Like most things wrapped in dough, this is a friendly, go-to choice. The variations on dumpling fillings and shape are endless, and it is surprising how easy these are to make at home. Start with a large batch, freeze it, and you’ll always have a quick snack, appetizer, or meal ready in about 8 minutes.

I once made the filling from ground meat I found in the freezer; I defrosted it, then mixed it with some lone scallions and ginger found in the back of the crisper. “You know that’s turkey, right?” my husband asked. I had thought it was pork. So I just boosted the seasoning a little to make up for the fat flavor lacking in turkey. I made enough to eat right away and also to freeze for later.

Steps

1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dipping sauce. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the meat, bok choy, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Stir in the egg white.
3. Working with 6 at a time, lay down the dumpling wrappers on a work surface. Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling onto each one. Lightly wet the edge of each wrapper with water. Fold the dough over and pinch around the edges. This is easiest done by picking up each dumpling and pinching around the edges with thumb and forefinger. Place on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap to keep the dumplings from drying out. Repeat until all filling is used. (Freeze any dumplings that will not be cooked immediately. After they are frozen, transfer them to resealable plastic bags or wrap in plastic.)
4. To cook the dumplings, heat a large skillet and swirl some oil around to coat the pan. Add a single layer of potstickers. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes (2 minutes longer if frozen), until they begin to turn golden on the underside. Don’t move them. Add ¼ cup of water to the pan and cover immediately. Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the dumplings release from the pan. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.