Taiwanese-style Dim Sum

Recipe

Taiwanese-style Dim Sum

Delightful Taiwanese Dim Sum: A Fusion of Flavors

4.8 out of 5

In Taiwanese cuisine, dim sum is a beloved culinary tradition that showcases the vibrant flavors and delicate textures of the region. This recipe takes the essence of Chinese dim sum and infuses it with Taiwanese influences, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Taiwan.

Jan Dec
Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual› Dim sum
Asian cuisine› Chinese cuisine
Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Taiwanese cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

40-42 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Omnivore, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free soy sauce and dumpling wrappers), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb (if omitting dumpling wrappers and serving the filling as a stir-fry)

Allergens

Shellfish (shrimp), Soy

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Halal

Ingredients

While Chinese dim sum typically features a wide variety of dumplings and steamed buns, Taiwanese-style dim sum incorporates unique ingredients and flavors specific to Taiwan. This adaptation includes the use of local herbs, spices, and sauces, resulting in a distinctively Taiwanese twist on the classic dim sum experience. We alse have the original recipe for Dim sum, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 2g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, five-spice powder, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well until all 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, pressing the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  3. 3.
    Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves, making sure to leave some space between them to prevent sticking. Steam the dumplings over high heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.
  4. 4.
    Serve the Taiwanese-style dim sum hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, vinegar, or chili oil.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Ground pork — Make sure to use lean ground pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.
  • Shrimp — Choose fresh, deveined shrimp for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can replace shrimp with diced chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Water chestnuts — Finely chop the water chestnuts to add a delightful crunch to the filling. If unavailable, you can substitute them with diced jicama or bamboo shoots.
  • Dumpling wrappers — Look for round dumpling wrappers in Asian grocery stores. If you can't find them, you can make your own wrappers using a mixture of all-purpose flour and water.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer, line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
  • Serve the Taiwanese-style dim sum with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavors.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chili flakes to the filling mixture.
  • Make a large batch of dumplings and freeze the uncooked ones for later use. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
  • Experiment with different fillings by adding ingredients like mushrooms, cabbage, or scallions to create your own unique Taiwanese-style dim sum.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style dim sum as a delightful appetizer or as part of a larger meal. Arrange the steamed dumplings on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil, for an added touch of freshness. Provide a variety of dipping sauces to allow your guests to customize their dim sum experience.

Presentation advice

To make the Taiwanese-style dim sum visually appealing, arrange the steamed dumplings in a circular pattern on a serving platter. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Serve with small individual dipping bowls for each guest.

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