If you’ve ever dined at a dim sum restaurant, you know the joy of biting into a delicate dumpling filled with fresh, flavorful shrimp. Making these little treasures at home might seem daunting, but with this recipe, you’ll discover it’s easier than you think! This homemade shrimp dumpling recipe offers a chewy, translucent dough wrapped around a succulent shrimp filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or simply a delicious treat, these dumplings will impress anyone who tries them. Let’s get started on creating this delightful dim sum experience right in your kitchen!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Filling:
- 200g shrimp (peeled weight)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 0.3 tsp black or white pepper
- 1 tbsp white wine (or rice wine)
- 0.5 tsp chicken powder (or chicken stock)
- 1 tbsp potato starch
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 50g wheat starch
- 25g potato starch
- 70g boiling water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp Filling:
- Divide the Shrimp: Start by taking 200g of peeled shrimp. Cut half of them into small pieces and roughly mash the other half. This combination gives a nice texture to the filling.
- Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with 0.5 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of sugar, and 0.3 tsp of pepper. Stir in one direction for about 2 minutes to develop the texture and flavor.
- Add Liquids and Starch: Incorporate 1 tbsp of white wine and 0.5 tsp of chicken powder (or stock). Stir again in one direction for about 1 minute. Then, add 1 tbsp of potato starch and mix for another minute.
- Finish the Filling: Lastly, drizzle in 1 tbsp of cooking oil and 0.5 tsp of sesame oil, stirring well for an additional minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
- Mix Starches: In a separate bowl, combine 50g of wheat starch and 25g of potato starch.
- Add Water: Pour 70g of boiling water into the starch mixture immediately. Mix with a spatula until a lump forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead it for about 2 minutes, treating it like you’re washing laundry. This will make the dough smooth and pliable.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough into a plastic bag and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Divide the Dough: After resting, roll the dough into a log and divide it into 15 equal pieces (about 10g each). Keep the pieces in the plastic bag to prevent drying out.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Roll the Dough: Take one piece of dough and flatten it slightly with your palm. Using a rolling pin, roll it out as thin and round as possible, even if it’s slightly irregular in shape.
- Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of the shrimp filling onto the lower half of the dough round.
- Form Dumplings: Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Create 8-13 small pleats along the edge to form the classic dumpling shape. Trim any excess dough at the ends to create a neat appearance.
- Steam the Dumplings:
- Prepare the Steamer: Line your steamer with baking paper to prevent sticking. Ensure that the paper has holes for steam to circulate.
- Steam: Place the dumplings in the steamer, making sure they are not touching each other. Steam in boiling water for about 5 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and the dough is translucent.
- Serve:
- Sauce: Mix 1 tbsp of soy sauce with 1 tbsp of vinegar for a simple dipping sauce. For a spicy kick, add some chili oil to taste.
- Enjoy: Serve the dumplings hot. The chewy, translucent dough filled with plump shrimp makes for a delightful bite. Pair them with your dipping sauce and enjoy the flavors of dim sum right at home!
Additional Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Keep the filling refrigerated and the dough in the plastic bag until you’re ready to assemble and steam the dumplings.
- Freezing Dumplings: If you have leftover dumplings, freeze them before steaming. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, steam directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding minced vegetables, chopped scallions, or other seafood to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Beyond soy sauce and vinegar, try mixing in some grated ginger, minced garlic, or a splash of sesame oil for additional flavor.
Sharing
These homemade shrimp dumplings are sure to be a hit with family and friends! Snap a few photos of your beautiful dumplings and share them on social media. Tag your favorite food-loving friends and encourage them to give this recipe a try. You’ll be the star of your next gathering!
Enjoy your homemade dim sum adventure!