Jade Dumplings with Soy-Sesame Dipping Sauce

Preparation

1. For dipping sauce:

   Step 1

   Stir all ingredients in small bowl to blend.

2. For dumplings:

   Step 2

   Finely mince ginger and garlic in food processor. Add asparagus and next 5 ingredients; using on/off turns, process until asparagus is finely chopped but not pureed.

   Step 3

   Sprinkle baking sheet with flour. Place 1 wonton wrapper on work surface. Spoon 2 teaspoons asparagus mixture into center. Moisten edges of wrapper with water; gather corners together over filling. Twist edges of wrapper together, enclosing filling completely. Place dumpling on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. (Sauce and dumplings can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)

   Step 4

   Place steamer rack in large pot. Pour enough water into pot to reach depth of 1/2 inch. Line steamer rack with lettuce leaves. Bring water to simmer. Working in batches, arrange dumplings side by side (but not touching) on rack. Cover and steam 15 minutes.

   Step 5

   Serve dumplings with dipping sauce.