Should I use pork belly or pure lean meat for dumpling filling

Whether to use pork belly or pure lean meat for dumpling filling depends on taste requirements and health considerations. If you pursue freshness, tenderness, and juiciness, you can choose pork belly. If you pay attention to low fat and health, pure lean meat is suitable.

Pork belly contains a high proportion of fat, and during the heating process, the fat melts to form rich meat juice, making the dumpling filling taste smoother and fuller. It is especially suitable for pairing with vegetables with high water content such as scallions and cabbage, which can effectively avoid the filling becoming stale. But attention should be paid to controlling the ratio of fat to lean, usually with three layers of fat and seven layers of lean, to avoid excessive greasiness affecting digestion. For people with high blood lipids or those who need to control their weight, the proportion of fat can be appropriately reduced or replaced with semi fat and lean parts such as front leg meat.

Pure lean meat has low fat content and high protein ratio, making it more suitable for fitness enthusiasts or those who need to limit their fat intake. However, pure lean meat filling is prone to dryness and hardness due to insufficient moisture. When mixing, a small amount of Sichuan pepper water or egg white can be added and stirred vigorously. At the same time, it can be paired with moisture rich ingredients such as mushrooms and carrots to enhance its moisture content. When using pork tenderloin, it is recommended to pat the fiber with the back of the knife beforehand, and adding an appropriate amount of vegetable oil can also improve the taste.

No matter which type of meat you choose, it is recommended to pair it with ginger, chopped scallions, etc. to remove fishy smell and enhance freshness. The meat filling should be thoroughly stirred until it becomes sticky and strong. Before packaging, it can be refrigerated for half an hour to make the taste blend. diabetes patients can increase the proportion of vegetables and reduce the amount of meat. hypertension patients need to pay attention to controlling the amount of soy sauce and salt added. Dumplings that are freshly made and cooked have the best taste, and should be sealed to prevent moisture loss when stored frozen.