At the table
Lift carefully, let the hot juices cool and take a small first bite. Eat plain first; vinegar or chili oil is an optional dip.
Ask which filling is offered. This version contains pork, wheat and sesame; other fillings may include shrimp or egg. Dips and cooking wine need separate checks.
Fully scalded wrappers and different fillings also occur. Shrimp, vegetable or sweet fillings are separate versions, not additions to this pork recipe.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Fully scalded wrappers and different fillings also occur. Shrimp, vegetable or sweet fillings are separate versions, not additions to this pork recipe.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory pork, mild ginger and fragrant sesame oil.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Thin supple wheat skin, tender meat and hot juices.
- How it’s made
- Mix scalded wheat dough with unscalded unleavened dough and roll thin wrappers. Beat lean and fatty pork with water, ginger, cooking wine, sesame oil, salt and MSG; enclose in pleated crescents and steam.
Fully scalded wrappers and different fillings also occur. Shrimp, vegetable or sweet fillings are separate versions, not additions to this pork recipe.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Henan.
About this regional connection
Henan: Local culinary association; not a claim of exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有蔡记蒸饺吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Cai Ji steamed pork dumplings
Cai Ji steamed dumplings are part of Zhengzhou’s specialist dumpling-shop tradition, often eaten as a seated meal with wontons or another soup. Their pleated crescent shape and juicy filling distinguish the presentation.