There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a pot of steaming dumplings come to life, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. My introduction to Kanom Jeeb, those delightful Thai pleated dumplings, came on a rainy afternoon when I was in search of comfort food that wasn’t just takeout. These scrumptious morsels, filled with savory minced pork, fresh herbs, and a touch of umami from oyster sauce, quickly became a favorite in my household. What I love most is their versatility; whether you’re in the mood for a meaty bite, a seafood delight, or a veggie-packed option, these dumplings have got you covered.
Perfect for entertaining or a cozy family meal, Kanom Jeeb serve as a beautiful appetizer that brings a taste of Thailand to your table. Just imagine your guests savoring these tender dumplings, each one a little bundle of flavor that pairs perfectly with a spicy dipping sauce. Ready to dive into this flavorful experience? Let’s get cooking!
Why will you love Kanom Jeeb?
Authentic flavors: The combination of minced pork, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices creates a taste sensation that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
Versatile options: Whether you prefer pork, shrimp, or a veggie medley, these dumplings adapt beautifully to satisfy any dietary preference.
Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these dumplings with minimal fuss, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, and watch as friends and family rave about these delightful bites that bring everyone together.
For more enticing ways to serve your dumplings, check out our dipping sauce ideas.
Make ahead: Prepare them in advance and freeze, allowing you to enjoy them anytime without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Kanom Jeeb Ingredients
For the Dumpling Wrappers
• Wonton wrappers – The main structure of Kanom Jeeb; choose between fresh or frozen and be sure to thaw them first.
For the Filling
• Minced pork – The star ingredient that brings rich, savory flavor; feel free to replace it with minced shrimp or a medley of vegetables for variations.
• Coriander root – An essential herb in Thai cuisine that enhances the fragrant profile; cilantro stems can be used if coriander root is unavailable.
• Garlic – A must-have for depth and aroma; using fresh garlic will elevate your filling’s flavor.
• Green onions – Adds a fresh, mild sweetness to the filling; can be substituted with chives or shallots if needed.
• Oyster sauce – Provides umami and a touch of sweetness; for a vegetarian option, substitute with mushroom or soy sauce.
• Sesame oil – Infuses a delightful nutty taste; go for toasted sesame oil for an even richer flavor.
• White sugar – Balances the dish’s flavors; feel free to use brown sugar or omit for a low-sugar variation.
Expert Tips
• Steaming tips – Ensure wonton wrappers remain slightly moist before filling to achieve a proper seal. Substituting with gluten-free wrappers is also an option.
• Storage advice – Prepare and freeze Kanom Jeeb before steaming; they can be steamed directly from frozen in about 15 minutes.
• Creative variations – Experiment with different fillers, while remembering to maintain the balance of flavors for an authentic taste experience.
How to Make Kanom Jeeb
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Prep the Filling: In a bowl, combine minced pork, chopped coriander root, minced garlic, green onions, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix until everything is well incorporated and fragrant.
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Fill Wontons: Take a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling in the center. Gently fold the wrapper over the filling, pleat the edges, and seal them tightly to avoid leaks.
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Steam: Arrange the filled dumplings on a steaming tray lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and cooked through.
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Serve: Once cooked, drizzle the dumplings with garlic oil and sprinkle crispy fried garlic on top. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Optional: Serve with Thai sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Kanom Jeeb Variations
Get ready to play with flavors and textures, as these delicious dumplings can be customized to please every palate!
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Seafood Swap: Substitute minced pork with minced shrimp or crab for a seafood twist. The ocean’s essence adds a delightful freshness to each bite.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers instead of meat for a colorful veggie filling. These can rival any meat stuffing with their umami-rich taste!
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Gluten-Free Option: Opt for gluten-free wonton wrappers, so everyone can join in on the fun. Your gluten-free friends will be grateful for the inclusion!
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint for a fragrant kick that enhances the traditional filling. These aromatic additions elevate your dumplings to a whole new level of freshness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of Sriracha to your pork mixture for a delightful heat that balances beautifully with the savory filling. Spice lovers will adore this fiery option!
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Crunchy Texture: Mix in finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots with the filling for an exciting crunch. It’s a texture twist that adds complexity to each delicious bite!
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Umami Boost: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a splash of fish sauce or tamari sauce to the soy sauce alternative, creating a deeper umami experience.
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No Sugar: For a low-sugar version, simply leave out the sugar entirely or use a sugar substitute. Your waistline will thank you, but the flavor remains intact!
