Description
This Viral Crispy Dumpling Salad combines golden, pan-fried dumplings with a fresh medley of mixed greens, cucumber, carrot, red onion, and cilantro, all tossed in a tangy soy-based dressing. Garnished with sesame seeds and crushed nuts, this salad offers a delightful balance of crispy textures and refreshing flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dumplings
- 8-10 frozen dumplings (potstickers or any variety of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
Salad
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts or cashews (optional, for garnish)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Fry the Dumplings: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen dumplings and fry until golden and crispy on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once crispy, remove them from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, julienned cucumber, carrot, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger (if using), and chili flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chop and Add Dumplings: Allow the fried dumplings to cool slightly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add these pieces to the salad bowl.
- Final Toss and Garnish: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dumpling pieces. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts or cashews to add a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the crispy dumpling salad immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm dumplings and fresh, crisp greens.
Notes
- Use any variety of frozen dumplings you prefer—vegetarian, pork, chicken, or seafood.
- Adjust the chili flakes in the dressing to control the spice level.
- To make the salad vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds and nuts before garnishing.
- This salad is best eaten immediately to maintain the crispiness of the dumplings.
