# These Trendy No-Fold Blanket Dumplings Have Hit the Scene
If you adore siu mai or any Chinese dumplings, you must try your hand at making these tasty and simple blanket dumplings. It’s an adorable new viral method of preparing dumplings. It’s quicker than the traditional folding method and tastes equally delicious. Honestly, who ever turns down dumplings?
Like any popular trend, there are numerous variations. I enjoy dumplings and keeping up with trends. Most importantly, I relish head-to-head contests, so naturally, I held a blanket dumpling competition.
## What Are Blanket Dumplings?
In simple terms, blanket dumplings are unassembled dumplings. The stuffing is formed into meatballs, and then dumpling wrappers are gently placed on top, resembling tiny blankets, hence the name.
## How to Create No-Fold Blanket Dumplings (Two Techniques)
Blanket dumplings are incredibly simple to prepare. Essentially, you’re scooping the filling and wrapping the dumpling wrapper around it. You can position the blanket/dumpling wrapper either on the top or the bottom (more details on that below).
### Blankets on Top
1. Prepare the dumpling filling by combining ground pork, finely chopped cabbage, aromatics, and spices.
2. Warm a little oil in a pan over medium heat, and when heated, spoon the filling directly into the pan in 1.5 tbsp portions.
3. Cover the portions with dumpling wrappers, creating a blanket effect.
4. Pour a small amount of water into the pan, cover it, and steam until the dumplings are fully cooked.
5. Lift the lid, allow the meat of the dumplings to become hot and crisp, then savor!
### Blankets Underneath
1. Prepare the dumpling filling by combining ground pork, finely chopped cabbage, aromatics, and spices.
2. Warm a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Take a spoon and place about 1.5 tbsp of filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper.
3. Gather the dumpling wrapper up the sides and put it in the pan. Continue until all the dumpling filling is used. The dumplings can be positioned close and squished together without issue.
4. Add a little water to the pan, cover, and steam until the dumplings are fully cooked.
5. Remove the lid, allow the dumpling wrappers to become hot and crisp, then relish!
## No-Fold Blanket Dumpling Ingredients
– **Dumpling wrappers** – These can be found in the grocery store, generally in the refrigerated section, near the tofu. If unavailable, you can make your own. Ensure to select dumpling/gyoza wrappers instead of wonton wrappers, as they are thicker.
– **Ground pork** – Ground pork is the preferred option for dumplings, but you can utilize any ground meat you prefer.
– **Cabbage** – Cabbage contributes moisture. You can choose any type of cabbage; just chop it finely and salt it before preparing the filling to prevent excess moisture.
– **Ginger and garlic** – Fresh ginger and garlic bring a wealth of flavor to dumplings.
– **Green onions** – Finely sliced green onions add a refreshing brightness.
– **Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil** – These provide the primary flavors, along with a bit of salt and white pepper. If you lack oyster sauce, you can replace it with additional soy sauce.
– **Cornstarch** – A small amount of cornstarch assists in binding the dumpling filling and gives it a silky texture.
## Blanket Dumplings vs. Upside-Down Blanket Dumplings
You may have observed that I presented two different techniques for making blanket dumplings above. After the introduction of blanket dumplings, some wondered why one would prepare dumplings upside down. They weren’t mistaken. The original blanket dumplings are indeed upside down since Asian dumplings typically keep the filling inside.
The upside-down blanket dumpling method involves laying out the dumpling wrappers first, then placing the meatballs on top and pressing the wrappers around the meatballs. Upside-down blanket dumplings resemble siu mai, those delightful steamed pork and shrimp dumplings served at dim sum.
## Which Is Superior?
Both techniques yield different results. The original approach produces crispy browned meatballs, while the upside-down technique results in a crispy dumpling skin. After trying both, I concluded that the original method is superior, as it provides a crunch from the seared meatballs and the crispy bottom portions of the dumpling wrapper, while the top stays juicy.
### Blanket Dumpling Sauce
Everyone has their personal favorite dumpling sauce. Personally, I prefer a dipping sauce that is tangy, salty,