Fried Dumplings

Total time 40 Min

5/5
In Jamaica, Fried Dumplings are traditionally called Johnny Cakes, which is derived from the name journey cake.

In Jamaica, Fried Dumplings are traditionally called Johnny Cakes, which derived from the name journey cake. During slavery times in Jamaica these fried “biscuits” were packed to take on long journeys, which is how they got their name.

Today Fried Dumplings are usually partnered with breakfast dishes like Callaloo and Jamaica’s national dish Ackee and Saltfish. The trick to make them flaky is to keep the butter cold and not overworking the dough. A medium-high heat will also ensure that they 

Fried Dumpling Recipe

Cook Like A Jamaican
In Jamaica, Fried Dumplings are traditionally called Johnny Cakes, which is derived from the name journey cake.
Cook Time 15 minutes
10 min + refrigerate dough for 15 min 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 7

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (500 mL) All-purpose flour
  • ½ to 1 tsp (5 mL) Salt (if using salted butter use 1/2 tsp salt)
  • 3 tsp (15 mL) Baking powder
  • 3 Tbsp (30 mL) Unsalted Butter
  • 3/4 cup (750 mL) Ice cold water
  • ½ cup (125 mL) Cooking oil

Instructions
 

  • Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl
  • Blend butter into dry ingredients with fingers or mixer until crumbly
  • Add ice cold water, a little at a time, to dry ingredients until dough holds together (you may not need all the water). Sprinkle with more flour if the dough is too wet.
  • Knead dough until smooth; do not over knead. Place in fridge for 15 minutes
  • Shape dough into 6 to 8 small balls (enough to fit in palm)
  • Pour cooking oil into frying pan and turn on stove to Medium-High
  • Place dumplings into hot pan
  • As each side browns continually turn dumplings until all sides are brown and dumplings are light and fluffy

Notes

 How do you know they’re cooked inside? When you tap the dumplings in the pan they should sound hollow
Keyword dumplings, fried, Johnny Cakes

Leave a Review

No Title

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 1, 2024

Thank you for sharing, this has become one of my favourite go to recipes.

Anonymous

No Title

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 13, 2024

Love it

Anonymous

No Title

Rated 4.0 out of 5
August 30, 2024

My husband and I love this recipe. He requests it all the time. Easy and delicious!!

Anonymous

No Title

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 28, 2024

Lovely recipe! Was so delicious and very moist, would make again

Anonymous