Steamed shrimp dumplings, also known as har gow, are a popular Cantonese dim sum dish that is both delicious and healthy. These dumplings are made with a translucent, gluten-free wrapper and filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, bamboo shoots, and seasonings. They are then steamed to perfection, resulting in a light and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
How To Make:
The key to making great steamed shrimp dumplings is to use fresh ingredients and to be gentle when folding delicate wrappers. The filling is made by blending raw shrimp, bamboo shoots, sesame oil, soy sauce, and other seasonings in a food processor until it forms a paste-like consistency. The mixture is then spooned into the center of each wrapper, and the edges are pinched together to form a pleated pouch.
Once the dumplings are filled and shaped, they are steamed in a bamboo steamer basket for 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp filling is cooked through and the wrapper is translucent. Steamed shrimp dumplings are traditionally served with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil for dipping.
These dumplings are not only delicious, but they are also a healthy choice, as they are low in calories and high in protein. They are also naturally gluten-free, which makes them a fantastic choice for people who are sensitive to gluten.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
1. For the finest flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp. If possible, buy unpeeled shrimp and peel them yourself to ensure freshness.
2. Be gentle when folding the wrappers to avoid tearing. It's important to keep the wrappers moist to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
3. Use a bamboo steamer basket for the best results. Make sure the water is boiling before placing the dumplings in the steamer basket.
4. Serve the dumplings hot, straight from the steamer, for the best flavor and texture.
5. To freeze, place the uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag after that, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, steam the frozen dumplings for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Variations:
1. Add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, or minced garlic, to add more flavor and texture.
2. Use a different protein in place of shrimp, such as ground pork or chicken, to create a different flavor profile.
3. Make a vegetarian version by using a mixture of chopped vegetables and mushrooms instead of shrimp.
4. Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or peanut sauce, to add variety to the dish.
5. For a more colorful presentation, use colored wrappers made from spinach or beet juice.
Ingredients:
- - 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- - 1/4 cup finely chopped bamboo shoots
- - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- - 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- - 1 teaspoon sugar
- - 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- - 1 package of dumpling wrappers (also known as har gow wrappers)
- - Water for steaming
Instructions:
1. Pulse the shrimp in a food processor until it resembles a paste. Add the bamboo shoots, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, sugar, and white pepper. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
2. Take one dumpling wrapper, and in the middle, put roughly 1 spoonful of the shrimp mixture. Wet the edge of the wrapper with your finger after dipping it in water. Fold the wrapper in half, and pleat the edges together, pinching to seal. The finished dumpling should be crescent-shaped. Repeat until all the filling is used up.
3. Prepare a steamer basket by lining it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Bring water to a boil in the steamer.
4. Place the dumplings in the steamer, spacing them about 1 inch apart to avoid sticking. Cover the steamer and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the wrapper is translucent.
5. Serve the steamed shrimp dumplings hot with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade steamed shrimp dumplings!