Dim Sum is a Cantonese dish that traditionally consists of bite-sized portions of food served alongside tea. In this article, four classic recipes are provided for making Dim Sum dishes including Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings, Shrimp and Bamboo Shoots Dumplings, Pan-Fried Pork and Shiitake Mushroom Buns, and Steamed Bok Choy and Shrimp Wontons. These dishes are usually steamed or fried and can be filled with a wide variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. With these simple recipes, food enthusiasts can create their own bite-sized delicacies at home and enjoy Chinese cuisine.
Chinese Dim Sum: Bite-Sized Delights with Big Flavors
Introduction
Dim sum is a popular Cantonese dish that has its roots in ancient Chinese tea houses. Traditionally, it consists of bite-sized portions of food served alongside tea. As it became increasingly popular, dim sum evolved to include a wide range of dishes such as dumplings, buns, and noodles. The dishes are usually steamed or fried and can be filled with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide and recipe for making four classic Chinese dim sum dishes.
Ingredients
- Wonton wrappers
- Bamboo shoots
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Water chestnuts
- Bok choy
- Ground pork
- Shrimp
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Egg whites
- Canola oil
Recipe 1: Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 pound minced shrimp, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 minced scallion.
Step 2: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and place it in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal it.
Step 3: Place the dumplings in a steamer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Steam for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Serve hot with soy sauce and vinegar.
Recipe 2: Shrimp and Bamboo Shoots Dumplings
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 pound minced shrimp, 1/4 cup minced bamboo shoots, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 minced scallion.
Step 2: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and place it in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal it.
Step 3: Place the dumplings in a steamer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Steam for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Serve hot with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Recipe 3: Pan-Fried Pork and Shiitake Mushroom Buns
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 pound ground pork, 1/2 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 minced scallion.
Step 2: Roll out each piece of dough into a 4-inch circle. Take a tablespoon of the meat mixture and place it in the center of the circle. Bring up the edges of the circle and pinch together to seal the bun.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a pan. Place the buns in the pan and cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 4: Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the buns are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve hot with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Recipe 4: Steamed Bok Choy and Shrimp Wontons
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 pound minced shrimp, 1/4 cup chopped bok choy, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 minced scallion.
Step 2: Take a teaspoon of the mixture and place it in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal it.
Step 3: Place the dumplings in a steamer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Steam for 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 4: Serve hot with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Conclusion
Dim sum is a delicious and fun way to enjoy Chinese cuisine. With these simple recipes, you can create your own bite-sized delicacies at home. Whether you prefer steamed dumplings or pan-fried buns, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your friends and family and have some fun making and eating dim sum!