dumpling
A dumpling is a broad culinary category consisting of pieces of dough—made from a variety of starch sources—that are wrapped around a filling or cooked by themselves. Mentally, imagine a soft, pillowy pocket of dough that holds a savory or sweet surprise inside, often steamed, boiled, or pan-fried to achieve a satisfying texture. The term is incredibly versatile and applies to global comfort foods ranging from Chinese jiaozi and Italian ravioli to Polish pierogi. In casual English, it is often used to describe small, round, or stuffed items, and can even be used as an affectionate nickname for someone who is plump or cute.
In conversation
Deciding on lunch
I'm craving something warm. Should we get dumplings?
I'm craving something warm. Should we get dumplings?
Definitely! There's a great spot that does pan-fried pork ones.
Definitely! There's a great spot that does pan-fried pork ones.
Casual suggestion for a meal.
Cooking at home
Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, or the dumplings will burst.
Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, or the dumplings will burst.
I'll try! They look like little clouds.
I'll try! They look like little clouds.
Using the word in the context of food preparation.
Examples
I love eating dumplings for dinner.
I love eating dumplings for dinner.
She learned how to fold the dough to make the perfect dumpling.
She learned how to fold the dough to make the perfect dumpling.
The restaurant specializes in an array of steamed dumplings served with a spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
The restaurant specializes in an array of steamed dumplings served with a spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
