Authentic Chinese Dim Sum: Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of wheat starch
  • 1 cup of tapioca starch
  • 1 1/4 cup of boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • 500 grams of raw shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped bamboo shoots
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon of sugar

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the dough. In a mixing bowl, blend the wheat starch and tapioca starch together.
  2. Slowly pour the boiling water into the starch mixture while stirring quickly. This will cook the starch and form a dough.
  3. Add the oil to the dough and knead until it becomes smooth and soft. Let the dough rest while you prepare the filling.
  4. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Cut the shrimp into small pieces.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, bamboo shoots, salt, white pepper, sesame oil, egg white, cornstarch, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Roll out the dough into a thin layer and cut into circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
  7. Place a spoonful of the shrimp filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
  8. Place the filled dumplings in a steamer and steam over high heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough becomes translucent and the shrimp filling is cooked through.
  9. Remove from the steamer and let cool for a minute before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A bowl to mix the dough and filling ingredients.
  • Steamer - A steaming apparatus to cook the dumplings.
  • Cookie cutter or glass - Used to cut the dough into circles.
  • Knife - To chop the shrimp and bamboo shoots.
  • Spoon - Used to measure and mix ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - To roll out the dough into a thin layer.
  • Pastry brush - To apply oil or water to the dumplings if needed.
  • Plate or tray - To hold the assembled dumplings before steaming.
  • Spatula - To remove the dumplings from the steamer.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different protein: Instead of shrimp, try using minced chicken, pork, or a combination of both.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan option: Replace the shrimp with finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, water chestnuts, or tofu.
  • Gluten-free: Substitute wheat starch with cornstarch or potato starch for a gluten-free version.
  • Spicy kick: Add some minced chili peppers or chili oil to the filling for a spicy variation.
  • Herb-infused filling: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or chives into the filling mixture for added flavor.
  • Colorful wrappers: Use natural food coloring, such as spinach juice or beetroot juice, to dye portions of the dough for vibrant dumpling wrappers.
  • Crispy crust: Instead of steaming, pan-fry the dumplings in a small amount of oil until the crust turns golden and crispy.
  • Sauce variations: Serve the har gow with different dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, or a tangy citrus-based sauce.

Recipe overview

Har Gow is a traditional Cantonese dumpling dish, typically served in dim sum. These dumplings feature a delicate, translucent wrapper enclosing a shrimp and bamboo shoot filling. The dough is made from a blend of wheat and tapioca starch, resulting in a unique, slightly chewy texture. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make your own Har Gow at home. The process involves making the dough, preparing the shrimp filling, and then assembling and steaming the dumplings. While the recipe may appear complex at first glance, it's an enjoyable process, and the delicious results are well worth the effort. Perfect for brunch or a light lunch, these shrimp dumplings are sure to impress with their intricate pleats and flavorful filling. So why not try your hand at making Har Gow, and bring a taste of the Cantonese yum cha tradition to your own kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of starch? Yes, you can substitute wheat starch and tapioca starch with cornstarch or potato starch if needed. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? It is recommended to use raw shrimp for this recipe as it will provide the best texture and flavor. Pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery during steaming.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and shaping the dumplings.
  4. Can I freeze the dumplings? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage. They can be cooked directly from frozen, but the steaming time may need to be extended slightly.
  5. What dipping sauce pairs well with har gow? A popular dipping sauce for har gow is a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of chili oil. You can also add minced garlic, ginger, or green onions for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steaming Basket - A steaming basket or steamer is essential for steaming the har gow until they are cooked and translucent.
  • Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is needed to combine the wheat starch, tapioca starch, and boiling water to make the dough.
  • Cookie Cutter or Glass - A cookie cutter or glass can be used to cut the dough into circles for wrapping the filling.

Origin stories

Har Gow, a traditional Cantonese dumpling, is a staple of dim sum cuisine. It originated in Guangzhou, China, in the early 20th century and has since become popular worldwide. Interestingly, the creation of Har Gow is said to have set a culinary standard in China. It is believed that a skillful chef should be able to fit at least ten pleats in each dumpling. If the chef can do this, they're considered a top-tier dim sum chef. So not only is Har Gow a delight to the palate, but it is also a benchmark of culinary craftsmanship in Chinese cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.