Taste of Homemade Dumplings – May 1, 2023
Hosted by the ACC AAPI Cultural Center and the Culinary Arts Department
“Chinese Dumplings” by Jiang Jiang is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
Chinese dumplings, also known as jiaozi in Mandarin, are believed to have first appeared around Tang dynasty (618-907). Jiaozi have long been a major dish during Chinese New Year and other major family gatherings especially in the Northern China. They also have a cultural symbolic significance related to the changing of seasons. That’s why jiaozi are customarily served on Chinese New Year’s Eve in Northern China to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. With a shape like silver ingots, jiaozi also symbolize “making a fortune.”
There are many ways of making and cooking jiaozi. Ingredients for the filling typically include minced meat (shrimp, pork, beef, chicken, lamb, etc.) and vegetables, the combination of which are completely up to the chef’s preference. Boiling, steaming, and pan-frying are the most common ways to cook jiaozi in China. Pan-fried dumplings are also called “potstickers” in English, or gyoza in Japanese.
Our Chefs
Chef Jeffery Li
Head Chef Jeffrey Li is originally from Dalian, in the northeastern part of China, where dumplings are the most popular dish at home. Chef Li has worked in the restaurant business for many years as a chef and manager both in China and the United States. After moving to Austin in 2017, he found that authentic, healthy Chinese cuisine in our vibrant city is still limited. And, contrary to the culture he grew up with, there’s a misconception here in the United States that dumplings are mere appetizers. Dumplings have long been a very important main dish in the northern part of China and play a key role on the dining table of family reunions and celebrations.
In 2020, Chef Li founded the Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings in Austin’s Chinatown. He seeks to introduce the Austin community to authentic, healthy Chinese cuisine with organic ingredients and to help preserve the important role of Chinese dumplings overseas.
Chef Jessie Li
Chef Jessie Li oversees the creation of recipes and day-to-day operations in the kitchen at Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings (THHD) in Austin. Born and raised in Dalian, Liaoning Province, she worked in the restaurant industry as a cook and pastry chef for many years before becoming the chef at THHD. She received one-on-one training from Dumpling Master Zhou Yanqiu in Liaoning.
Dumplings always remind her of home and family regardless of where she lives. It’s her hope to share the tradition and the best way to enjoy dumplings—freshly made from the kitchen—with our local Austin community. Chef Li also aspires to pass on this culinary heritage to the next generation by presenting the art and technique of making, eating, and appreciating Chinese dumplings.
office hours
Or by appointment:
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address
ACC-Northridge Campus
11928 Stonehollow Drive
Austin, TX 78758
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