Quick & Juicy Siu Mai (Shumai) Steamed Dumplings Recipe

Tucked away in bamboo steamers, delicate siu mai dumplings bring a burst of chinese culinary magic to your plate.

Delicate wrappers cradle a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and aromatic seasonings.

Dim sum lovers recognize these open-topped parcels as pure comfort wrapped in translucent skins.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender meat mingles with umami-rich ingredients, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Authentic techniques make these dumplings surprisingly simple to craft in your own kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with this classic dim sum favorite that connects generations through shared culinary joy.

Why Siu Mai (Shumai) Steamed Dumplings Are So Beloved

• Capture Authentic Flavors: Dive into a classic Chinese dim sum experience with these mouthwatering dumplings packed with rich, savory ingredients that blend perfectly.
• Master Easy Technique: Create restaurant-quality siu mai with simple wrapping skills that anyone can learn, making you feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these delightful dumplings quickly for family gatherings, parties, or casual weekend meals that will impress everyone at the table.
• Nutritious Protein Punch: Enjoy a balanced meal featuring lean ground pork and protein-rich prawns, delivering delicious nutrition in every single bite.

Ingredients for Authentic Siu Mai (Shumai) Dumplings

• Ground Pork: A flavorful and tender base for the dumpling filling.
• Prawns: Adds sweetness and delicate seafood flavor to the mixture.

• Shiitake Mushrooms, Spring Onions: Provide depth of flavor and fresh, earthy notes to the filling.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, Sesame Oil: Create a rich and complex umami flavor profile for the dumplings.
• Sugar, White Pepper: Balance and enhance the overall taste of the filling.

• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together.
• Wonton Wrappers: Thin pastry that holds the dumpling filling and provides a delicate texture.

• Fish Roe, Soy Sauce: Optional topping and side condiment to complement the dumplings.

• Parchment Paper, Cabbage Leaves: Prevents dumplings from sticking to the steamer.

Cooking Siu Mai (Shumai) Steamed Dumplings Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Filling

• Shiitake mushrooms
• Spring onions
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Sesame oil
• Egg
• Sugar
• White pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until they blend seamlessly into a cohesive mixture.

Step 2: Shape Dumpling Wrappers

Grab a wonton wrapper and place a generous tablespoon of the pork-prawn mixture in the center.

Delicately gather the wrapper’s edges around the filling, creating an open-topped cup shape that reveals the colorful interior.

Step 3: Complete Dumpling Formation

Continue filling and shaping the remaining wrappers until all the mixture is used, creating uniform dumplings.

Step 4: Prepare Steaming Surface

Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment paper or tender cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Carefully position the dumplings inside, ensuring they have slight breathing room between each one.

Step 5: Steam To Perfection

Place the steamer over rapidly boiling water. Cook the dumplings for 8-10 minutes, watching them transform into plump, juicy delicacies with fully cooked interiors.

Step 6: Add Elegant Garnish

Once cooked, gently remove dumplings from the steamer. For an optional luxurious touch, sprinkle a small amount of vibrant fish roe atop each dumpling.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Present the steaming hot dumplings immediately, accompanied by a side of traditional soy sauce for dipping.

Steaming Tips for the Best Siu Mai Texture

• Ensure ground meat and prawns are finely chopped for a smooth, consistent texture that helps dumplings hold together perfectly.
• Use cold ingredients when mixing to maintain proper meat consistency and prevent fat from breaking down, which keeps the filling compact.
• Test one dumpling first by steaming to check seasoning and adjust salt or spices in remaining mixture if needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Avoid overfilling wonton wrappers, as this can cause dumplings to break during steaming or create uneven cooking results.
• Keep wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out and becoming difficult to manipulate.

Dumpling Variations to Try with Siu Mai

• Seafood Medley: Replace ground pork with a mix of chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for an oceanic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap meat with crumbled tofu, finely chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, and minced bamboo shoots for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped fresh chili peppers, ginger, and a dash of sriracha sauce to the filling for a zesty, heat-packed variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice paper wrappers instead of wonton wrappers and ensure all sauces are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.

What to Pair with Siu Mai (Shumai) Dumplings

• Elevate Siu Mai Flavor Pairings
• Contrast with Crisp Riesling: Bright, slightly sweet German white wine cuts through the rich, savory dumpling filling, refreshing the palate with its acidic notes and subtle fruit undertones.
• Match with Cucumber Salad: Light, cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil provides a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the dense, umami-packed dumplings, balancing the meal's texture and flavor profile.
• Complement with Green Tea: Smooth, slightly grassy Japanese green tea cleanses the palate between bites, its subtle bitterness enhancing the delicate seafood and pork flavors while aiding digestion.

How to Keep Siu Mai Dumplings Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store cooled siu mai in an airtight container, keeping them separated by parchment paper. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and freshness.
• Freeze: Place uncooked or cooked dumplings on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Keep frozen for up to 1 month.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm refrigerated siu mai for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Steamer Reheating: Gently steam frozen or refrigerated dumplings for 3-5 minutes until heated through, preserving their delicate texture and original flavor.

FAQs on Making Siu Mai Like a Dim Sum Pro

• What are the key ingredients that give Siu Mai its unique flavor?

Ground pork, prawns, and shiitake mushrooms create the classic taste. Seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine add depth and authenticity to the dumpling’s flavor profile.

• Is Siu Mai difficult to make at home?

Not at all! The recipe is straightforward. The main skills needed are mixing the filling, wrapping the dumplings, and steaming. With practice, anyone can master making these delicious Chinese dumplings.

• Can I prepare Siu Mai in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before steaming. Just cover them with a damp cloth to prevent the wrappers from drying out.

Siu Mai (Shumai) Steamed Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicate Chinese siu mai dumplings blend savory pork, shrimp, and fragrant seasonings into perfect bite-sized parcels. Steamed to golden perfection, these elegant dim sum delights offer you a delicious journey through traditional Chinese culinary artistry.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) ground pork
• 200 grams (7 ounces) raw prawn (shrimp), finely chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Wrapper and Garnish:

• 1 pack wonton wrappers
• 2 tablespoons fish roe (optional, for garnish)
• Soy sauce, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground pork, chopped prawns, finely diced shiitake mushrooms, minced spring onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, whisked egg, sugar, and white pepper until uniformly combined.
2. Position a wonton wrapper and centrally place a generous spoonful of the protein mixture, then delicately draw the wrapper’s edges upward, encasing the filling while deliberately leaving the summit exposed, crafting a distinctive open-topped dumpling silhouette.
3. Continue fabricating dumplings until all filling is utilized, maintaining consistent size and shape.
4. Prepare steaming apparatus by carefully lining the base with parchment paper or tender cabbage leaves to circumvent potential adhesion.
5. Strategically position assembled dumplings within the steamer, ensuring minimal contact between each parcel to facilitate even heat circulation.
6. Position steamer over vigorously boiling water, allowing dumplings to steam precisely 8-10 minutes at approximately 212°F, verifying complete cooking through translucent, firm filling appearance.
7. Gently extract dumplings and optionally embellish with vibrant fish roe for aesthetic and flavor enhancement.
8. Present immediately alongside complementary soy sauce for dipping, ensuring optimal temperature and gustatory experience.

Notes

• Prep the meat mixture gently to keep the filling light and fluffy, avoiding overworking which can make the dumplings dense.
• Choose fresh, high-quality prawns and ground pork with some fat content for maximum flavor and juicy texture.
• Wrap dumplings carefully, ensuring edges are sealed but top remains open to showcase the colorful filling and allow steam to penetrate evenly.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for dietary variations while maintaining similar seasoning ratios.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 90mg