Dim sum is more than just a meal—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a celebration of flavors that bring people together. Among the many delights of dim sum, Siumai stands out as a beloved classic. These tender, savory dumplings are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of pork, shrimp, and aromatic seasonings, creating a bite-sized treat that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re a dim sum enthusiast or a newcomer to this Chinese culinary art, this authentic Siumai recipe will help you bring the taste of China into your own kitchen. Let’s get started on this flavorful journey!
Recipe: Irresistible Homemade Siumai
Ingredients:
- 200g Chopped pork
- 100g Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Chicken egg
- 4 tbsp Chopped carrot
- 1 tbsp Chopped garlic
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce
- 2 tbsp Chopped green onion
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Wonton wrappers
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pork and shrimp.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the shrimp in a food processor before mixing.
- Add the black pepper, chopped carrot, chopped garlic, chopped green onion, corn starch, and sugar to the meat mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the meat mixture along with the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Mix everything thoroughly until you have a well-combined, sticky filling. This step is crucial to ensure the Siumai holds its shape during steaming.
- Assemble the Siumai:
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
- Gather the edges of the wrapper around the filling, pressing gently so that the wrapper adheres to the filling, leaving the top exposed.
- Shape it into a round, open-top dumpling.
- You can gently press the bottom of the dumpling on the counter to flatten it slightly, so it stands upright.
- Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
- Steam the Siumai:
- Line a bamboo steamer or a regular steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Siumai in the steamer, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Bring water to a boil in a pot or wok, then place the steamer over the boiling water. Cover and steam the Siumai for about 8-10 minutes, or until the filling is fully cooked and the wrappers are tender.
- If you want to add a touch of color, you can place a small piece of chopped carrot on top of each Siumai before steaming.
- Serve:
- Once steamed, carefully remove the Siumai from the steamer and transfer them to a serving plate.
- Serve your homemade Siumai hot, with a side of soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the art of making Siumai at home! These savory, tender dumplings are a true testament to the flavors of traditional Chinese dim sum, bringing a touch of authenticity to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or indulging in them yourself, these homemade Siumai are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special and delicious, and savor each bite as you imagine the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of a Chinese dim sum parlor. Happy cooking!