Steamed Dumplings (with Pork and Shrimp) - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

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These Steamed Dumplings are the tastiest morsels of pork and shrimp, steamed in a bamboo steamer. Learn how to make the best Chinese dumplings, just like those in Chinatown!

Steamed Dumplings With Pork

I love all kinds of dumplings and dim sum, such as potstickers, pork and leeks dumplings, and pan-fried dumplings, but my favorite is Chinese steamed dumplings, especially steamed pork dumplings.

In China and many Asian countries, pork is the protein of choice. Steamed dumplings are mostly made with pork, but chicken dumplings and shrimp dumplings are also quite popular. There is something about small dough pockets filled with seasoned ground pork and cooked by steam; they’re deliciously juicy and bursting with flavor!

Recently, I gathered all the ingredients for steamed dumplings and decided to make them at home, using the cute little bamboo steamers I got from Chinatown. This is my homemade steamed dumplings recipe, tried and tested by many readers.

If you’re new and have never made Asian dumplings before, fret not, as I will walk you through the entire step-by-step process. My dumpling recipe is easy, straightforward, and produces piping hot, juicy, and absolutely delicious results. Let’s get started!

Steamed Dumpling Ingredients

The amazing thing about steamed dumplings is the tasty ingredients that come together to make the filling super delicious.

Ground pork is the main protein, pairing perfectly with the succulent flavors of shrimp and the earthy ginger, giving each bite a nice texture and some serious depth. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese Shaoxing wine add that savory goodness, while chopped green scallions bring a fresh crunch and pop of color.

Every ingredient plays its part to ensure each dumpling is packed with flavor and texture, making them a total treat in every bite!

• Ground Pork – If you live in an Asian country, for juicy filling, buy ground pork with a ratio of 70% meat to 30% fat. Remember to inform your butcher about the ratio, and you’ll have the juiciest filling.
• Shrimp – regular peeled and deveined shrimp works well, but tiger prawns elevate the texture and flavor to the next level.
• Ginger – old peeled ginger imparts a more intense note to the filling.
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Shaoxing Wine – You may substitute it with Chinese rice wine, Japanese cooking sake, or dry sherry. If you can’t consume alcohol, skip it altogether.
• Dumpling Wrappers – Store-bought dumpling wrappers work well. In the United States, these wrappers are sometimes labeled as potsticker wrappers. They work the same. Avoid wonton wrappers, which are pale yellow in color.

Please see the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

The Best Filling For Steamed Dumplings

I love my dumplings filled with ground pork and some shrimp. If you don’t eat shrimp, you can always make the dumplings with ground pork only.

For a halal version of this recipe, opt for ground chicken or even ground turkey, although the latter tends to be drier. If you want juicy dumplings, use ground chicken thighs. If you only have chicken breasts, mix them with chicken thighs.

How To Make Steamed Dumplings

Step 1: Dumpling Filling. Combine the ground pork, shrimp, chopped scallions, ginger, and all the seasonings together. Mix well and set aside.

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Step 2: Wrapping Dumplings. To assemble the dumplings, put a small spoonful of the filling in the center of a wrapper. Moisten the edge of the wrapper with water using your finger, then fold and pleat the dumpling as desired. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers.

Step 3: Steaming Dumplings. Arrange the dumplings in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper at the bottom and steam for 8-10 minutes. Serve immediately with black vinegar dipping sauce.

How To Wrap and Fold Dumplings

Making dumplings is really not difficult, and you can easily find all the ingredients at regular stores: dumpling wrappers, ground pork, vegetables, etc.

For beginners, the challenging part is the folding and wrapping of the dumplings, which is a skill that anyone can master with some practice.

If this is your first time making dumplings, you can simply fold them into a half-moon shape. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable with folding and can attempt more sophisticated shapes with pleats, like the picture above. Regardless of their shape, your steamed dumplings will taste equally delicious.

Folding Dumpling Guide: Watch this step-by-step dumpling wrapping video by Asian Dumplings cookbook author Andrea Nguyen.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

Here are some tips for beginner dumpling makers:

• Preparation: Gather all the steamed dumplings ingredients and the bamboo steamers beforehand. Keep the store-bought wrapper covered to prevent drying.
• Filling and Wrapping: Use a teaspoon (a wooden one is easier) to fill the dumplings. Keep the filling consistent. DO NOT overfill or it will be hard to seal and wrap. Seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out of the dumplings.
• Cooking and Serving: Properly set up your steamer before cooking. If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, a traditional Chinese steamer works fine too. Serve the dumplings hot and steaming, along with black vinegar dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Serve With This Recipe

For a complete Chinese or Cantonese dim sum or yum cha experience at home, I recommend the following recipes.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please share your photo in the Comments section and consider giving it a 5-star rating. I can’t wait to see your creations! Want more easy and delicious recipes? Subscribe to mynewsletterand follow me onFacebook,Pinterest,andInstagramfor new updates.