Dim Sum with a Puerto Rican Twist

Ingredients

While traditional Chinese dim sum typically features ingredients like pork, shrimp, and soy sauce, our Puerto Rican adaptation incorporates local flavors such as plantains, sofrito, and adobo seasoning. These additions bring a burst of tropical flair to the classic dim sum experience. We alse have the original recipe for Dim sum, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (235ml) mashed ripe plantains 1 cup (235ml) mashed ripe plantains
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sofrito (Puerto Rican seasoning blend) 1/2 cup (120ml) sofrito (Puerto Rican seasoning blend)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) adobo seasoning 1/4 cup (60ml) adobo seasoning
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ground beef 1/2 cup (120ml) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cooked shrimp, chopped 1/2 cup (120ml) cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) green olives, chopped 1/4 cup (60ml) green olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) raisins 1/4 cup (60ml) raisins
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated cheese (such as queso blanco) 1/4 cup (60ml) grated cheese (such as queso blanco)
• 1 package of dumpling wrappers 1 package of dumpling wrappers

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the mashed plantains, sofrito, and adobo seasoning. Mix well.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked shrimp, green olives, raisins, and grated cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of the plantain mixture in the center. Fold the wrapper in half and seal the edges by pressing firmly.
4. 4.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dumpling wrappers and filling.
5. 5.
   Steam the dumplings in a steamer basket for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Make sure to use ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor and smoother texture.
• Sofrito — If you can't find pre-made sofrito, you can make your own by blending together onions, garlic, bell peppers, cilantro, and culantro.
• Adobo seasoning — Adjust the amount of adobo seasoning according to your taste preferences. It adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
• Dumpling wrappers — Look for round dumpling wrappers in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store or Asian market.
• Grated cheese — Queso blanco or any mild white cheese works well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer basket, line it with cabbage leaves or parchment paper.
• Serve the dim sum with a dipping sauce made from a blend of soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef and shrimp with diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Make a large batch of dim sum and freeze the uncooked dumplings for later use. Just steam them for a few extra minutes when cooking from frozen.
• Experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own unique Puerto Rican dim sum creations.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican dim sum hot as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of adobo seasoning for an extra pop of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steamed dim sum on a platter and serve them with a vibrant side of tropical fruit salsa or a colorful salad. The bright colors and fresh ingredients will make the dish visually appealing.