Cookwith

Name: Jurassic Pork Dinosaur-Shaped Dumplings
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g ground pork; 2 scallions, finely chopped; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 24 round dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp water (for sealing); 1 tbsp neutral oil (for pan-frying); Optional: food-safe green or purple vegetable juice (spinach or purple cabbage) for coloring wrappers

Jurassic Pork Dinosaur-Shaped Dumplings

jkakar

Bring the fun of the Jurassic era to your dinner table with these whimsical pork dumplings shaped like dinosaurs! The savory, juicy pork filling is seasoned with aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallion, then wrapped in tender dumpling dough you can tint green or purple for extra prehistoric flair. Shaping the dumplings into brontosaurus or stegosaurus forms is a playful activity for both kids and adults—perfect for a themed party or to spark dinnertime imagination. Crisp, golden bottoms and a lusciously steamed top give these dino dumplings irresistible texture. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce and let your taste buds roam the land before time!

Ingredients

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well until sticky and cohesive.
If desired, tint dumpling wrappers by brushing or kneading a little vegetable juice into the dough for a playful dino look.
Working one at a time, place 1 heaping teaspoon of pork filling in the center of a wrapper. Lightly dab the edges with water.
Fold the wrapper in half over the filling. Pinch and pleat the edges to seal, then shape the dumpling into a dinosaur: elongate the body, pinch a tail at one end, and use your fingers or a butter knife to form a neck and head (like a brontosaurus). Use a toothpick to poke tiny holes for eyes or to define spikes for a stegosaurus.
Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers, keeping finished dumplings covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add oil, swirling to coat. Arrange dumplings flat-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
Carefully add 1/4 cup water to the pan, cover immediately, and reduce heat to medium. Steam for 5-6 minutes or until the filling is cooked through and wrappers are tender.
Uncover, increase heat, and let any remaining water evaporate to re-crisp the bottoms, 1-2 minutes more.
Transfer dinosaur dumplings to a platter. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.