Authentic Chinese Ha Gao (Shrimp Dumplings) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g wheat starch
  • 50g cornstarch
  • 250ml boiling water
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 200g raw shrimp
  • 100g bamboo shoots
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the shrimp. Peel, devein, and roughly chop the shrimp. Place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the chopped bamboo shoots, salt, sugar, white pepper, sesame oil, egg white, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the shrimp. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
  3. Next, prepare the dough. In a separate bowl, mix together the wheat starch and cornstarch.
  4. Pour in the boiling water while stirring quickly. Once the water is fully incorporated, add the vegetable oil.
  5. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more wheat starch. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
  6. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a thin round wrapper using a rolling pin.
  7. Place a spoonful of the shrimp filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and pleat the edges to seal the dumpling.
  8. Repeat this process for all the dough and filling.
  9. Finally, steam the dumplings. Arrange the dumplings in a bamboo steamer, making sure they don't touch each other. Steam over high heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.
  10. Serve the Ha Gao hot, with soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - Used for mixing and combining ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - Used to flatten the dough into thin wrappers.
  • Bamboo steamer - Used to steam the Ha Gao dumplings.
  • Knife - Used for peeling, deveining, and chopping the shrimp.
  • Spoon - Used for filling the dumpling wrappers with the shrimp mixture.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of seafood, such as scallops or crab, instead of shrimp.
  • Add minced garlic or ginger to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Include diced water chestnuts or mushrooms for added texture.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the shrimp with diced tofu or seitan.
  • Try using a combination of flours, such as rice flour or tapioca flour, for the dough.
  • Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor, such as adding a pinch of five-spice powder or chili flakes.
  • Make a colorful variation by adding natural food coloring to the dough, such as spinach juice for green wrappers or beet juice for pink wrappers.
  • Add a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar for a tangy and savory twist.
  • Make mini-sized Ha Gao for bite-sized appetizers or party snacks.
  • Instead of steaming, try pan-frying the dumplings for a crispy texture.

Recipe overview

Ha Gao, also known as shrimp dumplings, are a classic dim sum dish and a favorite among many. These delicious morsels consist of a delicate, translucent skin encasing a juicy and flavorful shrimp filling. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing authentic Ha Gao from scratch, from the dough to the filling, and finally, the steaming. The steps are methodical and require some attention to detail, but the result is incredibly rewarding. Expect to get your hands a little messy while kneading the dough and shaping the dumplings, but don't worry, it's all part of the fun. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll be able to wow your friends and family with a taste of homemade dim sum!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of starch instead of wheat starch?
    Yes, you can substitute wheat starch with tapioca starch or potato starch if you cannot find wheat starch.
  2. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
    Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and drain them before chopping and adding to the filling.
  3. Can I make the dumpling wrappers in advance?
    Yes, you can make the dumpling wrappers ahead of time. Just make sure to keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
  4. Can I steam the dumplings in a regular steamer instead of a bamboo steamer?
    Yes, you can use a regular steamer if you don't have a bamboo steamer. Just make sure to line the steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
  5. Can I freeze the uncooked dumplings?
    Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be steamed directly from frozen when you're ready to eat.
  6. Can I make a dipping sauce for the Ha Gao?
    Yes, you can make a simple dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little bit of sesame oil. You can also add minced garlic or chili sauce for extra flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Bamboo Steamer - Used for steaming the Ha Gao dumplings.
  • Mixing Bowl - To mix the shrimp filling ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough wrappers.
  • Knife - For peeling, deveining, and chopping the shrimp.
  • Steamer Pot - To hold the bamboo steamer during the steaming process.
  • Serving Plate - To present and serve the Ha Gao dumplings.
  • Sauce Dish - For serving soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping.

Origin stories

Brimming with the vibrant tastes of Guangdong province, Ha Gao takes its rightful place in the rich tapestry of Chinese culinary arts. Born from the bustling streets of Guangzhou, these delicate shrimp dumplings have since been embraced by the world over, predominantly as a star of dim sum - a traditional meal of bite-sized foods served with tea. What sets Ha Gao apart is the challenge its making presents. A true Ha Gao boasts a translucent, slightly chewy wrapper that perfectly encases a flavorful shrimp filling, its pleats as intricate as a finely stitched qipao. The masters insist on at least seven, and up to fourteen pleats for each dumpling. A feat that is seen as a testament to the skill of the chef. So, as you savour these delightful morsels, you are not simply partaking in a meal, but witnessing an age-old craft passed down through generations.

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.