The Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, juicy dumplings with a creamy and spicy sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy meals, these dumplings offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Perfect Fusion of Flavors
The combination of chicken and prawns creates a filling that’s both juicy and flavorful. The addition of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce enhances the umami profile, while the sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness. The accompanying chili tahini sauce brings a creamy, spicy, and tangy element that complements the dumplings perfectly.
Homemade Dough for Authenticity
Making the dumpling wrappers from scratch allows for a fresher and more authentic texture compared to store-bought alternatives. The process is simple, and the soft yet sturdy dough holds the filling beautifully.
Ideal for Any Occasion
These dumplings are versatile enough for various occasions. Serve them as a centerpiece dish at a dinner party, a light appetizer, or even a comforting family meal. They also make for an impressive option when entertaining guests.
Customizable
From adjusting the spice level in the sauce to experimenting with different fillings, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences. Vegetarian or gluten-free adaptations are easily achievable with a few simple swaps.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
Chicken and Prawns
The chicken and prawn filling provides a rich and succulent base for the dumplings. Chicken offers a mild, tender texture, while prawns add a slight sweetness and a firm bite. This protein duo ensures the dumplings are hearty and flavorful.
Aromatics
Fresh ginger, garlic, and spring onions infuse the filling with vibrant flavors that elevate the dish. These ingredients not only enhance the savory profile but also add depth and freshness.
Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Light soy sauce adds a salty umami kick, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together. These pantry staples are essential for achieving the signature Asian-inspired taste.
Homemade Dumpling Wrappers
The wrappers are made from just two ingredients—flour and water—creating a pliable dough that cooks to a perfect chewy texture. The homemade aspect ensures freshness and control over thickness.
Chili Tahini Sauce
The sauce combines the nuttiness of tahini, the heat of chili oil, and the tang of lime juice, creating a creamy, spicy, and tangy accompaniment. Its bold flavor balances the delicate taste of the dumplings, making it an essential component of the dish.
Health Benefits of Chicken & Prawn Dumplings
High in Protein
The combination of chicken and prawns provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Rich in Omega-3s
Prawns are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and support brain function.
Balanced Nutrients
This dish offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The dumpling wrappers provide energy-boosting carbs, while the tahini sauce contributes monounsaturated fats.
Vitamin and Mineral Boost
Ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while sesame oil is rich in antioxidants. The fresh coriander garnish adds a dose of vitamins A and K.
How to Customize This Recipe
Vegetarian Version
Replace the chicken and prawns with minced tofu, mushrooms, or a mix of shredded vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and zucchini. This makes the dumplings a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chili oil in the sauce or omit it altogether. For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the filling or sauce.
Use Pre-Made Wrappers
For a quicker version, use store-bought dumpling wrappers instead of making them from scratch. This shortcut saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Experiment with Sauces
While the chili tahini sauce is a standout, you can switch things up with a classic soy-vinegar dipping sauce, peanut sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Make It Gluten-Free
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for the dumpling wrappers, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
As a Main Course
Serve these dumplings with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables to create a complete and satisfying meal.
As an Appetizer
Present the dumplings on a platter with the chili tahini sauce in a bowl for dipping. This makes for an impressive appetizer or party snack.
Paired with a Soup
Pair these dumplings with a light broth-based soup like miso or hot-and-sour soup for a comforting and hearty meal.
For Meal Prep
Prepare a batch of dumplings ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen for a quick and flavorful meal.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh prawns, chicken, and aromatics ensure the filling is juicy and flavorful. - Keep the Dough Moist
Cover the dough and unused wrappers with a damp towel to prevent drying out during the assembly process. - Don’t Overfill
Use just enough filling to allow the edges of the wrapper to seal properly, preventing leaks during cooking. - Create Even Wrappers
Roll out the wrappers evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a consistent texture. - Cook in Batches
Avoid overcrowding the pan when steaming or frying the dumplings to allow even cooking. - Adjust Sauce Consistency
Add water to the tahini sauce gradually to achieve your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the dumplings but still pourable.
Why These Dumplings Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce are versatile enough to suit any occasion. They’re elegant enough for dinner parties, comforting for family meals, and practical for meal prep. Their combination of tender dumplings and bold, creamy sauce creates a memorable dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Whether you’re serving them as a main course, appetizer, or snack, these dumplings are guaranteed to impress. They’re also a great way to introduce a mix of textures and flavors to your menu, making every bite an exciting experience.
Conclusion
The Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce are more than just a meal—they’re an experience of rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of tender dumpling wrappers, savory filling, and a creamy, spicy sauce creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Perfect for any occasion, these dumplings are a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary.
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Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce
Description
The Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, juicy dumplings with a creamy and spicy sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy meals, these dumplings offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 175ml water
For the Filling:
- 200g raw prawns, mashed into a paste
- 200g chicken breast, finely chopped or minced
- 1 tbsp finely minced ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 5–10 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
For Garnish:
- Chili oil
- Coriander, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine flour and water in a large bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface for several minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a bowl, cover with clingfilm, and let it rest while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the prawns, chicken, ginger, garlic, spring onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey.
- Mix well with a spoon or chopsticks until a silky paste forms. Set aside.
- Form the Dumpling Wrappers:
- Roll the dough into a long sausage shape and cut into 25–30 small pieces.
- Roll each piece into a thin circular wrapper about 3 inches in diameter.
- Keep the wrappers under a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Fold and seal the edges using a clockwise motion to create pleats.
- Keep assembled dumplings under a damp towel.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and drizzle with oil. Add the dumplings and pour in ½ cup of water.
- Cover the pan with a lid and steam for 8–10 minutes, adding more water if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix tahini, sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic granules, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your preference.
- Serve:
- Pour the sauce onto a serving plate and top with the steamed dumplings.
- Garnish with chili oil and coriander. Enjoy!
- Category: Appetizer