Traditional Chinese Shaomai Recipe: Delicious Steamed Dumplings at Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shelled and deveined shrimp
  • 1/2 cup ground pork
  • 1/4 cup water chestnuts
  • 1/4 cup bamboo shoots
  • 1/4 cup shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 24 wonton wrappers
  • A small bunch of fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • 1/4 cup water, for steaming

Steps and instructions

  1. Finely chop the shrimp, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped ingredients with the ground pork.
  3. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and white pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
  4. Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of the filling to the center of the wrapper.
  5. Gather the edges of the wrapper and pleat them together to form a pouch, leaving the top of the filling exposed.
  6. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  7. Arrange the shaomai in a bamboo steamer, leaving space between each one to prevent them from sticking together.
  8. Fill a wok or a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the bamboo steamer over the boiling water and cover it.
  9. Steam the shaomai for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.
  10. Top each shaomai with a fresh coriander leaf for garnish before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • Replace the shrimp with diced tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
  • Add finely chopped water chestnuts or jicama for extra crunch.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or black bean sauce.
  • Try using gyoza wrappers instead of wonton wrappers for a slightly thicker crust.
  • Add grated ginger or minced garlic to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Include other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or spinach in the filling mixture.
  • For a gluten-free option, use rice paper wrappers instead of wonton wrappers.
  • Steam the shaomai in a flavored broth or stock for added taste.
  • Give the shaomai a crispy texture by pan-frying them after steaming.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of making traditional Shaomai, a type of Chinese dumpling that is popular in dim sum. These tasty morsels are filled with a delicious combination of shrimp, ground pork, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms, all wrapped up in a thin wonton wrapper. The dumplings are then steamed until perfectly tender, resulting in a dish that is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. With detailed step-by-step instructions, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll be able to create these mouthwatering dumplings with ease. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
    Yes, you can use different types of meat such as chicken or beef instead of ground pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I make the shaomai ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble the shaomai ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you're ready to serve, steam them as directed.
  3. Can I freeze the shaomai?
    Yes, you can freeze the uncooked shaomai. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch each other, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Steam them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. What dipping sauce goes well with shaomai?
    Shaomai pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include soy sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar, or a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil.
  5. Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers?
    Yes, you can use store-bought wonton wrappers if you don't want to make them from scratch. Look for them in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Bamboo Steamer - Used for steaming the shaomai, this traditional Asian cooking tool helps to cook the shaomai evenly.
  • Wok or Large Pot - Used to boil water and create steam for the steaming process.
  • Flat Surface - Needed for assembling the shaomai wrappers and filling.
  • Chopping Board - Used for chopping the ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for finely chopping the ingredients.
  • Spoons - Used for measuring and mixing the sauces and seasonings.
  • Bowl - Where the filling ingredients are combined and mixed.
  • Basting Brush - Optional but can be used to brush oil on the shaomai wrappers to prevent sticking.
  • Coriander Leaves - Fresh coriander leaves are used for garnishing the shaomai before serving.

Origin stories

Shaomai, also known as shumai, has a long and rich history in the culinary world. Originally hailing from Inner Mongolia, it gradually spread throughout China and later to the rest of the world, evolving and adapting to local tastes along the way. Now, it is most commonly associated with Cantonese cuisine, where it is a standard feature of the traditional dim sum banquet. What makes shaomai truly unique is its open-topped design, which is said to resemble a blossoming flower. This way, the succulent filling is not only tasted but also appreciated visually. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the artful presentation of shaomai serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity, a principle deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy.

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.