Chicken Dumpling Burgers: A Delicious Fusion Recipe

Chicken Dumpling Burgers: Prepare to have your taste buds completely and utterly amazed! Imagine the savory, comforting flavors of a perfectly steamed chicken dumpling, but instead of being nestled in a bamboo steamer, it’s transformed into a juicy, hand-held burger. Yes, you read that right! We’re taking the best of both worlds – the delicate deliciousness of Asian cuisine and the satisfying heartiness of an American classic – and fusing them into one unforgettable dish.

While the exact origins of the Chicken Dumpling Burger are shrouded in delicious mystery (perhaps a late-night culinary experiment gone wonderfully right?), the concept draws inspiration from the global love of dumplings. From Chinese jiaozi to Polish pierogi, these little pockets of flavor have been feeding and comforting people for centuries. They represent warmth, family, and shared meals. This burger adaptation simply takes that inherent comfort and presents it in a fun, accessible, and utterly craveable way.

So, why are people going crazy for this innovative creation? It’s all about the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender, seasoned chicken filling, reminiscent of your favorite dumplings, is complemented by a crisp, slightly sweet glaze. Add to that the soft burger bun and your favorite toppings, and you have a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious Chicken Dumpling Burger recipe. Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Dumplings:
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 40-50 round dumpling wrappers (gyoza or wonton wrappers)
• For the Burger Buns:
• 4 brioche burger buns, or your favorite type
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• For the Burger Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the Toppings (optional):
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced cucumbers
• Pickled ginger
• Sesame seeds
• Sriracha mayo (extra)
• For Cooking:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water

Preparing the Chicken Dumpling Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, green onions, napa cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well combined. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up slightly, making it easier to work with. I usually let it sit for an hour if I have the time!

Assembling the Dumplings:

1. Take one dumpling wrapper and place it on a clean, dry surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Dried-out wrappers are difficult to work with and can crack easily.
2. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill it, or the dumpling will be difficult to seal.
3. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water. This helps the wrapper to stick together and creates a good seal. You can use your finger or a small brush to apply the water.
4. Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, making sure there are no air pockets. You can also create pleats along one edge for a more decorative look, but this is optional. Just pinch and fold the edge over itself as you go.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all the filling is used. As you make the dumplings, place them on a lightly floured baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.

Cooking the Dumpling Patties:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate several dumplings without overcrowding.
2. Carefully place about 6-8 dumplings in the skillet, leaving some space between them. You may need to cook the dumplings in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
3. Cook the dumplings for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the skillet. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid. The steam will help to cook the chicken filling and make the wrappers tender.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the dumplings steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the chicken filling is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the lid and continue to cook the dumplings for another 1-2 minutes, or until the bottoms are crispy and golden brown again. This step helps to create a nice texture.
7. Transfer the cooked dumplings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 with the remaining dumplings, adding more oil as needed.
9. Once all the dumplings are cooked, gently flatten each cluster of dumplings into a patty shape using a spatula. Be careful not to break them apart completely, you want them to hold together as a “burger patty”.

Preparing the Burger Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a little more rice vinegar.
3. Set the sauce aside until ready to assemble the burgers.

Assembling the Chicken Dumpling Burgers:

1. Lightly brush the cut sides of the brioche burger buns with melted butter.
2. Toast the buns in a skillet or on a grill pan until golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a nice texture and flavor to the burgers.
3. Spread a generous amount of the burger sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
4. Place a flattened dumpling patty on the bottom bun.
5. Add your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and pickled ginger.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
7. Top with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken Dumpling Burgers! I like to serve mine with extra sriracha mayo on the side for dipping.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chicken Dumpling Burgers are truly a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. They’re not just burgers; they’re a delightful fusion of comforting dumpling flavors and the satisfying experience of biting into a juicy, well-crafted burger. The savory chicken filling, the hint of ginger and garlic, the subtle sweetness of the cabbage – it all comes together in perfect harmony.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s unexpectedly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. It’s a fantastic way to break out of your usual burger rut and introduce your family and friends to something new and exciting. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken! Forget about boring weeknight dinners; these burgers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Think of the possibilities! Serve these Chicken Dumpling Burgers on toasted brioche buns with a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. Or, for a lighter option, wrap them in crisp lettuce cups with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a side of soy dipping sauce. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some finely chopped kimchi to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of heat. You could even experiment with different dipping sauces – a sweet chili sauce, a tangy ponzu sauce, or even a creamy peanut sauce would all be fantastic complements.

For variations, consider using ground turkey or pork instead of chicken. You could also add some finely chopped shiitake mushrooms to the filling for an earthy umami flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh as a base and adding some finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Don’t be intimidated by the name – these burgers are surprisingly simple to make. The most important thing is to ensure that your chicken mixture is well-combined and that your patties are formed evenly. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from falling apart. And remember to let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful burger.

I truly believe that these Chicken Dumpling Burgers will become a new favorite in your household. They’re a fun and creative way to enjoy the flavors of dumplings in a completely new and unexpected way. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your grill (or your stovetop!), and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I can’t wait to hear what you think. Please, please, please, let me know how they turn out! Share your photos, your variations, and your feedback in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you try a different dipping sauce? Did your family love them as much as mine does? I’m all ears! Your experiences and insights are invaluable and help me to continue creating delicious and inspiring recipes for you. Happy cooking, and enjoy your amazing Chicken Dumpling Burgers! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do.