Dim Sum

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8oz) ground pork 250g (8.8oz) ground pork
• 200g (7oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 200g (7oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 100g (3.5oz) water chestnuts, finely chopped 100g (3.5oz) water chestnuts, finely chopped
• 50g (1.8oz) shiitake mushrooms, soaked and finely chopped 50g (1.8oz) shiitake mushrooms, soaked and finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package dumpling wrappers 1 package dumpling wrappers

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, sealing the edges tightly. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. 3.
   Heat a steamer over high heat and line the steamer baskets with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the dumplings in the steamer, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion.
4. 4.
   Steam the dumplings for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the wrappers are translucent.
5. 5.
   Serve the dim sum hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove any grit or sand.
• Water chestnuts — Finely chop the water chestnuts to add a delightful crunch to the filling.
• Shiitake mushrooms — Soak the mushrooms in warm water until they become soft, then finely chop them for a rich umami flavor.
• Dumpling wrappers — Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while assembling the dumplings.
• Steamer — Ensure that the steamer is properly heated before placing the dumplings inside for even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• To add extra flavor, you can marinate the ground pork and shrimp mixture for 30 minutes before assembling the dumplings.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chicken, beef, or vegetarian options like tofu and vegetables.
• Serve the dim sum with a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce, black vinegar, or sweet chili sauce for a burst of flavor.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a bamboo steamer or a metal colander placed over a pot of boiling water.
• Leftover dumplings can be frozen and steamed later for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the dim sum as an appetizer or as part of a larger Chinese meal. Arrange the steamed dumplings on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro for an attractive presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the dim sum, you can garnish the steamed dumplings with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil. Serve them in traditional bamboo steamer baskets for an authentic touch.