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Rat-shaped Pork and Mushroom Dumplings

Fun and unique dumplings made with savory pork and mushroom filling, shaped like adorable little rats.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dumpling Wrappers/Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup boiling water Add gradually
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Oil for dusting Optional
Filling
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms Rehydrate if dried
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon activated charcoal powder Optional for black dumplings
Other
  • Parchment or oil for steaming
  • Dipping sauce (soy sauce with rice vinegar) Optional

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a bowl, gradually mix boiling water into the flour with a spoon until you have a shaggy dough.
  2. Knead it on a floured surface until smooth, cover it, and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
  1. If you’re using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them before chopping.
  2. Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl—pork, mushrooms, onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, white pepper, and sugar. Mix well!
  3. If you’re feeling creative, you can set aside half the filling and mix in activated charcoal powder.
Shape the Wrappers
  1. Divide the rested dough and roll it into thin rounds (about 3–4 inches in diameter).
  2. Lightly brush the edges with water to make them seal better.
Assemble the Rat Dumplings
  1. Place 1–2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each wrapper.
  2. Pleat and seal it to form a dumpling. Pinch the top rim for ears, and roll a thin strip for a tail, securing it at the back.
Steam the Dumplings
  1. Line a steamer with parchment or grease it lightly.
  2. Steam dumplings over boiling water for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Let them cool a bit before diving in!
Serve It Up
  1. Pair these adorable dumplings with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and rice vinegar, if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

You can store uneaten dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and steam directly from the freezer. Make ahead by preparing dough and filling in advance.