Forget take out! Steam up a batch of Pork & Shrimp Dim Sum yourself at home. It’s easy to prepare with store-bought wrappers. These delicate dumplings are a welcome addition of Asian flavour to serve as an appetizer or for the buffet table.
NOTE: Traditionally dumplings are steamed in a bamboo steamer placed over a wok filled partially with water. However, if you don’t own these, you can always steam in a large, covered stainless steamer over simmering water. For great tips on using a wok and bamboo steamer visit http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/06/how-to-steam-in-a-wok.html
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined and finely chopped
- 3 large dried shiitake mushrooms
- ¼ cup carrots, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine or sherry
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 24 wonton wrappers
Instructions
- Soak the mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes to reconstitute. Drain, remove the stems and chop finely.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to mingle flavours.
- Fill center of wonton wrapper with a tablespoonful of the filling. Fold the edges up around the filling. Repeat with the rest of the wrappers and filling.
- If desired, add a garnish of chopped green onion, carrot shavings or a few peas.
- Line a bamboo steamer with cabbage leaves and steam for a few minutes; just until wilted (or, you can line steamer with parchment paper). Add dumplings and steam for 10-15 minutes. Remove from steamer carefully – they’re delicate!
- Arrange on a platter and serve with dipping sauce.
Dipping Sauce
Serve dim sum with either soy sauce or a spicier chili sauce.
Chili Dipping Sauce
1 red chili, finely chopped
3 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
In a saucepan, over medium heat, add finely chopped chili, rice vinegar and sugar and cook just until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, cool and pour into serving bowl.
