Dim sum, the quintessential Chinese culinary experience, is a staple at any social gathering. Whether it’s a family reunion, a birthday celebration, or just a casual get-together with friends, serving a variety of delicious dim sum dishes is sure to impress. With its rich history and cultural significance, dim sum has become an integral part of Chinese cuisine, offering a wide range of flavors, textures, and presentation styles that cater to all tastes.
To elevate your dim sum game, we’ve curated 18 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) and Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) to modern twists like Turnip Cake (radish cake) and Scallion Pancakes, our selection has something for everyone. So, get ready to explore the world of dim sum and discover new flavors to delight your senses!
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Har Gow, a classic dim sum dish, is a must-try when exploring Cantonese cuisine. These delicate shrimp dumplings are wrapped in a thin dough wrapper and steamed to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and white pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for steaming
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small amount of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Place the dumplings on a steaming basket lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each dumpling.
7. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
A classic Cantonese dim sum dish, Siu Mai is a flavorful combination of pork and shrimp wrapped in a delicate dumpling wrapper. This recipe yields tender and juicy dumplings with a savory filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped shrimp
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork-shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal the dumpling.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Steam Siu Mai over boiling water for 8-10 minutes or pan-fry until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
These sweet and savory buns are a classic Chinese dim sum favorite, filled with tender BBQ pork and steamed to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate the magic at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup char siu pork filling (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water, sugar, and egg to form a dough.
3. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide into 8-10 equal pieces and shape into balls.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place 1 tablespoon of char siu pork filling in the center.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
8. Seal edges by pressing with fingers or using a fork.
9. Steam buns for 12-15 minutes, or until fluffy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Cheung Fun, also known as rice noodle rolls, is a popular Cantonese dim sum dish that’s both delicate and flavorful. This recipe teaches you how to make these tender rolls filled with savory ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of rice flour noodles ( Cheung Fun)
– 1/2 cup of chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup of diced pork or chicken
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: other fillings such as shrimp, vegetables, or mushrooms
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice flour noodles according to package instructions.
2. Prepare your filling ingredients by mixing chopped scallions with diced pork or chicken, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Lay a cooked noodle sheet flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of your chosen fillings in the center of the noodle.
4. Fold the bottom half of the noodle over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a neat package.
5. Repeat with remaining noodles and fillings.
Cooking Time: None required, as you’re working with cooked noodles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf)
This traditional Cantonese dish is a staple at many Chinese celebrations and gatherings. Lo Mai Gai, which translates to “rice wrapped in lotus leaves,” is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines sticky rice with savory fillings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous or sweet sticky rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried shrimp, chopped
– 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt to taste
– 4-6 lotus leaves
Instructions:
1. Rinse the sticky rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and cook the rice according to package instructions with an additional 1/4 cup of water.
3. Mix cooked rice with chopped shrimp, scallions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt to taste.
4. Cut the lotus leaves into squares, large enough to wrap around the filling.
5. Place a spoonful of the sticky rice mixture onto the center of each leaf, then fold the leaf over the filling to form a neat package. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Steam the Lo Mai Gai for 20-25 minutes or until the leaves are tender and the rice is cooked.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turnip Cake (Radish Cake)
This traditional Cantonese-style Turnip Cake recipe is a savory delight that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of tea or as a side dish. The combination of grated turnips, rice flour, and spices creates a crispy-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 large turnip (about 2 cups), peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup rice flour
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, including green and white parts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine grated turnip, rice flour, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Add vegetable oil, scallions, and garlic. Mix until a batter forms.
3. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium heat. Brush with a small amount of oil.
4. Pour in 1/4 cup of the turnip batter and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
5. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Egg Tarts
These flaky pastry tarts filled with creamy egg custard are a beloved treat from Portugal, known as Pastéis de Nata. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delicious treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Cut out circles of pastry using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cream, and salt until smooth.
