What is the best substitute for Chinese chives?

Chinese chives are a special herb that looks similar to our favorite garden chives but is a little different. Chinese or garlic chives have a flatter, wider shape and a notoriously garlicky flavor that pairs wonderfully with eggs, shrimp, and other proteins. These chives are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are commonly available at Asian grocery stores. If you cannot find them, you can substitute regular onion chives, but consider adding a clove or two of freshly minced garlic for that savory punch.

Can you use gluten-free dumpling wrappers?

Yes! These are a great substitute for gluten-free eaters. Just be sure to read the directions on the packaging, as you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Do eggs and garlic chives go together?

Yes! Eggs and garlic chives are a fantastic match, and they're often paired together in different Chinese recipes, like Chinese chive pockets, egg stir-fries, chive pancakes, and more. The fresh, herby flavor of the chives pairs wonderfully with the butteriness of the eggs, making these two ingredients a natural match.

Egg and Chive Vegetarian Dumplings

Name: Egg and Chive Vegetarian Dumplings
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cups Chinese chives (garlic chives), chopped finely; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 50 dumpling wrappers; black rice vinegar or soy sauce (optional, for dipping)

Description

Egg and Chive Vegetarian Dumplings are the perfect Chinese appetizers made with fragrant chives, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a dash of flavour. These Vegetarian Dumplings are based on a popular Chinese flavor combination that transforms two simple ingredients into the most deliciously savory filling. Savory chives give fluffy scrambled eggs a fresh, garlicky twist, and soy sauce and sesame oil add lots of umami flavor and just enough salt. They're quick, too — it takes just an hour to make a mountain of 50 delicious egg dumplings!

Ingredients

Scale

3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups Chinese chives (garlic chives), chopped finely
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
50 dumpling wrappers
black rice vinegar or soy sauce (optional, for dipping)

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Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat the eggs well, about 1 minute.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the eggs, scrambled, until light and fluffy. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and roughly separate eggs into small pieces (the size cottage cheese).
In large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, chives, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir together until well combined.
Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the centre of a dumpling wrapper. Dip your finger in water and smear along the edges of the dumpling wrapper. Fold the dumpling wrapper over to create a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling inside. Seal the filling inside by pleating the edges together with your finger or pinch the edges together with a fork.
Repeat until all the mixture and dumpling wrappers are used up.
Cook by pan-frying, steaming or boiling.
- To pan-fry: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add some dumplings and cook 2-3 minutes until bottom is crisp and golden. Add water (enough to cover the dumplings halfway up), cover, and steam the dumplings for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- To steam: In a pot, bring water to boil . Place some dumplings in steamer on top and steam for 10-15 minutes until tender.
- To boil: Fill a large pot with 2/3 water and bring to a boil. Add some dumplings and cook until they float and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
Repeat with remaining dumplings or store uncooked dumplings in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

How to store: Store any leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Leftover uncooked dumplings should be frozen (see instructions below).

How to reheat: The easiest way to reheat dumplings depends on your original cooking method. I like to gently warm pan-fried dumplings in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. You aren't trying to crisp them up again, just to warm up them all the way through. For steamed or boiled dumplings, place them in a warm skillet with a teaspoon of water and cover with a lid. Let them gently steam for 3-5 minutes until they're nice and hot.

How to freeze: It's always a good idea to make an extra batch because these dumplings are stored in the freezer. To store, simply place uncooked dumplings spaced apart on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper and freeze for an hour until hard. Then, transfer them into ziploc bags or tupperware and cook as desired, according to recipe instructions. You will need to add about 5 minutes extra to the cook time when cooking from frozen. Easy, peasy!

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Pan Fry
Cuisine: Chinese