Shrimp Dumplings (Siu Mai)

Difficulty:
1/5

Ease of Preparation: Medium
Yield: 30 dumplings

Homemade dumplings are easier than ever with this recipe for Chinese-inspired shumai-style Shrimp Dumplings! Easy to make with pre-prepared wonton wrappers and rich pork belly, just blend with fresh shrimp and veggies to create a simple, satisfying Dim Sum delight!


 

Ingredients:

  • 5 dried shiitake mushrooms, reconstituted and chopped
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons (60 mL) chopped water chestnuts
  • 12 ounces (340 g) pork belly, ½-inch (1 cm) cubes
  • 6 ounces (170 g) shrimp, de-shelled and cleaned, chopped
  • 1 egg, white only
  • 2 teaspoons (10 mL) cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 mL) salt
  • White pepper
  • 2 teaspoons (10 mL) sesame oil
  • 30 wonton wrappers, cut into circles (try to find the yellow Japanese style for an authentic look)
  • Tobiko (flying fish roe), to garnish (optional)
  • Vinegar dipping sauce (optional)
  • Thick chili sauce (optional)
  • Napa cabbage, thick shreds

 


 

Method:

In a food processor, combine mushroom, scallions, ginger, and water chestnuts and pulse to a rough chop.  Add pork, shrimp, egg white, and cornstarch to the food processor continue to pulse until the ingredients form a coarse paste.

Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the wine, soy, salt, white pepper, sesame oil, and mix, stirring in one direction, with a spatula or a wooden spoon until the mixture turns smooth.   Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Place a round wonton wrapper into a 1/8 cup (30 mL) measuring cup (or similar ramekin/shot glass) and press down to form a cup.  Spoon or use a piping bag (a Ziploc bag with a cut corner works fine) to fill the wrapper and form cup-shaped dumpling filled level to the brim with the pork-shrimp mixture.

Remove the dumpling from the measure and repeat the process to form all of the dumplings.  Line a steamer basket with cabbage to prevent sticking and steam dumplings in batches for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.

Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with tobiko and serve hot with dipping sauces on the side.