Authentic Chinese Shumai Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound of ground pork
  • 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled, deveined and finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1 egg
  • 30 shumai wrappers
  • 1 carrot, finely grated for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons of water, for sealing the dumplings

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, minced garlic, and cornstarch.
  2. Add the egg to the mixture and stir until well combined.
  3. Place a shumai wrapper on a flat surface and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
  4. Gather up the edges of the wrapper around the filling, leaving the top of the filling exposed.
  5. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then press them together to seal the dumpling.
  6. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  7. Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket, leaving a small amount of space between each one.
  8. Place the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and cover it. Steam the dumplings for about 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is fully cooked.
  9. Garnish the cooked dumplings with the grated carrot before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - Used for combining the filling ingredients
  • Spoon - For stirring and mixing the filling
  • Flat surface - Where the shumai wrappers are placed for filling
  • Steamer basket - Used to steam the dumplings
  • Pot - To boil water for steaming the dumplings
  • Grater - For grating the carrot for garnish

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground pork and shrimp with minced tofu or textured vegetable protein.
  • Chicken shumai: Replace the ground pork and shrimp with ground chicken.
  • Mushroom filling: Use finely chopped mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, as a vegetarian filling alternative.
  • Spicy version: Add some chili flakes or chili paste to the filling mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Crab filling: Replace the shrimp with crab meat for a delicious variation.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free wrappers made from rice flour or tapioca starch.
  • Whole wheat wrappers: Opt for whole wheat wrappers instead of traditional ones for a healthier version.
  • Additional vegetables: Add finely chopped vegetables like water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the filling mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Sauce variations: Experiment with different dipping sauces such as spicy soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or black vinegar sauce.

Recipe overview

Shumai, also known as Siu Mai, is a traditional Chinese dumpling that's a staple in dim sum. They are not only delicious but also fun to make. This recipe uses a combination of ground pork, shrimp, and flavorful seasonings, all wrapped up in thin, delicate shumai wrappers. The dumplings are then steamed until perfectly tender, creating a mouthwatering contrast between the soft wrapper and the savory filling. Finally, they are garnished with grated carrot for added color and freshness. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process of making your own homemade shumai. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious creation!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other meats instead of ground pork? Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or ground turkey if you prefer.
  2. Can I use pre-made dumpling wrappers instead of shumai wrappers? While shumai wrappers are traditionally used for this recipe, you can use pre-made dumpling wrappers as a substitute if shumai wrappers are not available.
  3. Can I freeze the uncooked shumai? Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked shumai by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  4. How do I reheat the frozen shumai? To reheat the frozen shumai, steam them for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Can I make a dipping sauce for the shumai? Definitely! A popular dipping sauce for shumai is a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. You can also add some minced garlic or ginger for extra flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer Basket - A steamer basket is essential for steaming the shumai dumplings.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is needed for mixing the filling ingredients together.
  • Spoon - A spoon is used for spooning the filling onto the shumai wrappers.
  • Flat Surface - A flat surface, such as a cutting board or countertop, is needed for assembling the dumplings.
  • Grater - A grater is used for grating the carrot for garnishing the cooked dumplings.
  • Pot - A pot is required for boiling water to create steam for the steamer basket.

Origin stories

Shumai, a delightfully scrumptious dumpling, has its roots steeped in the culinary traditions of China, specifically from the region of Guangdong. It's worth noting that this tasty morsel did not always hold the prestigious position it now enjoys in dim sum menus worldwide. Its humble beginnings trace back to tea houses on the ancient Silk Road where it was merely a secondary dish, served to accompany the tea. As these tea houses grew into bustling dim sum restaurants, the shumai evolved too, gaining popularity for its unique, open-faced design that sets it apart from other dumplings. Today, it has travelled far beyond its origins, satiating appetites and warming hearts around the globe, a true testament to the universality of good food.

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.