Ji Guan Jiao (鸡冠饺), also known as Cockscomb Dumplings, is a renowned delicacy hailing from Wuhan, Hubei Province, belonging to the rich tapestry of Hubei cuisine. Made primarily from flour, these dumplings boast a delicious flavor profile and are relatively simple to prepare. True to their name, Ji Guan Jiao resembles the comb of a rooster, featuring a crispy and fragrant exterior that gives way to a soft and tender filling. These dumplings come in a variety of styles, with fillings ranging from vermicelli and pickled vegetables to chives.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making Ji Guan Jiao:
- Begin by taking a large bowl and adding flour, salt, baking soda, and yeast.
- Gradually add cold water to the mixture.
- Stir the ingredients together with chopsticks until well combined.
- Knead the dough by hand until it reaches a soft and non-sticky consistency. Brush the surface of the dough with oil to prevent it from drying out, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
- Prepare the filling by seasoning minced meat with salt, soy sauce, pepper, ginger, five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
- Mix the seasonings into the meat mixture, stirring in one direction until evenly distributed. Add chopped scallions and continue stirring in the same direction until well combined.
- Brush a layer of oil onto a cutting board, then remove the dough from the refrigerator. Pinch off a small piece of dough and let it rest for about ten minutes. Flatten the dough with your fingers into a thin, round shape. Place a portion of filling in the center of the dough circle, then fold it in half and press the edges firmly to seal. Repeat this process for the remaining dumplings.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over high heat until it starts to smoke. Carefully place the raw dumplings into the hot oil, frying one side until golden brown before flipping and frying the other side. Once both sides are crispy and golden, remove the dumplings from the oil and drain excess oil by placing them on kitchen paper towels.
Ji Guan Jiao delights with its crunchy texture, savory filling, and aromatic flavor. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, these dumplings are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more of their distinctive taste.