How To

How to Fold a Traditional Pleated Chinese Dumpling

With its neatly nipped-and-tucked folds, a pleated dumpling is the most iconic version of the Chinese appetizer. Sure, it takes a bit of practice—you might want to start witha couple of the easier methodsout there. But when you're ready, use this step-by-step process, which we got from the folks fromMimi Cheng's Dumplingsin NYC.

ByMatt Duckor

February 18, 2015

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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STEP 1

First, start out with a small amount of filling (it'seasier to makethan you'd think) and place it in the center of your wrapper. Dab water all the way around the outside edge of the wrapper—this will make sure the dumpling's properly sealed later on.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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STEP 2

Assume the taco formation. Use your fingers to lightly pinch the two sides of the wrapper together at the center point of the dumpling's seam.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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STEP 3

While holding your thumb and index finger against the seam you just pinched, use the index and middle fingers of your other hand to fold a small portion of the top dumpling skin towards the center seam. This is your first pleat. Note that you're only using one side of the skin to make this pleat (if you flip the dumpling over, it should be smooth).
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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STEP 4

Continue this process, working away from the center seam, until you have three evenly spaced pleats on one side of your dumpling. If you're having trouble getting the pleats to stick to the seam, just add a dab of water.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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STEP 5

Now it's time to pleat the rest of the dumpling. Switch hands and hold the center seam with the opposite hand, then use the other hand to pleat the rest of the top dumpling skin against itself. (Sometimes the filling will try to escape. Don't panic—just push it back into your dumpling and keep pleating.)

Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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STEP 6

Once you've completed all six pleats, you'll want to reinforce the seam with water and some gentle pinching to make sure all of the pleats stay, um, pleated during the cooking process.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

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That's It!

Now you've got perfect-looking dumplings.