Introduction
Chinese steamed dumplings, also known as shumai, are a delicious and popular Chinese dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and other seasonings, and then steamed to perfection. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make authentic and delicious Chinese steamed dumplings (shumai) at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
- 200g ground pork
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 package round dumpling wrappers
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine ground pork, shrimp, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, scallions, water chestnuts, and beaten egg. Mix well.
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Place a tablespoonful of filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper. Bring up the sides of the wrapper around the filling, leaving the top exposed. Gently press the filling to pack it in.
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Place the dumpling in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers, spacing the dumplings about an inch apart.
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Fill a wok or large saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place the steamer basket in the wok or saucepan, cover, and steam for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.
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Remove the steamer basket from the wok or saucepan and transfer the dumplings to a serving plate. Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping.
Variations
Vegetarian
To make vegetarian shumai, replace the ground pork and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and snap peas. Use the same seasonings as in the original recipe, and follow the same instructions for assembling and steaming the dumplings.
Gluten-Free
To make gluten-free shumai, use rice paper wrappers instead of wheat-based dumpling wrappers. You can also replace the soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives like tamari and vegan oyster sauce.
Pork and Shrimp-Free
For those who do not eat pork or shrimp, you can substitute the meat with ground chicken, turkey or beef. Also, you can replace the shrimp with more vegetables or tofu.
Conclusion
Chinese steamed dumplings (shumai) are a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make authentic and delicious shumai at home, and impress your guests with your culinary skills. So, next time you’re in the mood for Chinese food, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Chinese steamed dumplings!
FAQ
What is Shumai?
Shumai is a type of Chinese dumpling that is traditionally steamed rather than boiled. The filling is typically made from ground pork and shrimp, and the dumpling is usually topped with a small amount of roe or other garnish.
What is the best type of wrapper to use for Shumai?
Shumai is traditionally made with a wheat-based wrapper, but you can also use wonton wrappers or gyoza wrappers if you prefer.
Can I make Shumai filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Shumai filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze Shumai?
Yes, you can freeze Shumai before or after cooking. If you freeze them before cooking, simply steam them for a few extra minutes when you’re ready to eat them.
What dipping sauces go well with Shumai?
Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil are all popular dipping sauces for Shumai. You can also add some minced garlic or ginger to your dipping sauce for extra flavor.
How long do I need to steam Shumai?
Shumai typically takes about 8-10 minutes to steam, depending on the size of the dumplings and the strength of your steamer.
Can I use other types of meat besides pork and shrimp?
Yes, you can use other types of meat or seafood in your Shumai filling if you prefer. Ground chicken, turkey, or beef are all good options, as are scallops or crabmeat.
Can I make Shumai without a steamer?
If you don’t have a steamer, you can still make Shumai by placing the dumplings on a plate lined with cabbage leaves, adding a small amount of water to the plate, and covering it tightly with foil. Then, steam the Shumai in a large pot or wok for 8-10 minutes.
How many Shumai does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 20-25 Shumai, depending on the size of your dumpling wrappers and how much filling you use in each one.
Can I use store-bought Shumai wrappers instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought Shumai wrappers if you prefer. Just be sure to check the ingredients to make sure they don’t contain any allergens or other ingredients you want to avoid.
