If you love dumplings, you’ll be obsessed with these Homemade Potstickers. They’re full of juicy, flavorful filling and come together with a crispy finish that’s irresistible.
These Homemade Potstickers are a delicious, hands-on dish that brings together tender wrappers and a flavorful, juicy filling. Pan-fried to golden perfection, they develop a crispy bottom while staying soft and steamed on top, creating the perfect texture contrast in every bite. Served with a savory dipping sauce, these dumplings are both comforting and impressive and everyone will love them!
I love serving these potstickers alongside my Instant Pot Coconut Rice, Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken, and Sesame Chicken.
Table of Contents
What is a Potsticker?
I have a serious love for potstickers! Potstickers are steam-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, usually served with a variety of dipping sauces. You can steam them or fry them for added color and flavor. Plus, the fillings are endless, so you can try all kinds of tasty combinations. Surprisingly, they’re easier to make than you’d think!
Why We Love Homemade Potstickers
- Potstickers can be filled with a variety of ingredients.
- Suitable as appetizers, main courses, or snacks.
- You can pan-fry, steam, or air-fry homemade potstickers.
Recipe Ingredients
Sausage – Adds bold, savory flavors and a hint of seasoning to the filling.
Napa Cabbage – Best for authentic flavor and because it is less crunchy than green cabbage.
Sesame Oil – Enhances the filling with a rich, nutty aroma.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Filling Combos – You can also try other protein combinations like pork, ground chicken, turkey, or even finely chopped shrimp for different flavor options.
Vegetable Add-Ins – For added depth, you could try mushrooms, a hint of fresh ginger, finely chopped shallots for a mild, sweet onion flavor, finely chopped Bok choy, shredded zucchini (with excess moisture squeezed out), or chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch.
Broth Addition – Instead of steaming potstickers with water, use chicken broth to infuse the dumplings with a savory, rich flavor.
How to Make Homemade Potstickers
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, cabbage, carrot, onion, garlic, egg, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Using your hands, gently mix everything together.
Step 2: Place a scant tablespoon of filling into the center of the wrapper. Dab your finger in warm water and drag it across two edges of the wrapper. Fold over and press to seal. Then, using a fork, crimp the edge so the wrapper really sticks together (this is a quick method that eliminates the need to pleat the edges). Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
Step 4: Once the oil is hot, add the prepared potstickers. Fry both sides until brown.
Step 5: Once cooked on both sides, add the water, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Steam for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve immediately.
FAQs
Combine canola oil, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can also try other options like Asian chili sauce, plain soy sauce, or sweet and sour sauce for variety.
Any Asian main dishes or sides work great! Some favorites include Sticky Asian Meatballs, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken, Szechuan Beef, Vegetable Stir Fry, or Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Yes! You can make your own dough by mixing flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth, let it rest, and roll it out thinly. Homemade dough adds a traditional texture to your potstickers.
More Cooking Methods
Air Fry – Air fry homemade potstickers at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Steam – When steaming, you’re making dumplings rather than true potstickers since potstickers need to be cooked in a pan with oil to achieve their signature texture.
Storage Information
STORE your pot stickers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To FREEZE, place them on a tray until solid (1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To REHEAT frozen potstickers, you can pan-fry them directly from frozen in a little oil over medium heat until heated through and crispy on the bottom. Alternatively, warm them in the microwave first, then re-crisp the bottoms in a pan.
More Hearty and Flavorful Favorites
Homemade Potstickers Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 lb ground sausage
- 1/2 cup napa cabbage - finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot - finely grated
- 1/4 yellow onion - finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic - finely minced
- 1 egg - lightly beaten
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 pkg square wonton wrappers
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp canola oil - OR vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, cabbage, carrot, onion, garlic, egg, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Using your hands, gently mix everything together.
- Place a scant tablespoon of filling into the center of the wrapper. Dab your finger in warm water and drag it across two edges of the wrapper. Fold over and press to seal. Then, using a fork, crimp the edge so the wrapper really sticks together (this is a quick method that eliminates the need to pleat the edges). Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the prepared potstickers. Fry both sides until brown.
- Once cooked on both sides, add the water, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Steam for about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
This was my first time making potstickers from scratch and I am honestly so impressed at how well these came out. I cannot wait to make them again.
Love potstickers! They are the perfect little appetizer! Love that you can fill them with whatever you like.