Dumplings & Apps

Pork and Cabbage Potstickers

Name: Pork and Cabbage Potstickers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground pork; 1 cup (115g) finely chopped cabbage; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh ginger; 2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauce; 1 tablespoon (15g) sesame oil; 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers); 2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch; 1 egg, beaten; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil for pan-frying

By Nina Lee · June 18, 2026 · Dumplings & Apps

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves20

Pork and Cabbage Potstickers — Pan-fried potstickers with a juicy pork and cabbage filling

I still remember the first time I had potstickers at a Chinese restaurant. The combination of the crispy exterior and the juicy pork and cabbage filling was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect my own potsticker recipe at home. After months of trial and error, I'm excited to share my secrets with you. In this recipe, we'll be making authentic Chinese potstickers with a juicy pork and cabbage filling, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or appetizer.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors and textures in the filling. The pork provides a rich and savory flavor, while the cabbage adds a nice crunch and freshness. The key to making great potstickers is to use the right ingredients and to not overmix the filling. We'll also be using a special technique called velveting to make the pork extra tender.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Chinese food and wants to learn how to make it at home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So, let's get started and make some delicious potstickers!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's very versatile. You can serve the potstickers as an appetizer or as a main course, and you can also freeze them for later use. I like to serve them with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. It's the perfect combination of flavors to complement the potstickers.

In this recipe, we'll be covering everything from the basics of making potstickers to some advanced techniques for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, you'll find that this recipe has something to offer. Let's get started and make some delicious pork and cabbage potstickers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These potstickers are easy to make and require minimal special equipment.
The filling is made with a balance of flavors and textures, including pork, cabbage, ginger, and garlic.
The potstickers can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.
They can be frozen for later use, making them a great option for meal prep.
The dipping sauce is easy to make and provides a nice balance of flavors to complement the potstickers.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Chinese food and wants to learn how to make it at home.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great potstickers is to use the right ingredients and to not overmix the filling. The pork and cabbage provide a nice balance of flavors and textures, while the ginger and garlic add a hint of spice and aroma. The velveting technique used in this recipe helps to make the pork extra tender and juicy.

The cooking process is also important. Pan-frying the potstickers gives them a crispy exterior, while steaming them helps to cook the filling evenly. The combination of these two cooking methods results in a potsticker that is both crispy and juicy.

Another important factor is the balance of flavors in the dipping sauce. The soy sauce and vinegar provide a nice balance of salty and sour flavors, while the chili oil adds a hint of spice. This sauce is the perfect complement to the potstickers and helps to bring out their flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious potstickers, you'll need a few ingredients. The most important ingredients are the pork and cabbage, which provide the filling. You'll also need some ginger and garlic for flavor, as well as some soy sauce and sesame oil for seasoning. For the wrapping, you'll need some round wonton wrappers, which can be found at most Asian markets or online.

When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. The pork should be lean and fresh, while the cabbage should be crisp and free of blemishes. The ginger and garlic should be firm and have no signs of mold or rot. The soy sauce and sesame oil should be of high quality and have a good balance of flavors.

1 lb (450g) ground porkThe pork should be lean and fresh, with a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use other types of meat, such as beef or chicken, but pork is traditional.
1 cup (115g) finely chopped cabbageThe cabbage should be crisp and free of blemishes. You can use either green or napa cabbage, depending on your preference.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThe garlic should be firm and have no signs of mold or rot. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute.
1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh gingerThe ginger should be firm and have no signs of mold or rot. You can also use ground ginger as a substitute.
2 tablespoons (30g) soy sauceThe soy sauce should be of high quality and have a good balance of flavors. You can use either light or dark soy sauce, depending on your preference.
1 tablespoon (15g) sesame oilThe sesame oil should be of high quality and have a good balance of flavors. You can use either light or dark sesame oil, depending on your preference.
1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)The wonton wrappers should be fresh and have no signs of mold or rot. You can find them at most Asian markets or online.
2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarchThe cornstarch helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too wet. You can also use flour or tapioca starch as a substitute.
1 egg, beatenThe egg helps to bind the filling together and prevent it from falling apart. You can also use egg whites or egg yolks as a substitute.
Salt and pepper to tasteThe salt and pepper help to bring out the flavors of the filling and add depth and complexity. You can adjust the amount to taste.
2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil for pan-fryingThe vegetable oil helps to cook the potstickers and give them a crispy exterior. You can use either vegetable oil or peanut oil, depending on your preference.