What to Serve with Kanom Jeeb?
As the steam rises and the aroma fills your kitchen, make your meal complete with these delicious pairings to enhance your Kanom Jeeb experience.
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Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: A classic companion, this sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick, perfectly balancing the savory dumplings.
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Soy Sauce Mixture: A simple blend of soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar creates a flavorful dip that complements the herbal notes of the filling.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber slices tossed with vinegar and a hint of sugar provide a refreshing crunch, cutting through the richness of the dumplings.
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Thai Herbal Tea: Warm, aromatic tea soothes the palate and adds a floral note that harmonizes beautifully with the savory flavors of Kanom Jeeb.
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Steamed Bok Choy: Tender steamed bok choy offers a vibrant green element that adds a mild crunch, rounding out your meal with extra nutrition.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, the sweetness of mango sticky rice contrasts nicely with the savory dumplings, leaving guests satisfied and longing for more.
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Chili Garlic Oil: Drizzle this spicy oil over the dumplings for an extra kick. The heat pairs wonderfully with the delicate flavors, elevating every bite!
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Peanut Sauce: A rich, nutty dip that provides a creamy texture, enhancing the overall dining experience with its comforting tones alongside Kanom Jeeb.
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Lemongrass Infused Water: Refreshing and fragrant, this drink will cleanse the palate after each mouthful, allowing the distinct flavors of the dumplings to shine.
Expert Tips for Kanom Jeeb
• Moist Wrappers: Ensure wonton wrappers are slightly moist before filling to create a proper seal during steaming. Dry wrappers may not hold together.
• Prevent Sticking: Line your steaming tray with parchment paper to avoid any dumplings sticking and tearing apart when you lift them out.
• Flavor Balancing: If you experiment with different fillings, remember to maintain the balance of flavors to keep your Kanom Jeeb authentic and delicious.
• Pre-Cook Filling: When pan-frying, pre-cook your filling to ensure the meat is safe and fully cooked without affecting the dumpling texture.
• Steaming Time: Keep an eye on the steaming time; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, while undercooking might leave your Kanom Jeeb raw inside.
Make Ahead Options
These Kanom Jeeb are a fantastic choice for meal prep that will save you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling and fill the wonton wrappers up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain quality and prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings for up to 3 months; just ensure they are laid flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, steam the frozen Kanom Jeeb straight from the freezer for about 15 minutes, and they’ll be just as delightful as if made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Kanom Jeeb
Fridge: Store cooked Kanom Jeeb in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Steam frozen Kanom Jeeb directly for about 15 minutes or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Prepare and freeze your Kanom Jeeb in advance; perfect for hassle-free entertaining or quick family meals.
Kanom Jeeb Recipe FAQs
What type of wonton wrappers should I use for Kanom Jeeb?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen wonton wrappers for Kanom Jeeb. If you choose frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before filling to ensure they are pliable enough to fold and seal properly.
How should I store leftover Kanom Jeeb?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, cooked Kanom Jeeb will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a steamer or microwave (with a splash of water) to keep the dumplings moist and prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Kanom Jeeb, and how do I do it?
Very! To freeze uncooked Kanom Jeeb, lay them out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they are firmly frozen. After that, you can transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, simply steam them for approximately 15 minutes until fully heated through.
What should I do if my dumplings are not sealing properly?
If your Kanom Jeeb wrappers aren’t sealing well, make sure they are slightly moist before filling. I often lightly wet the edges with water using my fingertips, which helps create a better seal. If you’re still having trouble, try pressing them more firmly together after pleating to ensure they hold during steaming.
Are Kanom Jeeb safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Kanom Jeeb can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. You can easily replace the minced pork with shrimp or a vegetable medley to create a vegetarian option. For those avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free wonton wrappers, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful dumplings!
What is the best way to reheat frozen Kanom Jeeb?
For optimal reheating, steam your frozen Kanom Jeeb directly for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can place them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel; microwave them for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Both methods will keep the dumplings moist and ensure they maintain their tender texture.
Irresistible Kanom Jeeb: Easy Thai Dumplings to Wow Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine minced pork, chopped coriander root, minced garlic, green onions, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix until well incorporated and fragrant.
- Take a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling in the center. Gently fold the wrapper over the filling, pleat the edges, and seal them tightly to avoid leaks.
- Arrange the filled dumplings on a steaming tray lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, drizzle the dumplings with garlic oil and sprinkle crispy fried garlic on top. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces.