Step 1 of 7
Jiaozi
Mix the flour and salt, add the cold water gradually and work it into a stiff, rough dough. Knead for 5 minutes, cover and rest 30 minutes, then knead again for a minute until smooth.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Jiaozi take?
2 hr 45 min all in — 2 hr prep, 15 min cook, 30 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Soy, Sesame. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Mixing bowl, Rolling pin, Stockpot, Spider or strainer, Baking tray, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 pinch.
How much soy sauce?
2 tbsp (light) of Soy sauce.
How much toasted sesame oil?
1 tbsp of Toasted sesame oil.
What can I use instead?
Napa cabbage → Chinese chives. Pork and chive is the other classic filling. No salting needed; chop them fine and fold them in at the end. Chinese black vinegar → Rice vinegar with a few drops of soy sauce. Thinner and less malty, but it still cuts the fat.
Any tips from this recipe?
Freeze extras on the floured tray, not touching, then bag them. Boil from frozen with one extra cold-water top-up. A dish of chilli oil beside the vinegar is common, and a raw garlic clove to bite between dumplings is very northern. Leftover boiled jiaozi fry well the next day in a little oil, flat side down, until the bottoms are crisp.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Leftover boiled jiaozi fry well the next day in a little oil, flat side down, until the bottoms are crisp.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.