Ingredients for Pork and Cabbage Potstickers

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsSpatulaSteamer basket

How to Make Pork and Cabbage Potstickers

1
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2
Add the cornstarch, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix until the filling is just combined.
3
Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
4
Dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
5
Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the potsticker.
6
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
7
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
8
When the oil is hot, add a few potstickers to the skillet (do not overcrowd).
9
Pan-fry the potstickers until they are golden brown on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes.
10
Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and cover with a lid.
11
Steam the potstickers for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the filling is hot.
12
Serve the potstickers hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the filling, as this can make the potstickers dense and heavy.
Use a gentle touch when handling the wonton wrappers, as they can tear easily.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying the potstickers, as this can cause them to stick together.
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for pan-frying.
Do not overcook the potstickers, as this can make them dry and tough.
Experiment with different fillings and seasonings to find your favorite combination.
Consider using a steamer basket to steam the potstickers, as this can help to cook them evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
To freeze the potstickers, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the filling, which can make the potstickers dense and heavy.
Not using enough water when steaming the potstickers, which can cause them to stick together.
Overcooking the potstickers, which can make them dry and tough.
Not using the right type of oil for pan-frying, which can cause the potstickers to stick to the skillet.
Not sealing the potstickers properly, which can cause them to fall apart during cooking.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the potstickers.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, instead of pork.
Adding other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped scallions or grated carrot.
Using different types of seasonings, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, to give the potstickers a unique flavor.
Serving the potstickers with a different type of dipping sauce, such as a sweet chili sauce or a spicy mustard sauce.
Using different types of wrappers, such as square or circular wrappers, to change the shape of the potstickers.
Adding a few drops of food coloring to the filling to give the potstickers a fun and colorful appearance.
Using a combination of pan-frying and steaming to cook the potstickers, which can help to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

What to Serve With Pork and Cabbage Potstickers

These potstickers are perfect for serving as an appetizer or as a main course. You can serve them with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil, or with a sweet chili sauce or a spicy mustard sauce. They are also great with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

Some other ideas for serving the potstickers include serving them with a bowl of noodles or rice, or using them as a topping for a salad or a bowl of soup. You can also serve them as a snack or as a light lunch.

Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oilServe with a side of steamed vegetables or a saladUse as a topping for a salad or a bowl of soupServe with a bowl of noodles or rice

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the potstickers, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the potstickers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

To reheat the potstickers, you can pan-fry them or steam them. To pan-fry, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the potstickers. Cook until they are golden brown on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add a little water to the skillet and cover with a lid. Steam the potstickers for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the filling is hot.

To steam the potstickers, place them in a steamer basket and steam them over boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the filling is hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and cooking on high for 30-60 seconds, or until they are hot and steaming.

It's also important to note that the potstickers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook. This makes them a great option for meal prep or for making in advance for a party or special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wrappers should I use for the potstickers?

You should use round wonton wrappers, which can be found at most Asian markets or online. Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality wrappers that are free of tears and holes.

How do I prevent the potstickers from sticking together?

To prevent the potstickers from sticking together, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying them. You can also add a little bit of oil to the skillet before adding the potstickers, which can help to prevent them from sticking.

Can I freeze the potstickers?

Yes, you can freeze the potstickers for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the potstickers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.

How do I reheat the potstickers?

You can reheat the potstickers by pan-frying them or steaming them. To pan-fry, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the potstickers. Cook until they are golden brown on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add a little water to the skillet and cover with a lid. Steam the potstickers for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the filling is hot.

Can I make the potstickers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the potstickers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook. This makes them a great option for meal prep or for making in advance for a party or special occasion.

What type of dipping sauce should I serve with the potstickers?

You can serve the potstickers with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. You can also serve them with a sweet chili sauce or a spicy mustard sauce.

Can I use different types of meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can use different types of meat instead of pork. Some options include beef, chicken, or a combination of meats. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I prevent the potstickers from becoming too dry?

To prevent the potstickers from becoming too dry, make sure to not overcook them. You can also add a little bit of oil to the skillet before adding the potstickers, which can help to keep them moist.

The Full Recipe

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