Steamed Dumplings

If you're crunched for time, you can use purchased wrappers. Look for those labeled dumpling or gyoza at Asian markets or in the Asian section of the grocery store. (Avoid wonton wrappers as they tend to be too thin.)

Prepare all dumplings through Step 3. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap. Freeze until firm. Transfer to airtight containers. Cover and freeze up to 3 months. Steam for 12 minutes or until done (165°F).

For filling: Combine 1 pound ground pork; 2 thinly sliced green onions; 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed and finely chopped (2 tablespoons); 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.
For dipping sauce: Stir together 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 green onions, thinly sliced, and 4 pieces pickled ginger, chopped (optional).

For filling: Combine 1 pound ground chicken; 1 poblano chile pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
For dipping sauce: Blend together 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.Nutrition analysis per serving: 67 calories, 3 g protein, 6 g carbohydrate, 4 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 8 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 1% Vitamin A, 11% Vitamin C, 30 mg sodium, 0% calcium, 3% iron

For filling: Combine 2 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry; 4 ounces chopped mushrooms; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
For dipping sauce: Blend together 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.Nutrition analysis per serving: 55 calories, 1 g protein, 7 g carbohydrate, 3 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 1% Vitamin A, 4% Vitamin C, 25 mg sodium, 0% calcium, 2% iron

For filling: Combine 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp in shells, peeled, deveined, and very finely chopped; 1/3 cup capers; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
For dipping sauce: Combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 green onions, thinly sliced.Nutrition analysis per serving: 61 calories, 3 g protein, 6 g carbohydrate, 2 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 2% Vitamin A, 1% Vitamin C, 72 mg sodium, 1% calcium, 3% iron