Published: Jan 28, 2019 · Updated: May 25, 2021 by Wei Guo · 25 Comments

Ten ways to fold dumplings (Ultimate Dumpling Guide part 3)

An easy-to-follow video tutorial on dumpling folding methods. 10 patterns covering all levels of skill. Extra tips to make your attempts to fold dumplings fail-proof.

Here comes the most fun part of my Ultimate Dumpling Guide: folding dumplings into beautiful patterns. Even if there aren’t any set rules, it’s great to try different folding techniques to make your dumplings special. In this post, I’m sharing 10 folding methods. Choose the pattern you prefer, or why not try all of them!

The most common look of a Chinese dumpling is ‘half-moon’ shape. So the simplest folding method is to place the filling in the middle of the wrapper, then fold over and seal. Voilà! It’s done. Before watching my tutorial video on 10 methods, let me explain some of the basics of dumpling folding.

Seal well to avoid leaking

No matter what shape you are making, please make sure the dumpling is well sealed, especially if you are going to boil them in water. Otherwise, you would end up with broken wrappers and leaking filling. Not pleasant, is it?

Don’t overly flour the wrappers

In my post on homemade dumpling wrappers, I suggest you dust the dough with flour to avoid sticking. However, if you use excess flour over the wrappers, you would find it difficult to seal. So easy on the dusting and always make sure the less floured side of the wrapper is facing upwards when folding.

Start with a simple pattern and less filling

If you are new to dumpling assembly, start with the simple patterns. Try to place a little less filling on the wrapper. This will make your first attempts much easier. Gradually increase the amount of filling as you improve your skill.

Homemade wrappers work much better

With homemade wrappers, you can fold your dumplings any way you wish as they are moist, soft and stretchy. If you use shop-bought wrappers, you will have to wet the rim to make them sticky.

Since shop-bought ones are drier and stiffer, it’s quite difficult to stretch them. Therefore for more sophisticated patterns, eg. the one shown in the image above, they don’t do a good job.

Choose the pattern that suits your cooking methods

You can choose the pattern(s) that suits your cooking method. For example, if the dumplings are to be boiled, they are less likely to retain a perfect look after cooking.

So to save time, you could go for one of the simpler patterns. Whereas steaming or pan-frying wouldn’t affect the shape of the dumplings. So you could try some of the more intricate patterns instead.

Freeze dumplings if not used immediately

Homemade dumplings freeze very well. Right after they are assembled, lay them on a tray (dust with flour or line with parchment paper) to freeze. Then put them in an air-tight bag when totally frozen.

Follow the same cooking procedure (do not defrost). If using the steaming method, prolong the cooking time by 2 mins (Please find cooking instructions in my post “Cook dumplings in three ways”)