, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

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Auntie Mei's Famous Pork and Cabbage Jiao Zi: A Taste of Home

Fancy a bit of comfort food? honestly, who doesn't? let's talk about jiao zi . these little parcels are a true taste of home.

I always think of them as the chinese version of a good old cornish pasty.

What's the Jiao Zi Fuss All About?

Jiao zi , or chinese dumplings, are proper legendary. my imaginary auntie mei, the culinary genius, inspired this recipe. we're talking savoury pork and cabbage hugged by a tender dough.

You can boil, steam, or pan-fry them. each bite is a flavour explosion! it's interesting that the variations of this keyword include the artistic side such as jiaoqiu fanart and honkai star rail jiaoqiu fanart , and some others i can't quite figure out like jingluo honkai star rail .

From Ancient China to Your Kitchen

These delightful dumplings have been around for centuries. they symbolise wealth and good fortune in chinese culture. this recipe is medium difficulty, taking about an hour.

You'll end up with around 30 dumplings. perfect for sharing... or not!

Why You'll Love These Dumplings

One word: flavour! but also, pork is a good source of protein. these are perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in.

What makes them special? the cabbage . squeezing out the excess water is key to preventing soggy bottoms. plus, homemade is always better, right? think of it as a little act of self-care.

Maybe that's why i got so into drawing star trails and even poppy drawing when i got into this recipe.

I also know people look for things like hsr jiaqiou , which, no idea what it is.

Right then, let’s get cracking! jiao zi , those little pockets of deliciousness, are a staple. think of them as the chinese equivalent of a cornish pasty or an italian ravioli, but steamed, boiled or pan-fried.

They’re pure comfort food. we're going to nail a fantastic home version.

Auntie Mei's Famous Pork and Cabbage Jiao Zi Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:30 dumplings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 pound (450g) ground pork
• 1 medium head of Napa cabbage, finely chopped (about 4 cups/225g)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
• Water (for boiling/steaming)

Instructions:

• Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
• Place chopped cabbage in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes.
• Squeeze out excess water from the cabbage (this is key!).
• In a large bowl, combine ground pork, cabbage, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper.
• Mix well until thoroughly combined.
• Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope.
• Cut each rope into 8-10 small pieces.
• Flatten each piece into a circle (about 3 inches/7.5 cm in diameter) using a rolling pin. Try to make the centre of the circle slightly thicker than the edges.
• Place a tablespoon of filling in the centre of each wrapper.
• Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges to seal, creating pleats (watch a YouTube video for guidance!).
• Boiled: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently add jiao zi and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Add a cup of cold water to the boiling water, twice during the process.
• Steamed: Place jiao zi in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Pan-Fried: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place jiao zi in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet, cover, and steam until the water evaporates and the jiao zi are cooked through.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Heart of Auntie Mei's Famous Jiao Zi

Okay, so before we dive headfirst into this jiao zi adventure, let's gather our troops – aka, the ingredients. this recipe, inspired by my imaginary auntie mei.

She's a legend in my head. anyway, it makes about 30 dumplings . that’s enough for 4-6 people as an appetizer, or 2-3 for a main course.

So, for this masterpiece we'll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g) is your base. Don't be shy with extra for dusting.
• Warm Water: Exactly 1 cup (240ml) . Not too hot, not too cold. Just right, like Goldilocks' porridge.
• Salt: Just a pinch. You know. A little bit.
• Ground Pork: 1 pound (450g) . Go for a good quality pork mince. Look for a nice pink colour.
• Napa Cabbage: One medium head, finely chopped. That's about 4 cups (225g) .
• Salt (again!): For the cabbage. You'll see why later.
• Green Onions: Two, finely chopped.
• Ginger: A 1 inch piece, peeled and minced. Fresh ginger is key, trust me.
• Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Because everything's better with garlic.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons .
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon .
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon . A tiny bit of sweetness.
• Ground White Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Adds a little kick.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons . For pan-frying, if you're feeling fancy.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce to Jiao Zi Perfection

Honestly, seasoning is where the magic happens.

• Essential Spice Combinations : Soy sauce and sesame oil is the dynamic duo. Don't skip these. The flavour profile will change!
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Ginger and garlic are non-negotiable. Fresh is best, always. Think Jingluo Honkai .
• Quick Substitution Options : Ran out of green onions? Chives will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make jiao zi .

• Large Mixing Bowls : For dough and filling. Obvious, really.
• Rolling Pin : To roll out the dough.
• Large Pot or Steamer : For cooking your jiao zi . Boiling or steaming.
• Skillet : If you’re pan-frying.
• Slotted Spoon : To rescue those delicious dumplings.
• Chopping Board and Sharp Knife : Because safety first, kids.

Right, with the ingredients sorted and equipment at the ready, we’re ready to start making these amazing little jiao zi ! don't forget to check out some honkai star rail jiaoqiu fanart for inspiration while you cook! maybe even some jiaoqiu fanart for a laugh.

