Dim sum is a traditional Chinese cuisine that consists of small bite-sized dishes usually served in bamboo steamer baskets. They are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, and they are often enjoyed with a cup of hot jasmine tea. The dish originated in the Cantonese region of China and has become popular all over the world. In this blog post, we will teach you how to cook a classic dim sum recipe that will delight your palate with every bite.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 150ml hot water
For the filling:
- 150g ground pork
- 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Slowly add hot water while stirring with chopsticks until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
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In a medium bowl, mix together ground pork, shrimp, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, green onions, and black pepper.
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Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long cylinder and cut into 10 pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball and then flatten with a rolling pin into a small circle.
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Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Pinch the edges together to form a pouch, leaving the top open.
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Place the dim sum pouches in a steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam for 10-12 minutes until the dough is fully cooked and the filling is hot and juicy.
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Serve hot with soy sauce and chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground pork and shrimp with finely chopped tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots.
- Chicken: Substitute the pork and shrimp with ground chicken and water chestnuts for a lighter version.
- Fried: Instead of steaming, you can also pan-fry the dim sum in a small amount of oil until golden brown and crispy.
Try this classic dim sum recipe at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. It’s a fun and delicious way to explore Chinese cuisine!
FAQ
What is Dim Sum?
Dim Sum is a style of Cantonese cuisine that involves small bite-sized portions of food, typically served in steamer baskets or on small plates. It is a popular brunch or lunch meal in China, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia.
What are some common Dim Sum dishes?
Some common Dim Sum dishes include steamed dumplings, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and egg tarts.
Can I make Dim Sum at home?
Yes, you can make Dim Sum at home. While it may require some practice to perfect the technique, there are many recipes and instructional videos available online to help you get started.
What ingredients do I need to make Dim Sum?
The ingredients you need will depend on the specific dish you are making, but some common ingredients include ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, scallions, soy sauce, rice flour, and wheat starch.
What equipment do I need to make Dim Sum?
You will need a steamer basket or bamboo steamer, a rolling pin, and a large mixing bowl. You may also need a food processor or blender for some recipes.
Can I freeze Dim Sum?
Yes, you can freeze Dim Sum. After steaming, allow the Dim Sum to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
How do I reheat frozen Dim Sum?
To reheat frozen Dim Sum, steam them for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Do not thaw the Dim Sum before steaming.
Are there vegetarian options for Dim Sum?
Yes, there are many vegetarian options for Dim Sum, such as steamed vegetable buns, tofu skin rolls, and vegetable dumplings.
How do I eat Dim Sum?
Dim Sum is typically served family-style, with multiple dishes shared among the table. Use chopsticks or a fork to pick up the small bites, and dip them in soy sauce or other condiments as desired.
Can I make Dim Sum ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Dim Sum ahead of time. Some dishes, such as steamed buns, can be frozen and reheated later. Other dishes, such as dumplings, can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours before cooking.