5. Place a spoonful of egg mixture onto one half of each pastry circle.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with milk or beaten egg for golden glaze.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Xiao Long Bao, also known as soup dumplings, are a popular Chinese dish originating from Shanghai. These delicate dumplings are filled with pork and a savory broth, which is released when you take your first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound ground pork
+ 1/2 cup chopped scallions
+ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
+ 1 tablespoon sesame oil
+ 1 tablespoon chicken broth
– Assembly and cooking liquids:
+ 2 tablespoons cornstarch
+ 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll out each piece into a thin circle.
4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pouch, and press edges together to seal.
5. Cook dumplings in boiling water for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Phoenix Claws (Chicken Feet)
In many Asian cultures, chicken feet are considered a delicacy, packed with collagen-rich gelatin and rich flavor. This simple recipe brings out the best of these crispy treats.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 chicken feet
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger paste
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken feet under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the oil in a large wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and ginger paste; stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add the chicken feet; cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
6. Pour the marinade over the chicken feet; simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Beef Meatballs
Elevate your pasta dishes or appetizers with these tender and flavorful beef meatballs. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a blend of Italian seasonings, this classic recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Taro Dumplings
These Taro Dumplings are a unique and flavorful twist on traditional dumplings, combining the natural sweetness of taro with savory ingredients. Perfect for a snack or light meal, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cooked taro puree
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water for wrapping
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, taro puree, vegetable oil, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
3. Wrap each ball with water to form a thin sheet of dough.
4. Pan-fry the dumplings over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spring Rolls
Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and refreshing snack with this simple spring rolls recipe. These delicious wraps are filled with shrimp, vegetables, and noodles, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section or international aisle)
– 1/2 cup cooked and peeled shrimp
– 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup chopped carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine shrimp, cabbage, carrots, and scallions.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Brush the edges of the wrapper with sesame oil.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: None (assembled spring rolls can be served immediately)
Fried Sesame Balls
These crispy fried sesame balls are a sweet and savory snack that combines the nutty flavor of sesame seeds with the crunch of fried dough. Perfect for a quick treat or as a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and sesame seeds.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
5. Fry the sesame balls in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of the balls)
Red Bean Buns
These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a sweet and savory red bean paste, making them a perfect treat for any time of day. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy these delicious buns in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 cup red bean paste (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, yeast, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide into 6-8 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into disk shapes.
6. Place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center of each disk, then fold and seal the edges to form buns.
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Scallion Pancakes
These crispy and savory Scallion Pancakes are a popular Chinese snack or appetizer, perfect for any occasion. With a delicate balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add in the warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Brush one side with a little water and place chopped scallions on top.
7. Fold the dough in half to form a triangle or a square shape.
8. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat with enough oil for frying.
9. Fry the pancakes until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Drain excess oil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes to fry all the pancakes.
Pork Spare Ribs in Black Bean Sauce
This recipe combines the richness of pork spare ribs with the bold flavors of black beans, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork spare ribs
– 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans, water, and spare ribs to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 2 hours or until pork is tender and falling off the bone.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Shrimp Toast
This simple and delicious recipe combines succulent shrimp with toasted bread, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 slices of white bread (preferably day-old)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Toast the bread slices until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Top each toasted bread slice with a spoonful of the shrimp mixture.
6. Serve warm, garnished with parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Dumplings
A flavorful and nutritious snack or meal, these vegetable dumplings are packed with a mix of colorful vegetables and aromatics. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they can be served steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., cabbage, carrots, zucchini, bean sprouts)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed vegetables and flour.
2. Gradually add water, stirring until mixture forms a dough.
3. Divide dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
6. Fold dumpling in half to form a half-moon shape and press edges together to seal.
7. Brush tops with sesame oil and beaten egg for a golden glaze.
Cooking Time:
– Steaming: 10-12 minutes
– Pan-frying: 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown
– Deep-frying: 2-3 minutes, or until crispy
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of dim sum with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic Har Gow and Siu Mai dumplings to BBQ pork buns and sticky rice, this collection has something for every occasion. Discover how to make turnip cake, egg tarts, and xiao long bao soup dumplings, as well as other popular dishes like phoenix claws, beef meatballs, and scallion pancakes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a special treat, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and bring the flavors of China to your table.
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