Hsr jiaqiou really hits different, don't you think?

Right then, let’s get cracking! jiao zi , those little pockets of deliciousness, are a staple. think of them as the chinese equivalent of a cornish pasty or an italian ravioli, but steamed, boiled or pan-fried.

They’re pure comfort food. we're going to nail a fantastic home version. fancy creating some jiaoqiu fanart ?

Auntie Mei's Famous Pork and Cabbage Jiao Zi

These aren't just any dumplings. this recipe, inspired by my (imaginary) auntie mei, features a savoury pork and cabbage filling encased in a tender, homemade dough.

Get ready, because we're about to have a flavour explosion, mate! they can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried for a delightful meal or appetizer.

It may require some jingluo honkai .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First, get your stuff together. this is essential . dice your cabbage, mince your ginger. honestly, a bit of organisation saves a ton of time.

This would also work for someone trying to create honkai star rail moze x jiaoqiu . also, squeeze that cabbage after it's been salted! it’s a must.

Don't wanna end up with soggy dumplings, do we?

Step-by-Step: From Dough to Deliciousness

1. Make the Dough: Flour, salt, and warm water. Knead for about 5- 7 minutes until smooth. Let it rest.
2. Cabbage Prep: Chop, salt, squeeze . Remember the squeezing!
3. Filling Fun: Mix pork, cabbage, the minced heroes (ginger, garlic), soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper.
4. Assemble Time: Roll dough, cut, flatten into circles. Add filling, pinch those edges creating pleats. It needs to be perfect like a star rain .
5. Cooking Choices:
   • Boiled: 6- 8 minutes , until they float.
   • Steamed: 10- 12 minutes .
   • Pan-Fried: Golden brown bottoms, then steam with water until cooked.

Pro Tips: Dumpling Mastery

• Don't overfill ! They'll burst, honestly.
• Freeze uncooked dumplings for later. Total game-changer.
• If you're after something unique, research more about Hsr Jiaqiou . You might get inspiration for the filling !
• If they start to stick together , it might be helpful to cook them in small batches.

So, there you have it. auntie mei's legendary recipe. making jiao zi might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it's worth it.

Give it a go, and you'll be scoffing down delicious dumplings in no time. try imagining them looking like jingluo honkai star rail , or even creating honkai star rail jiaoqiu fanart ! you can start drawing a poppy drawing while the dough rests! and if you feel like getting a bit abstract, draw some star trails ! let me know how it goes!

Right then, let's dive into the extra bits, shall we? These are the little things that'll take your jiao zi game from "meh" to "OMG!"

Recipe Notes: Making Auntie Mei Proud

You know, sometimes the best part of cooking is putting your own spin on things. This jiao zi recipe is like a starting point, a base camp for your own culinary adventure.

Plating like a Pro (or at Least Trying!)

Honestly, even simple food looks amazing with a bit of effort. for jiao zi , i like to arrange them neatly on a plate, slightly overlapping.

Sprinkle with some chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. bang! instant restaurant vibes. they look even better with some vibrant poppy drawing inspired colours!

Want to take it up a notch? Serve them on a bed of stir-fried greens. Or, create a mini dumpling mountain! It's all about the presentation, innit?

What to Serve Alongside?

Right , you've made all those wonderful jiao zi , but what do you put alongside them? They go pretty well with just about everything, but here are a couple of ideas:

• Hot and Sour Soup: It is classic!
• Ginger Scallion Noodles: It is great for a simple and very flavorful side.
• Tea: A simple beverage like green tea really cleanses the palate after something savory.

Super Storage Sorted

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Fridge: Pop your cooked jiao zi in an airtight container and they'll be good for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating is a doddle. You can microwave them, pan-fry them (my fave), or even steam them again. Just make sure they're piping hot before serving.

Tweak It 'Til You Make It

Honestly, this recipe is just a starting point. Get creative, innit!

• Veggie Vibes: Swap the pork for mushrooms and tofu. Seriously tasty!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.

Seasonal swaps? Go for it! In the winter, try adding some finely chopped chestnuts to the filling. In the summer, courgette are great.

I am sure it will be a blast!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Each serving (about 5 dumplings) clocks in at around 350 calories. you're getting a good hit of protein (20g), some healthy fats (20g), and carbs (25g).

Not too bad, eh? plus, the cabbage adds fibre, which is always a good thing.

Remember all about that new honkai star rail moze x jiaoqiu ship? it is like it was written in the stars.

Like the star rain that night you first tried jiaoqiu fanart , while watching those bright star trails ! if you are a lore fan, you will know that jingluo honkai star rail will love some of these as much as we do.

Right, Your Turn!

So, there you have it! all the tips and tricks you need to make amazing jiao zi at home. don't be scared to experiment, have fun, and remember: even if they're not perfect, they'll still taste delicious.

Get cooking!