Jamaican Fried Dumplings are the perfect side dish when it comes to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This classic and easy recipe is perfect for any Jamaican meal.
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One of my favorite things to munch on during breakfast was a nice and warm Jamaican fried dumpling. It was something we ate along with our ackee and saltfish or cornmeal porridge. I like to make it for my kids from time to time and they absolutely love it.
These dumplings are fried in oil, something I don’t do that often. But hey, nostalgia takes control and I fry these up when I want some comfort food.
How to make Jamaican Fried Dumplings
First, gather your ingredients. My recipe calls for only four ingredients, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and mix well. Pour in the milk and stir until combine. Then roll the mixture into a ball and lightly knead until it comes together.
Then break off about 10 pieces of dough and form them into balls. I get about 10 balls. Set them aside.
In a 10-inch skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to fry the dumplings, until the oil is about 350 degrees Farhenheit. I test the temperature of the oil with a quick read thermometer to ensure it isn’t too cool or too hot.
Oil that is too cool will soak up way too much oil and oil that is too hot will just crisp your dumplings a little too much.
When the dumplings are brown on one side, flip them and allow them to continue to cook until they are browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Once done, remove dumplings from the oil and place on paper towels or a cooling rack to drain off any excess oil.
Serve dumplings while hot with your favorite dishes.
FAQ on Fried Dumplings
I like to serve this with ackee and saltfish or callaloo and saltfish. My kids just love to eat them by themselves. Or serve them alongside Jamaican green banana porridge.
Technically, yes! But I prefer these fried in oil much more. A similar air fryer recipe would be my air fryer biscuit recipe.
These are best eaten the day you make them. You can keep them for up to 1-2 days.
Fried dumplings should be a little crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
Notes
- The amount of milk added may depend on the brand of flour used. You may need a little more or a little less. Slowly stir in the milk until the flour is moistened and can easily form into a ball of dough.
- Test frying one dumpling before adding the remaining. That will help determine if your oil is the perfect temperature for frying.
Other Jamaican recipes
Jamaican Fried Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- oil for frying about 1-1/2 cup
Instructions
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine. Pour in the milk and stir until combined. Then roll the mixture into a ball and lightly knead until it comes together.
- Break off about 10 pieces of dough and form them into balls. Set them aside.
- In a 10-inch skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to fry the dumplings, until the oil is about 350 degrees.
- When the dumplings are brown on one side, flip them and allow them to continue to cook until they are browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once done, remove dumplings from the oil and place on paper towels or a cooling rack to drain off any excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- The amount of milk added may depend on the brand of flour used. You may need a little more or a little less. Slowly stir in the milk until the flour is moistened and can easily form into a ball of dough.
- Test frying one dumpling before adding the remaining. That will help determine if your oil is the perfect temperature for frying.
Paula
Wednesday 4th of October 2023
I tried it this morning because I wanted to have the correct measurement for flour vs baking powder. I would have used maybe 1/2 teaspoon baking powder less and 1/2 teaspoon salt. It was a but salty for me and the baking powder was too much. Overall I appreciate the 5 ingredients
Tanya
Thursday 5th of October 2023
Thanks so much Paula
Jane H
Friday 18th of August 2023
I don’t remember fried dumplings having milk in them…
Tanya
Saturday 19th of August 2023
Hi Jane, you can use water or milk. You just need liquid, but milk makes them more tender.