Stir-Fried Salt and Pepper Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Stir-Fried Salt and Pepper Dumplings are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Crispy potstickers are tossed with fragrant spices, fresh green beans, and scallions for a delicious combination that satisfies every time.

Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 scallions
- 2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
- 1 pound frozen potsticker dumplings (not thawed)
- 10 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ to 1 Fresno or Thai chile, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the salt and pepper seasoning by combining the salt, sugar, white pepper, five-spice powder, and ground ginger in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 2: Separate the white and green parts of the scallions. Cut the white parts into 1-inch pieces and thinly slice the green parts. Set both aside.
- Step 3: Heat a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the oil and the frozen potstickers. Gently stir-fry for 1 minute, shaking the pan and tossing them gently to soften slightly.
- Step 4: Add the green beans, white parts of the scallions, and chopped ginger to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and toss to combine. Pour in 3 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. If your dumplings contain meat, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, adding more water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Remove the cover and use a flat spatula to gently lift the dumplings from the pan surface to loosen them. Add the green parts of the scallions, chopped chile, and 2 teaspoons of the prepared salt and pepper seasoning. Shake the pan and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 6: Transfer the dumplings and green beans to serving bowls. Sprinkle with more of the salt and pepper seasoning to taste. The seasoning is strong, so add according to your preference.
Tips & Variations
- Try substituting the green beans with snap peas or broccoli florets for a different texture.
- If you prefer a milder spice, reduce or omit the chile.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for extra depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, choose dumplings filled with vegetables and ensure your seasonings are suitable.
Storage
Store leftover stir-fried dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve their texture, adding a splash of water and covering briefly to warm through. Avoid microwaving directly to keep them from becoming soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh dumplings can be used but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Since fresh dumplings are softer, stir-fry for less time to avoid breaking them apart.
What if I don’t have five-spice powder?
You can omit five-spice powder or substitute with a pinch of ground cinnamon and star anise if available, but keep the seasoning balanced so it doesn’t overwhelm the dish.
Print
Stir-Fried Salt and Pepper Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Stir-Fried Salt and Pepper Dumplings recipe combines crispy potstickers with vibrant green beans, fragrant scallions, and a bold salt and pepper seasoning blend. A quick and flavorful stir-fry that pairs the savory taste of dumplings with aromatic Chinese five-spice and fresh chiles for a satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 scallions (separated into white and green parts)
- 10 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ to 1 Fresno or Thai chile, roughly chopped
Dumplings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
- 1 pound frozen potsticker dumplings (not thawed)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon ground white pepper, ½ teaspoon five-spice powder, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger. Stir well to blend all spices together and set aside for later use.
- Prep scallions: Separate the white and green parts of the scallions. Cut the white parts into 1-inch pieces and thinly slice the green parts. This layering of scallions adds texture and flavor at different stages of cooking.
- Heat the oil and start frying dumplings: Place a wok or large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 2 tablespoons of canola or grapeseed oil. Immediately add the frozen potsticker dumplings (do not thaw). Gently stir-fry for 1 minute, shaking the pan and tossing the dumplings to slightly soften them without browning.
- Add vegetables and steam: Add green beans, white scallion pieces, and chopped fresh ginger to the pan. Season lightly with salt and toss to combine. Pour in 3 tablespoons of water and cover the pan with a lid or a sheet pan to trap steam. Let cook for 2 to 3 minutes. If the dumplings contain meat, extend cooking by 1 to 2 minutes and add more water if the pan dries out.
- Release dumplings and add finishing flavors: Remove the lid and use a flat spatula to gently lift dumplings off the pan surface to prevent sticking. Add the green parts of the scallions, chopped chile, and 2 teaspoons of the prepared salt and pepper seasoning. Shake the pan and toss everything gently to coat the dumplings and vegetables with seasoning.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the dumplings and green beans into serving bowls. Sprinkle additional salt and pepper seasoning over the top as desired, adjusting for a punchy and salty flavor to suit your taste.
Notes
- Use frozen potstickers straight from the freezer; do not thaw to ensure best texture.
- Adjust chili quantity for desired level of heat; Fresno chiles are milder, Thai chiles spicier.
- If dumplings contain meat, extend steaming time by 1-2 minutes for safe cooking.
- Shaking and tossing during cooking prevents dumplings from sticking and helps even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture; the dumplings are tender and slightly crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: dumplings, stir-fry, salt and pepper, potstickers, Chinese, five-spice, green beans, scallions, quick dinner

