Pork Pot Stickers

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling
   In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped Napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Form the dumplings
   Place a dumpling wrapper in your palm and add about 1 tablespoon of filling to the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip. Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges together to seal, creating pleats along one side for a traditional look. Place completed dumplings on a lightly floured surface.
3. Prepare for cooking
   Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Arrange dumplings in the pan with the flat sides down, packing them closely but not touching. Cook undisturbed until bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Steam the dumplings
   Carefully add ½ cup of water to the pan (it will sizzle and steam), then immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to medium and let the dumplings steam for about 6-8 minutes until the water has evaporated and the filling is cooked through.
5. Crisp the bottoms
   Once the water has evaporated, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the bottoms are crispy and golden brown. Gently shake the pan to ensure dumplings aren't sticking.
6. Serve immediately
   Transfer pot stickers to a serving plate, crispy side up. Serve hot with dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.