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

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 14, 2025

Easy to prepare and it’s delicious!

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
June 9, 2025

No need to change a thing!!! LOVE THIS RECIPE AS IS!!

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
June 8, 2025

The whole family loved it thank you

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
May 18, 2025

Just tried it today. Love from Toronto

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 24, 2025

This is my go to recipe, it’s so good. I add Jamaican pimento seeds during the seasoning.

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 21, 2025

Absolutely love love love this dish, it’s the best. Even my extremely fussy 11 year old loves it…and that’s saying something!!!

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 18, 2025

Tasted so good! Replacements since recommended n/a: green split peas-worked well, Chicken Better Than Bouillon and vegetable stock, other hot peppers. Took a long time to prep but worth it!

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
February 5, 2025

It was delicious I increased the amount of ingredients because I did it for a restaurant came out 👌

Anonymous

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
January 11, 2025

Simply delicious

Anonymous

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Rated 4.0 out of 5
December 26, 2024

love it ,easy to make

Anonymous