Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Steamed dumplings are a delightful treat featuring a savory filling wrapped in delicate dough. This recipe combines ground pork and shrimp with aromatic seasonings for a dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lean ground pork
- 6 large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely chopped, optional)
- 1-inch piece ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pinch white pepper
- 2 scallions (finely chopped)
- 1 package (14 ounces) dumpling wrappers
- Preferred sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp if using, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt to taste, sesame oil, white pepper, and chopped scallions. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly blended.
- Step 2: Lay a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold it over the filling and press the edges together, creating pleats along one side. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Step 3: Prepare your steamer by lining a bamboo steamer with parchment paper that has small holes or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
- Step 4: Place the steamer over a pot of boiling water and steam the dumplings for 10 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
- Use fresh dumpling wrappers if available for a softer texture; frozen wrappers also work well when thawed properly.
- Add a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Be careful not to overfill the wrappers to avoid breaking during steaming.
Storage
Uncooked dumplings can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag, lasting up to 1 month. Steam directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time. Cooked dumplings keep in the refrigerator for 2–3 days and are best reheated by steaming or pan-frying to maintain texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and freeze them before cooking. This allows you to steam them fresh whenever you want.
What dipping sauce pairs well with steamed dumplings?
A simple mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, and chili flakes works beautifully. You can also try a sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce for different flavor profiles.
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Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 dumplings (depending on size and amount of filling used) 1x
Description
These steamed dumplings feature a savory filling of lean ground pork and optional finely chopped shrimp, flavored with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and scallions. Wrapped in delicate dumpling skins and steamed to perfection, they offer a juicy, tender bite perfect as an appetizer or main dish served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces lean ground pork
- 6 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped (optional)
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pinch white pepper
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
Assembly
- 1 package (14 ounces) dumpling wrappers
- Water, for sealing edges
For Serving
- Preferred dipping sauce (e.g., soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar mixture)
Instructions
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine the lean ground pork, finely chopped shrimp (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, kosher salt to taste, sesame oil, white pepper, and finely chopped scallions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended and the filling has a uniform texture.
- Assemble dumplings: Lay one dumpling wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper to help seal. Fold the wrapper over the filling into a half-moon shape and press the edges together tightly, creating pleats on one side to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process for all wrappers and filling.
- Prepare steamer: Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper perforated with small holes, or lightly oil the steamer surface to prevent sticking. Arrange the assembled dumplings in a single layer inside the steamer, ensuring they do not touch each other to allow steam circulation.
- Steam dumplings: Place the bamboo steamer over a pot of boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam the dumplings for 10 minutes or until the filling is fully cooked through. Remove the steamer from the heat carefully.
- Serve: Serve the steamed dumplings immediately while hot, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh dumpling wrappers for the best texture, or thaw frozen wrappers completely before assembling.
- Feel free to omit the shrimp for a pork-only filling or replace with finely chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Ensure the water is boiling vigorously before steaming and do not lift the lid during steaming to maintain consistent heat.
- Dumplings can be refrigerated for up to 1 day or frozen before steaming for meal prep convenience.
- If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, a metal steaming rack or electric steamer will also work.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: steamed dumplings, pork dumplings, Chinese appetizer, dim sum, shrimp pork dumplings, homemade dumplings, dumpling recipe, bamboo steamer
