Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings – theamazingfood
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of wrapping your hands around a warm tray of homemade dumplings. It’s a comforting ritual that never fails to bring back the warmth and laughter of family gatherings. I fondly remember my grandmother in the kitchen, the scent of ginger and garlic filling the air as she expertly crafted dumplings for our Sunday feast. Now, I’m sharing my version of those tender little pockets filled with savory goodness—these Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings are not only easy to make but are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, you’ll want to save this recipe for the next time you’re craving something heartwarming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner that you can whip up in no time.
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Family-Friendly Favorites: Your loved ones will adore these dumplings, making them a hit for family meals or gatherings.
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Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ground turkey for your protein of choice, or experiment with different vegetables for extra crunch and nutrition.
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Comforting and Nourishing: Each dumpling is a cozy warm hug—filled with flavors that charm your taste buds and soothe your soul.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze them for later, so you always have a comforting meal on hand.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients for Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings – theamazingfood:
- 4 oz flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 3.5 tbsp cornstarch (sifted to remove lumps)
- 2.2 fl oz water
- 0.6 lb ground turkey
- 1 scallion (finely sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.8 inch fresh ginger (peeled and finely grated)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (I prefer Kikkoman Less Sodium)
- 1.4 oz cabbage (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2.8 fl oz water (for steaming)
- 2 tbsp canola oil (for frying)
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings – theamazingfood:
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Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add in 2.2 fl oz of water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
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Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sliced scallion, minced garlic, lemon zest, grated ginger, chopped cabbage, soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Shape the Dumplings: Divide the rested dough into small pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each piece out into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each circle. Gently fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal well, creating a little pocket.
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Steam the Dumplings: In a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, place the dumplings and steam them over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked.
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Fry for Extra Crispiness: Heat 1 tbsp canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steamed dumplings in the skillet and fry until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce. I recommend a light soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar for a refreshing touch!
Variations & Creative Twists
Fun Ways to Customize It:
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Zesty Veggie Dumplings: Add finely diced carrots or bell peppers for a splash of color and crunch that complements the turkey beautifully.
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Spicy Addition: If you enjoy a kick, toss in some finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the turkey mixture for a spicy surprise.
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Herby Enchantment: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a delightful aroma and taste. Try mixing them in with the filling for a fresh twist.
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Savory Cheese Filling: Add a little cream cheese or shredded cheddar for a rich and creamy flavor that takes these dumplings to the next level.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
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Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dumplings and freeze them before steaming. Just steam them from frozen when you’re ready for a cozy meal.
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Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of ground turkey, feel free to substitute it with ground chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Perfectly Sliced Ginger: Use a microplane to grate the ginger finely, ensuring it blends beautifully into the filling.
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Storage Suggestions: Keep any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for later.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 4 dumplings
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 26g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader FAQs About Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings – theamazingfood:
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Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare and assemble the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them for later cooking.
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Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
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How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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How long does it last? Frozen dumplings can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
These Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings are more than just a meal; they are a warm embrace on a chilly evening and a beautiful reminder of family traditions. Whether you make them for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. Be sure to save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Happy cooking!
Homemade Ground Turkey Dumplings
Ingredients
Dumpling Dough
- 4 oz flour (preferably King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 3.5 tbsp cornstarch (sifted to remove lumps)
- 2.2 fl oz water
Filling
- 0.6 lb ground turkey
- 1 small scallion (finely sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.8 inch fresh ginger (peeled and finely grated)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (preferably Kikkoman Less Sodium)
- 1.4 oz cabbage (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2.8 fl oz water (for steaming)
- 2 tbsp canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add in 2.2 fl oz of water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sliced scallion, minced garlic, lemon zest, grated ginger, chopped cabbage, soy sauce, and white pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shaping
- Divide the rested dough into small pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each piece out into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each circle. Gently fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal well, creating a little pocket.
Cooking
- In a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, place the dumplings and steam them over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Heat 1 tbsp canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steamed dumplings in the skillet and fry until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
Serving
- Serve these delightful dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce. A light soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar is recommended for a refreshing touch!
