Wu Gok
Cantonese Taro Puffs
Authentic Cantonese Wu Gok, also known as taro dumplings or taro puffs, are a dim sum delicacy. They feature a delicate, crispy, and lacy fried exterior made from mashed taro, encasing a savory and aromatic filling of seasoned ground pork, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms. A true test of dim sum artistry.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Taro root(Choose firm, fresh taro root. Peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks.)
- 60 g Wheat starch(Also known as 'tong fong' or 'white flour'.)
- 60 g Lard(Room temperature, softened. Can substitute with vegetable shortening if unavailable, though lard provides superior flavor and texture.)
- 200 g Ground pork(Preferably 20-30% fat for juiciness.)
- 30 g Dried shrimp(Rinsed and finely chopped. Soak in warm water for 10 minutes if very dry, then drain.)
- 4 Dried shiitake mushrooms(Soaked in warm water until softened (about 30 minutes), then stems removed and finely diced.)
- 0.5 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce(For the filling.)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil(For the filling.)
- 0.25 tsp White pepper(For the filling.)
- 0.5 tsp Sugar(For the filling.)
- 0.25 tsp Salt(For the filling.)
- 4 cups Cooking oil(For deep frying. A neutral oil like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil is recommended.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the taro dough: Peel and cut the taro into roughly 2-inch chunks. Steam the taro until fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes. While still hot, mash the taro thoroughly in a large bowl until smooth. Add the wheat starch and softened lard to the mashed taro. Mix and knead until a cohesive, pliable dough forms. It should be smooth and slightly sticky but manageable. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
⏱️ 45 minutes (includes steaming and resting) - 2
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, finely chopped dried shrimp, diced shiitake mushrooms, five-spice powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Mix well with chopsticks or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the pork is slightly sticky. Set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Assemble the Wu Gok: Divide the taro dough into 16 equal portions. Take one portion of dough and flatten it into a small disc in your palm. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork filling in the center. Carefully fold the taro dough around the filling, pinching to seal it completely. Shape the dumpling into an oval or football shape, ensuring there are no cracks. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. The taro dough is delicate, so handle it gently.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 4
Deep fry the Wu Gok: Heat about 4 cups of cooking oil in a wok or deep pot over medium-low heat to 160°C (320°F). Carefully slide 3-4 dumplings into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, gently turning them occasionally, until they puff up, develop a lacy, crispy exterior, and turn a pale golden brown. The low and slow frying is crucial for achieving the characteristic lacy texture. If the oil is too hot, the exterior will brown too quickly before the inside is cooked and the texture won't develop properly. Remove the fried dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack set over paper towels. Increase the oil temperature to medium-high (180°C / 350°F) and briefly re-fry the dumplings for another 1-2 minutes until they are a deeper golden brown and extra crispy. Drain again. Repeat with the remaining dumplings.
⏱️ 20 minutes (frying time per batch)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Achieving the signature 'lacy' texture requires careful temperature control during frying. Fry at a lower temperature initially (160°C / 320°F) to allow the taro to cook and expand, creating the delicate web-like structure, then briefly increase the heat for crisping.
- ✓The taro dough can be sticky and delicate. If it's too sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with a little more wheat starch. If it feels too dry, a tiny bit of warm water might help, but be cautious not to make it too wet.
- ✓Ensure the filling is cooled before wrapping to prevent the hot filling from melting the taro dough.
- ✓For best results, use lard in the taro dough. It contributes significantly to the authentic texture and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian filling: Replace ground pork with finely chopped firm tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Season similarly.
- Curry flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder to the pork filling for an aromatic twist.