ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - So Good Blog (2024)

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ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - So Good Blog (1)

Wenna Pang

Asian, Recipes

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What do I remember the most about Sunday mornings?

The image of Dim-Sum surely pops into mind. Whether it be with family or friends, weekends would involve us strolling into a busy crowded Dim-Sum parlor in the mood for a traditional Chinese breakfast. A classic meal of Dim-Sum, or as it’s called “Yum Cha” in the Cantonese language, is typical for many Chinese families. Although it’s eaten weekly, it’s such a classic tradition that has become a part of our lifestyles that we somehow never seem to get tired of it.

Literally translated into “Drink Tea”, the tradition of Yum-Cha started on the Silk Road of ancient China. As the story goes, it all began when a group of weary travelers needed a place to stop and rest during a long journey. The exhausted travelers eventually made their way into a teahouse on the roadside to relax. The Chinese soon discovered the many benefits of tea, including aiding in digestion and boosting energy and muscle endurance. In addition to that, tea is also loaded with cancer fighting antioxidants to help prevent heart attacks and other diseases such as pancreas, liver, prostate cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Over the years, little wooden cartons of various snacks started to be added to the experience and these teahouses eventually turned into the Dim-Sum parlors that we know today. Although no longer the relaxing teahouses of the past, Dim-Sum parlors today provide a much livelier atmosphere, and serve as a fun place for crowded gatherings, food, and talk. In some older more traditional Dim-Sum parlors, Dim-Sum is actually served in tiny carts that waiters push around the restaurant, while calling out the various Dim-Sum options to hungry customers.

Although Dim-Sum is usually a morning or late afternoon meal, it’s now becoming a popular trend for many restaurants to serve Dim-Sum as dinner or even midnight snacks in some Cantonese venues in Asia and North America. With shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, white turnip cakes, and wrapped sticky rice, the menu of Dim-Sum really runs as long as the Silk Road itself.

ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - So Good Blog (2)

The list of teas that go along with it may be even longer, with Bo-Lei, Oolong, and White tea as popular choices. Despite the variety, one of my all-time favorite Dim-Sum is definitely Shu-Mai, tiny steamed dumplings stuffed with pork or prawns, and wrapped in a thin layer of wheat flour. Shu-Mai is usually topped with delicate crab roe and mushroom. I remember when we would go Yum-Cha growing up as a kid, I would personally request it every time. Freshly steamed and piping hot Shu-Mai is seriously to die for, so go ahead and try out this recipe and take a shot at making your very own Shu-Mai at home.

In the Chinese dictionary, Dim-Sum are two words that literally mean “touch the heart”, but that’s certainly an understatement. Over the years, it has definitely surpassed its purpose and ended up not only touching, but capturing the hearts of many, this Shu-Mai recipe will surely do the same.

ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - So Good Blog (3)

Have Some Dim-Sum: Homemade Shu-Mai

2014-10-08 01:33:43

ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - So Good Blog (4)

Serves 14

Take a shot at making this Chinese classic at home!

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Total Time

1 hr 10 min

Fillings

  1. 11 ½ pieces of ginger
  2. 5 sh*take mushrooms
  3. 1 scallion, finely chopped
  4. ¼ pound of ground pork
  5. 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
  6. 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing rice wine
  7. 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  8. 2 teaspoons of corn starch
  9. Sea salt & ground pepper

Dumplings

  1. 12-14 square wonton wrappers
  2. 1 large egg
  3. Frozen peas and carrots as toppings
  4. Vegetable oil

Sauce

  1. 1 tablespoon of Asian Chile paste
  2. 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce

Instructions

  1. To make the filling, mix together the ginger, mushrooms, scallion, pork, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix together with your hands until all the ingredients are mixed well.
  2. To form the dumplings, place a wet paper towel over the wonton wrappers to prevent them from drying out, then remove 1 of the wrappers and brush it with some of the beaten egg.
  3. Making a circle with your thumb and index finger, lay the wrapper on top, and nudge down to create a cup. Add in 2 teaspoons of filing, then pat down the filling with the back of a spoon.
  4. Fold down the overhanging edges, leaving the filling exposed, then press the wrapper tightly around the filling. Pat the top and bottom of the dumpling so it’s flat.
  5. Place toppings on top of the dumpling, and repeat for the rest of the dumplings.
  6. To steam the dumplings, cut a round of parchment paper to fit into the bamboo steamer, then punch holes in the paper to let steam through. Line the steamer with parchment, then brush with vegetable oil. Place the dumplings into the steamer, cover, then place the steamer into a skillet filled with a few inches of boiling water. Making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer, steam the dumplings 8-10 minutes, until the pork is thoroughly cooked.
  7. To make the sauce, mix the Chile paste and soy sauce in a small bowl and enjoy with the Shu-Mai!

