These juicy steamed dumplings bring a subtle Funnel Mill twist to a comforting classic. Fragrant Earl Grey adds bright bergamot notes to the dipping sauce, balancing savory pork, ginger, scallion, and sesame.
Ingredients
Dumplings
- 24 round dumpling wrappers
- ½ lb ground pork
- 4 oz shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- Pinch of salt
Earl Grey Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup strongly brewed Earl Grey, cooled
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- Chili crisp or chili oil, to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds and a few drops of lime juice
Instructions
- Brew the tea: Steep Earl Grey at double strength for about 5 minutes. Strain and cool. Reserve ½ cup for the dipping sauce.
- Make the filling: Combine the pork, mushrooms, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Mix until the filling is slightly sticky and cohesive.
- Fill the dumplings: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edge with water, fold into a half-moon, and pleat or press to seal.
- Steam: Line a steamer basket with parchment or cabbage leaves. Arrange the dumplings without letting them touch. Steam over simmering water for 8–10 minutes, until the pork is fully cooked and the wrappers are tender.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together the cooled Earl Grey, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and ginger. Stir in the scallion and chili crisp. Finish with sesame seeds or lime juice if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the Earl Grey sauce over the dumplings or serve it alongside for dipping.
Pairing Note
The Earl Grey brings a subtle bergamot lift that cuts through the richness of the pork and sesame oil, while ginger and vinegar keep the dish bright. Serve with a fresh cup of Earl Grey, brewed slightly lighter than the tea used in the sauce so the meal stays balanced.
Makes 24 dumplings and serves 4.