Pot Stickers

These Pot Stickers were easier than I thought and

the flavor was authentic.

1lb ground pork

1 t salt

1 t pepper

1 t red pepper flakes

1 t sesame oil

3 cloves garlic

1 ½ t  fresh ginger

Vegetable oil

Wonton wrappers, round if you can find them, I could only find the square ones

Place ground pork in mixing bowl.

Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and sesame oil to pork

Remove paper from garlic cloves by smashing them with flat knife

Add garlic to pork mixture using a garlic press or microplane, (if you don’t have a garlic press, mince finely)

Peel ginger root and add 1 ½ teaspoon of ginger to pork mixture using a microplane or fine grater (If you don’t have a microplane, get one! They have all kinds of uses.)

Mix all ingredients together

Preheat oven to 350

Make 24 small oval meatballs and place on cookie sheet.

Bake 15 minutes or until pork is no longer pink.

Lay out a wonton wrapper.

Wet edges of wonton wrapper with water.

Place a meatball in center of wrapper.

Crimp edges of wonton wrapper together and pleat using water as “glue”.

Place on sheet pan or plate and cover with damp towel to keep moist.

This didn’t take as long as I thought so I’m already thinking about what else I can stuff into these wonton wrappers.

Heat large skillet on high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil.

Place all pot stickers in pan and brown the bottom of pot stickers. The bottom of the pot stickers should form a crust.

After browning the bottom of pot stickers, add ¾ cup of water to pan and cover skillet with lid.

Steam pot stickers for 5 minutes.

Remove from pan and serve hot with soy sauce.

These disappeared quickly which is always a good sign!

I use microplanes all the time. They're a huge time saver and make pretty garnishes. 

Cooking Tools by Microplane

Stuffed Burger Project

I have an idea for a stuffed burger but have failed at my attempts before. I think the only way to successfully create a stuffed burger that stays stuffed is to use a hamburger press. This way the meat is evenly distributed, not too thick and can be sealed. I have purchased a hamburger press from William Sonoma that I’m anxious to try. I will let you know the results and how the recipe progresses this weekend.

Stuffed Burger Project:   my idea

A burger stuffed with pepper jack cheese and bacon. I’m going to try to use two ¼ lb to 1/3 lb patties pressed thinly in the hamburger press. I feel the press is needed because it can be difficult to seal the edges of the hamburger but also to flatten the hamburger enough that it can be cooked through. I also don’t want to create a massive burger that no one could finish. The press controls the amount of meat used.

I’m excited to try this recipe over the weekend with my family at the beach. This is our annual trip and I hope this burger will impress everyone.

I can’t wait to share the results with you and the exact recipe that works. If I enjoy this hamburger press as much as I think I will the ideas for these burgers is endless. 

I couldn't find the exact press I purchased. Maybe because I bought mine at the William Sonoma outlet near my house. But here's an option for you.

Decor by Williams-Sonoma