Three Fresh Dumplings (San Xian Jiaozi)
三鲜饺子
Northern Chinese dumplings filled with 'three fresh' — pork, shrimp, and chives. A classic jiaozi filling everyone loves.
📋 Ingredients
What Is Three Fresh Dumplings (San Xian Jiaozi)?
💡 Ingredient Notes: Three Fresh Dumplings (三鲜饺子, sān xiān jiǎo zi) are a classic Northern Chinese dumpling filled with the 'three fresh' — pork, shrimp, and chives. The combination is beloved for its balanced flavor: savory pork, sweet shrimp, and aromatic chives. Eaten year-round but especially during Lunar New Year, these dumplings are the kind every Chinese family has their own version of. The wrapping technique takes practice but is forgiving — as long as they're sealed, they'll be delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need
The Filling
- 300g ground pork
- 150g shrimp, peeled and finely chopped
- 200g Chinese chives (or garlic chives), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp ginger water (grated ginger soaked in warm water, liquid only)
Wrappers
- 1 package round dumpling wrappers
- Small bowl of water
Dipping Sauce
- Black vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Chili oil
📝 Instructions
Make the filling
Combine pork, shrimp, chives, and all seasonings. Mix in one direction for 3-5 minutes until sticky. The ginger water adds flavor and moisture.
Wrap
Place a wrapper in your hand. Add 1 tbsp filling. Wet the edge with water, fold in half, and pleat to seal. Place on a floured tray. Repeat.
Boil
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add dumplings and stir gently. When water boils again, add ½ cup cold water. Repeat 2 more times. Dumplings float and are done when plump (6-8 minutes).
Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon. Serve with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- 💡Mix in one direction — this aligns proteins for a juicy, bouncy texture.
- 💡Use Chinese chives (韭菜) if possible — they have a unique garlic-onion flavor. Regular chives work but are milder.
- 💡Don't overfill — overfilling causes bursting. Start with less filling than you think.
📊 Nutrition Facts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze them? Yes — freeze uncooked on a floured tray, then bag. Boil from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
