Thai Dumplings with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Thai Chicken & Peanut Dumplings are an Asian appetizer that deserves to be the main course.

It's not uncommon for us to make a meal out of a plate of dumplings (our Ultimate Veggie Potstickers are one of our favorites). We pair them with a steaming hot bowl of seasoned edamame. It's one of our favorite simple and delicious weeknight meals. I introduced Keith to my love of Asian dumplings years ago, by way of curious meanderings through downtown Manhattan. Chinatown is a satisfying destination for dumpling cravings, but there are other locations closer to home that make my heart beat fast. Most notable is Mimi Cheng's, which is dangerously close to home and certifiably addictive.

Ingredients for Chicken Thai Dumplings:

• 15-20 round dumpling wraps or wonton wrappers
• 8 ounces fresh chicken breast
• ¼ C finely diced red pepper
• ¼ C finely chopped peanuts
• ½ C diced red cabbage
• ¼ chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil

Ingredients for Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon green onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ C rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic

Once I figured out that Keith could make dumplings (or “potstickers” as he likes to call them) at home, my world quickly changed. These Thai Chicken Peanut dumplings were inspired by one of my all time favorite dumpling houses, Rickshaw. I lived very close to their Chelsea location for years, and I became very spoiled by it. I ate dumplings for dinner at least once a week, and Keith was easily drawn in. When they closed their doors a few years ago, I was devastated. I begged Keith to recreate some of our favorite flavors at home. While these aren’t exactly the same as Rickshaw, they have quickly become a personal favorite of mine.

How to make this recipe:

• In a mixing bowl, combine red pepper, peanuts, cabbage, cilantro, garlic and sesame oil.
• Allow to sit while finely chopping chicken breast (the finer you can chop it the better).
• Add chicken to mixing bowl and combine well.
• Place 1 tablespoon of mixture in center of wrap and wet the outer edge with a wet finger. Fold wrapper together as instructed on wrapper package.
• To cook, heat 2 tablespoon vegetable oil in large skillet and place dumplings in pan and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
• Add ¼ C water, cover immediately with lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes to steam dumplings.

The flavor of these Chicken Peanut Dumplings reminds me a bit of Thai chicken satay. The creamy peanut flavor really comes through, along with a hint of spice and a lovely punch of ginger. They look just as good as they taste, and they can be great as a shared party appetizer. Or, you can do as we do and share a huge plate for dinner.

How to make Peanut Dipping Sauce:

1. combine peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic together in a mixing bowl and whisk together.
2. Serve dumplings garnished with green onions and dipping sauce.

Expert Tips:

1. if you can't find round dumpling wraps, buy 5" X 5" wonton wrappers and use a 4" biscuit cutter to cut out before folding.
2. Dumplings can be made ahead and refrigerated (or frozen) until you are ready to pan fry them.
3. You can substitute ground pork and add chili flakes or more garlic for extra punch.

Serving Suggestions:

• serve with a Crunchy Asian Salad for a light & healthy meal.
• serve as an appetizer to Five Spice Sticky Pork Tenderloin or Smoked Pepper Salmon
• serve with Deconstucted Egg Rolls and Savory Pork Potstickers for an appetizer smorgasbord!

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