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Easy 15-Minute Crispy Pork Dumplings

A stack of crispy pork dumplings lay on a plate.

One of the great secrets of weeknight cooking is that dumplings don’t have to be fussy to be fantastic. These long, skinny, easy-to-hold crispy pork dumplings give you all the crunch and tender, juicy meat of classic pan-fried dumplings—but without the usual multi-step dance of frying, steaming, and crisping. By streamlining the technique and shaping them into simple logs, you can have a full tray ready in about 15 minutes, start to finish. Big but gentle flavors keep the whole family happy, while the handheld shape makes them perfect for toddlers, too.

INGREDIENTS OVERVIEW

These crispy pork dumplings lean on a few pantry staples to deliver bold flavor with almost no effort. Ground pork stays incredibly tender thanks to the small amount of hoisin and the kneading/pounding step, which turns it nearly paste-like—your secret to ultra-soft dumpling interiors. Corn kernels and green onions bring sweetness and brightness, balancing the savory mix of garlic, ginger, and salt. Using eggroll wrappers (or dumpling wrappers) keeps shaping fast and approachable, making this a true weeknight win.

STEPS SUMMARY

  • Mix and knead the filling until very soft and cohesive.
  • Cut wrappers and roll the pork mixture into quick, palm-length logs.
  • Wrap by folding one side over the meat and sealing with a bit of water.
  • Pan-fry on both sides until deep golden brown—no steaming step required.
  • Cool slightly and serve as a crunchy, handheld dumpling.

Crispy Pork Dumplings FAQ

Why is the kneading/pounding step important?
It changes the texture of the pork, turning it into a softer, springier mix—more like restaurant dumplings—so it cooks up tender and juicy inside the crispy exterior.

Can I use different vegetables in the filling?
Absolutely. Carrots, finely shredded cabbage, or even minced mushrooms all work. Just be sure any firm vegetables are softened before mixing so they blend smoothly into the filling.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Form the dumplings, refrigerate tightly covered for up to a day, and pan-fry right before serving. They crisp beautifully from cold.

Are these toddler-friendly?
Very much so. Their long, slim shape makes them easy to grip, and the flavors are bold enough for adults but gentle enough for young eaters.

RECIPE LINKS

What to Serve With These Dumplings

More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This

Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Meal(s):
Servings: 6
Calories: 205
Description

These crispy pork dumplings deliver all the crunch and juicy tenderness of classic dumplings in a fast, 15-minute, family-friendly format. Big but gentle flavors make them perfect for both toddlers and parents—no steaming step required.

Ingredients
  • 1/4 can Corn kernels
  • 3 Green Onions
  • 1 lb ground Pork
  • 1 tsp Ginger Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
  • 6 Eggroll Wrappers (or 12-15 dumpling wrappers)
Instructions
    Prep
  1. 1
    Drain the can of corn. Chop the bright green portion of the onion into small rings. Toss kernels and onion segments into a bowl.
  2. 2
    Add the pork, ginger, garlic, salt, and hoisin sauce to the bowl; mix to integrate ingredients. Knead or pound the meat mixture until super soft–like, almost paste.
  3. 3
    If using eggroll wrappers, cut each in half. Pour a little water into a small bowl (or big spoon) and place it beside the wrappers.
  4. 4
    Grab a small chunk of meat and roll it into a log roughly the size of your palm end-to-end horizontally. Place log onto wrapper nearly all the way over to the right, leaving just a sliver of wrapper at right.
  5. 5
    To form dumplings, do the following: squish and spread the meat mixture to expand toward the edges of the wrapper. Fold the left side of the wrapper over the top of the meat until it touches the right-side edge of the wrapper; continue squishing and spreading the meat so that it distributes across the dumpling. Run a finger over the thumb over the creases to seal the edges; if you’re having difficulty sealing a side, dip a finger into the water and run it along the edge to wet it. Grab both sides of the dumpling and gently stretch to expand the dumpling a bit more.
    6. Cook
  6. 6
    Heat a large pan to Medium; coat the bottom of the pan with a light gloss of neutral seed or vegetable oil. (Pro tip: I like a mix of canola and sesame oils.) Once shimmering, place 4-5 dumpling wrappers into the pan and fry until golden brown on the bottom, roughly 90-120 seconds. Flip the dumplings and cook for another 90 seconds, or until golden brown. Remove from heat.
  7. 7
    Blot any excess oil and allow to cool 3-5 minutes before serving.
    8. Serve
  8. 8

    Long and thin, these are great handheld munchers; you don’t need to do a thing to them for your child to be able to eat ‘em. A little hoisin, teriyaki, or oyster sauce make for a fine dipping sauce, or you can combine two splashes of soy, one of rice vinegar, and a pinch each of minced garlic and sugar for a simple sauce.

    9. Adapt
  9. 9

    Swap out the corn, sure, for carrots or threads of cabbage (a la an eggroll)--just make sure they’ve been softened. We have found that stuffing roughly 3/4ths of an eggroll wrapper (instead of half) produces the juiciest meat inside the dumpling, but it is a bit unwieldy for a toddler to hold.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 2 dumplings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 205kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g17%
Sodium 250mg11%
Potassium 110mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Protein 12g24%
Calcium 10 mg
Iron 1 mg
Zinc 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Read it online: https://newdadskitchen.com/recipe/easy-crispy-pork-dumplings-for-kids/
The recipe author and his then-infant son
Brad

Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.