Pan-Fried Dumplings (Potstickers/Gyoza)

Ingredients:

**For the Dough:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup hot water

**For the Filling:**
– 1/2 pound ground pork (or chicken)
– 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**For Cooking:**
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup water

**For Dipping Sauce:**
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Optional: a pinch of sugar and chili flakes

 Instructions:

1. **Make the Dough:**
– In a bowl, mix the flour and hot water until a dough forms.
– Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth (about 5 minutes).
– Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. **Shape the Dumplings:**
– Divide the dough into small pieces (about 1 tablespoon each).
– Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a thin circle (about 3 inches in diameter).
– Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
– Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, pleating if desired.

4. **Cook the Dumplings:**
– Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Arrange the dumplings in the skillet in a single layer, without touching.
– Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes.
– Carefully add water to the skillet (it will steam), then cover with a lid.
– Steam the dumplings until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through, about 5 minutes.

5. **Prepare the Dipping Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add sugar and chili flakes if desired.

6. **Serve:**
– Serve the dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade pan-fried dumplings!