Chifa-style Shishbarak Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Chifa-style adaptation of Shishbarak, we incorporate elements of Peruvian-Chinese cuisine to create a fusion dish. While the original Lebanese Shishbarak is typically served in a yogurt-based sauce, we replace it with a flavorful broth commonly used in Chifa cuisine. Additionally, we infuse the filling with Chifa-inspired spices and seasonings, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Shishbarak, so you can check it out.

• For the dumplings: For the dumplings:
• 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef 300g (10.5 oz) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 30 round dumpling wrappers 30 round dumpling wrappers
• For the broth: For the broth:
• 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a dumpling wrapper and place a teaspoon of the beef filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the dumpling. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ground white pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
5. 5.
   Serve the Chifa-style Shishbarak dumplings in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy them while hot, savoring the flavors of the fusion cuisine.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey if desired.
• Dumpling wrappers — Look for round dumpling wrappers in the refrigerated section of your local Asian grocery store. If unavailable, you can make your own wrappers using a mixture of all-purpose flour and water.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few drops of hot sauce or chili oil to the broth.
• To save time, you can prepare the dumplings in advance and freeze them. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding finely chopped vegetables or herbs to the ground beef mixture.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of steamed rice for a more substantial meal.
• Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Chifa-style Shishbarak dumplings in individual bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of broth. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. Provide chopsticks and spoons for your guests to enjoy the dumplings and sip the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings neatly in the bowl, with the folded side facing up. Drizzle a little bit of the broth over the dumplings to enhance their appearance. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an attractive garnish. Serve the dish with confidence, showcasing the beautiful fusion of flavors.