Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 600 g all-purpose flour
• 300 g hot water (60-70°C)
• 50 g vegetable oil
• 10 g salt
• 15-20 g sugar

For the Filling:

• 400 g meat (beef or mutton), minced
• 300 g onions, finely chopped
• 15 g salt
• 1-3 g black pepper, ground
• 250 g water
• 100-150 g vegetable oil

For Frying:

• 400-500 g vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Steps on How to Do It:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Gradually add the hot water (60-70°C) while stirring with a spoon or spatula. The hot water helps the dough become more pliable and easier to work with.
   • Once the mixture starts coming together, add the vegetable oil and continue to mix until a dough forms.
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle with a bit more flour. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the minced meat (beef or mutton), finely chopped onions, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
   • Gradually add the 250 g of water to the meat mixture. This helps create a juicy filling. Mix until the water is fully incorporated.
   • Optionally, you can also add 100-150 g of vegetable oil to the meat mixture to enhance the richness of the filling. Mix until everything is well combined. Set the filling aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions to make it easier to work with. Roll each portion into a thin sheet on a floured surface, about 2-3 mm thick.
   • Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass (about 8-10 cm in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
4. Fill and Shape the Dumplings:
   • Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make the dumplings difficult to seal.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the dumplings. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish and to ensure a tight seal.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
5. Fry the Dumplings:
   • Heat 400-500 g of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for deep frying, around 180°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
   • Carefully place a few dumplings into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the dumplings for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the fried meat dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, garlic yogurt sauce, or a spicy tomato dip. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Sugars: 3 g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
   • Yes, you can substitute the beef or mutton with other meats such as pork, chicken, or a combination of meats. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
2. Can I bake the dumplings instead of frying them?
   • Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the dumplings. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Can I freeze the dumplings for later?
   • Yes! You can freeze the uncooked dumplings by placing them in a single layer on a tray and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry or boil them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. What dipping sauces go well with fried dumplings?
   • These dumplings pair wonderfully with sour cream, garlic yogurt sauce, or a spicy tomato sauce. You can also serve them with soy sauce mixed with vinegar and chili flakes for an Asian twist.

Tips on How to Make It:

• Don’t Overfill the Dumplings: Be sure not to overfill the dumplings with too much meat, as this can make it difficult to seal them and cause the filling to spill out during frying.
• Seal the Dumplings Well: Pinch the edges tightly to ensure the dumplings don’t open while frying. You can also use a bit of water on the edges to help seal them.
• Adjust the Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the dumplings will brown too quickly on the outside without cooking the filling properly. If it’s too low, the dumplings will absorb more oil and become greasy.
• Adding Herbs: You can add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to the filling for added flavor and freshness.

Storage Tips:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover fried dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or in a skillet to restore their crispiness.
• In the Freezer: Freeze the uncooked dumplings for up to 3 months. When ready to use, cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the frying or baking time accordingly.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover dumplings, place them in a hot skillet with a little oil or bake them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, until heated through and crispy again.

Conclusion:

These Homemade Meat Dumplings with Crispy Fried Crust are a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of juicy meat filling and crispy dough is simply irresistible, making these dumplings perfect for both special occasions and casual meals. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to use different types of meat and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether fried or baked, these dumplings are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a complete meal. Plus, they store well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them over several days. Give this recipe a try, and savor the flavors of tender, homemade dumplings!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!