Steamed Dumplings | A Cushy & Tasty Appetizer

One of the treasures of Asian cuisine at chinawok is steamed dumplings with their soft wrappers and juicy and tasty stuffing. They are well known as steamed Asian dumplings and can be found in Chinese dim sum, Japanese cuisine and many more, usually accompanied by dipping sauces. Steamed dumpling recipe is a light but filling snack that can be served as an appetizer or a main meal. This guide discusses everything about steamed dumplings; what they are, how they are made and where to get them.

What are Steamed Dumplings?

Steamed dumpling are pockets of dough stuffed with pork, shrimp, or vegetables and steam cooked. In Chinese food, steamed Chinese dumplings such as har gow or shu mai have transparent wrappers and light fillings. They are commonly flavored with ginger, soy sauce or sesame oil to make them savory. There are vegetarian steamed dumpling with cabbage or mushrooms as a variation.

They have a soft and chewy texture and are filled with juicy stuffing that bursts in flavor. Compared to fried Asian dumplings, steamed dumplings are lighter and thus attractive to health-conscious food consumers. These are normally accompanied with a spicy soy dipping sauce.

Why Steamed Dumplings are a Good Choice?

Steamed dumpling are more preferred due to their tender bite and juicy savory stuffing. They are ideal as dim sum brunch, family dinner or even as a light snack. A DIY steamed dumplings recipe is cheap, as it requires basic ingredients, such as flour and meat or vegetables. They are so versatile that they are a hit in any culture steamed Chinese dumplings, shu mai in Japanese.

They are more healthy than fried ones, as they contain less oil and are more concentrated on fresh fillings. Serve with spicy or tangy dipping sauce on the side. Steamed dumpling are best served when sharing among friends.

Ingredients Steamed Dumplings

Recipe of steamed dumpling needs few ingredients to make their soft wrappers and tasty fillings. The flour, water and sometimes cornstarch to achieve translucency in steamed Chinese dumplings are used to prepare the dough. Fillings can be made of minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables, with options of seasoning being garlic, ginger, or scallions. Dip sauces are made with soy sauce or rice vinegar to accompany savory steamed dumpling.

To make vegetarian steamed dumpling, use tofu, shiitake mushrooms or carrots. A little sesame oil enhances richness to the filling. These components guarantee a light, flavorful outcome.

Steamed Dumplings Recipe

Preparation of steamed dumpling is easy using a steamer or bamboo basket. Make a stuffing of shrimp or pork seasoned, wrap in a dough and steam 8-12 minutes, until done. When making steamed dumplings at home, look to make wrappers thin so that the texture is tender. Steamer: line with parchment or cabbage leaves to avoid sticking.

Season savory steamed dumpling fillings with spices or herbs to taste. Accompany with a dipping sauce of soy-vinegar or chili sauce, to add zest. Serve with hot tea to make a traditional dim sum.

Nutrition Facts and Calories Steamed Dumplings

The calories in steamed dumpling are determined by the filling and the amount taken. One savory steamed dumpling (e.g. pork shu mai) has 50-80 calories, less than fried ones. Steamed dumplings with vegetables are between 40-60 calories and have very little fat. Nutritional info: 2-3g protein, 1-3g fat, 6-10g carbs per piece.

Choose lean meat or vegetables to go lighter. Depending on dipping sauces, there is approximately 150-300mg of sodium per dumpling. Restaurant portions can add a few calories.

Steamed Dumplings Near Me

Steamed dumpling are not hard to find since dim sum and Asian restaurants have become popular. Look on Yelp or Uber Eats to find places that sell steamed Asian dumplings or steamed Chinese dumplings. Dim sum Har gow or shu mai are commonly found in local Chinese or Japanese restaurants. Frozen dumplings or dumpling wrappers to make your own steamed dumplings can be bought in Asian markets.

Vegetarian steamed dumplings can be found in vegetable restaurants or dim sum restaurants. Serve with noodle meals or soup as a complete meal. The nearest option is available with a simple search of steamed dumpling near me.

FAQs about Steamed Dumplings

Conclusion

Steamed dumplings are a soft and tasty snack that is enjoyed in Asian foods, whether steamed Chinese dumplings or savory steamed dumplings. You can follow a recipe and make your steamed dumplings at home or find steamed dumplings near me, either way, they are easy to enjoy like fried dumplings. Try vegetarian steamed dumplings or traditional fillings to variety. Cut into strips and serve with a zesty dipping sauce as a wonderful, appetizer-type dish to share.