A bowl of Chinese dumplings is always welcome, whether served in broth or, like here, simply dressed with rice vinegar and spicy sesame oil. It’s no trouble at all to chop and season the filling, and store-bought wrappers are easy to stuff and seal. Four minutes in boiling water is all it takes to get these bright-tasting shellfish dumplings on the table.
Working in batches, line up dumpling wrappers on a work surface. Place 2 teaspoons filling in the center of each wrapper. Lightly moisten the edge of each wrapper with water and pinch together to surround filling and form a half-moon. Pleat edges to secure the seal.
03Bring a large low pot of well-salted water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce: Whisk together rice vinegar, spicy sesame oil and slivered scallions in a small serving dish.
04Add 12 dumplings at a time to the pot. When they bob to the surface, simmer 4 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon or spider. Serve each person 3 or 4 dumplings in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon dipping sauce and garnish with cilantro sprigs.