Notes

  1. The peas and carrots are optional, another great choice for toppings are dried Goji berries.

By Wenna Pang

Adapted from www.foodnetwork.com

Adapted from www.foodnetwork.com

So Good Blog http://www.sogoodblog.com/

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A writer and photographer who's in love with new experiences, visual art, and the written word. Born and raised in Chicago, I've also spent time living in New York City, Hong Kong, and traveled throughout various places. A travel enthusiast by heart, I love roaming new places and exploring the people & food that comes with it. As an avid story teller, I love sharing my discoveries, whether it be my latest travel experience or newest food adventure.I truly believe that food is the universal factor that connects all of us, no matter how different we may be in other ways, we cannot deny that there’s at least one thing that we love to eat and that one favorite food magically and unconditionally gives us comfort and pleasure.That feeling is one of the purest forms of happiness and I’d love to share that feeling through my work

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Latest posts by Wenna Pang (see all)

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  • ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - February 6, 2015

2 Responses

    • Wenna Pang

      No problem, hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

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ShuMai Recipe : Have Some Dim-Sum - So Good Blog (2024)

FAQs

Why is shumai so good? ›

Making the Shumai Filling

Shumai are stuffed with a divine mixture of rich and juicy pork, savory shrimp, earthy dried shiitake mushrooms and some of my favorite flavor bombs like Shaoxing wine, white pepper, toasted sesame oil, and oyster sauce.

Why does dim sum taste so good? ›

One of the most enchanting aspects of dim sum is its diversity. From savory to sweet, steamed to fried, dim sum menus offer an eclectic mix of dishes that cater to every palate. Delve into baskets of delicate dumplings filled with succulent meats or fresh vegetables.

Is shumai the same as dim sum? ›

Shumai is always a dim sum favorite! It has a wonderfully chewy and crunchy texture with a delicious pork and shrimp filling. It has a lovely appearance and a wonderful taste!

How would you describe shumai? ›

Shumai is a traditional dish that can be made in many different forms. In the United States, the most common form is the shumai dim sum. While there are many different fillings and techniques use for this delicious treat, it usually is served as a filling of pork in a thin dough which is streamed or fried.

Why is my shumai falling apart? ›

Homemade dumplings can fall apart for a number of different reasons, or any combination of them. Often they burst during cooking because they have too much filling for the amount of dough. Some doughs are too dry, so the dumplings won't stay sealed. Others can be too wet and sticky and end up tearing.

What does shumai taste like? ›

Shumai is a dumpling with a savory and juicy filling. It features a subtle seafood taste from the shrimp, a delightful nutty scent from toasted sesame oil, and a hint of smokiness from shiitake mushrooms, all enclosed in a delicate, chewy wrapper.

Why is dim sum so special? ›

Dim sum is so unique because there are many varieties of special Chinese dishes, served in small portions for all to share. The best part is that I don't have to order from the menu because carts full of cooked, ready to eat dishes will be pushed right to my table. I can pick whatever I like from the cart.

What is special about dim sum? ›

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal made up of small plates of dumplings and other snack dishes and is usually accompanied by tea. Similar to the way that the Spanish eat tapas, the dishes are shared among family and friends. Typically dim sum is consumed during brunch hours — late morning to lunchtime.

Is dim sum good or bad for you? ›

She revealed that dim sums are among the healthiest eating-out options. Explaining the reason, the nutritionist mentioned that these are generally bite-sized, high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and steamed. According to Makhija, steamed foods are the healthiest and most versatile.

Why is shumai yellow? ›

The yellow is because egg is used in the dough; if it's white in colour then no egg.

What do you eat with shumai? ›

I would serve Siu Mai (Shu Mai) with perfectly fried Fried Shrimp Balls , Gai Lan with Oyster Sauce (my go-to vegetable dish at Dim Sum) and some kind of Fried Rice! If you are in the mood for more dumplings, I would make my Pork and Chive Dumplings!

What is the orange dot on the Siu Mai? ›

Flying fish roe (aka tobiko) - tiny little bright orange fish eggs used to garnish Siu Mai. Sold at Asian stores - or buy a couple of fish roe sashimi from the sushi shop and use the roe! SUB finely chopped carrot. It's just visual - too little for flavour!

What is the orange on top of shumai? ›

The better quality shumais will likely use a fish roe as a topper, which steams into tiny orange pearls. You won't taste it; it's purely ornamental. Some dim sum parlors, however, may choose to save money by using minced carrots or dried goji berries. Other times you may see shumai topped with a green pea.

What is the difference between dim SIM and siu mai? ›

Dim Sim is the name of a Chinese-inspired snack that is shaped like a Siu Mai – i.e. a cylinder of meat and vegetable filling, partially wrapped in a pastry. Although the appearances are similar, Dim Sims and Siu Mai have different ingredients and taste completely different to one another.

What is another name for shumai? ›

Siu Mai (烧卖)

Siu mai, also known as shumai, is another popular Cantonese dumpling that is believed to have originated in Southern China. Like har gow, they are a staple in type of Chinese dumplings in dim sum restaurants and are often served in the bamboo baskets in which they were steamed.

Are shumai unhealthy? ›

High in Fat: Siu Mai is typically made with ground pork, which is a high-fat meat. Depending on the recipe, Siu Mai may also contain shrimp or other ingredients that are high in fat. Eating foods that are high in fat can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health problems. High in Sodium: Siu M.

Are sui mai healthy? ›

Fish siu mai

A seven-piece serving packs 12 grams of fat and about 300 calories – more than twice as many in a bowl of cooked rice. Adding soy sauce and other condiments to make the siu mai more flavourful results in more sodium being consumed, depending on how much is added.

Why do Chinese love dumplings? ›

In Chinese culture - dumplings are more than just a versatile food item. They signify comfort, hope, and prosperity.

Why are Chinese dumplings so good? ›

Texture: Dumplings can have a satisfying chewy or tender texture, depending on how they are cooked and the type of dough used. This texture can be enjoyable to eat and provide a pleasant mouthfeel. Convenience: Dumplings are often easy to make and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or meal, maki.

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