Jamaican Fried Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Jamaican fried dumplings are a classic Caribbean treat, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect as a snack or alongside savory dishes, these dumplings bring a delightful texture and subtle sweetness to any meal.
Ingredients
- 260g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 8g salt
- 30g caster sugar
- 5g baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for shaping and frying
- 150ml water (added gradually)
Instructions
- Step 1: Dust a baking tray with flour. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients: self-raising flour, salt, caster sugar, and baking powder.
- Step 2: Gradually pour in 150ml water, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Rub a little vegetable oil over your hands to prevent sticking. Break off pieces of dough and roll into golf ball-sized balls. Place them on the floured baking tray and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, heat enough vegetable oil in a deep, large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 170°C or until a small piece of dough sizzles upon contact.
- Step 5: Fry the dumplings in the hot oil for about 6 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Step 6: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove excess oil. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- You can substitute self-raising flour with plain flour and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for similar results.
- Serve the dumplings with classic Jamaican ackee and saltfish or enjoy them as a side with breakfast instead of toast.
Storage
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by frying again briefly in hot oil or warming in a toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the Jamaican fried dumplings instead of frying?
Baking is possible but will yield a different texture; the dumplings won’t be as crispy outside. Frying is traditional and recommended for the best flavor and crunch.
What can I use if I don’t have self-raising flour?
You can use plain flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder added to substitute self-raising flour in this recipe.
Print
Jamaican Fried Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 dumplings 1x
Description
Jamaican fried dumplings are a popular Caribbean side dish featuring a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Made from simple pantry staples like self-raising flour and baking powder, these dumplings are lightly sweetened and fried to perfection, making them perfect accompaniments for ackee and saltfish or a delightful alternative to toast with breakfast.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 260g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 8g salt
- 30g caster sugar
- 5g baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 150ml water
- Vegetable oil, for shaping and frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dust a baking tray with flour to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, salt, caster sugar, and baking powder. Gradually pour in 150ml of water while stirring well until the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough.
- Shape the Dumplings: Rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto your hands to prevent sticking. Break off bits of dough and roll each into golf ball-sized spheres. Place them on the floured baking tray and let them rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten and improve texture.
- Heat the Oil: Place a deep, large saucepan over medium heat and pour in enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the dumplings. Heat the oil to 170°C (338°F), or test by dropping a pinch of dough into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
- Fry the Dumplings: Carefully lower the dumplings into the hot oil using a spoon. Fry them for about 6 minutes total, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried dumplings with a slotted spoon, and drain them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Serve hot as a side dish with traditional Jamaican dishes like ackee and saltfish, or as a breakfast alternative to toast.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 170°C for optimal frying results and to prevent greasy dumplings.
- Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, which creates a lighter texture.
- These dumplings are best served fresh and hot to enjoy their crispiness.
- You can adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dumpling.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature closely for safety and perfect frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Keywords: Jamaican fried dumplings, Caribbean dumplings, fried dough, Caribbean side dish, traditional Jamaican recipe
