How to Make Dim Sum

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Ingredients

1 Method One: Ha Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

2 Method Two: Wu Gok (Taro Dumplings)

3 Method Three: Longan Tofu (Soy Jelly)

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Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

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Last Updated: May 31, 2022 References

Dim sum refers to a style of Cantonese cuisine prepared in small, bite-sized portions. Traditionally, a dim sum meal is begun with a light steamed dish (like ha gow), followed by a heavier fried dish (like wu gok), and concluded with a sweet dessert (like longan tofu).

Ingredients

Ha Gow

Makes 16 pieces

• 16 dumpling wrappers or thin wonton wrappers
• 9 oz (250 g) medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
• 2 oz (50 g) minced water chestnuts or minced bamboo shoots
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
• 2 tsp (10 ml) sake or dry sherry
• 1 tsp (5 ml) mirin or 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) sugar
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) soy sauce or black bean garlic sauce
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground white pepper

Wu Gok

Makes 12 pieces

Filling

• 3 oz (85 g) lean ground pork
• 3 oz (85 g) shrimp, peeled and de-veined
• 1 or 2 green onions, diced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tsp (5 ml) freshly minced ginger
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) sugar
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) rice wine or sherry
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) water
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) canola oil

Dough

• 1 lb (450 g) taro root
• 1/3 cup (80 g) wheat starch (tang flour) or tapioca flour
• 1/3 cup (80 g) boiling water
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• 1-1/2 tsp (7.5 ml) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) lard or solid vegetable shortening

Frying

• Canola or peanut oil

Longan Tofu

Makes 12 portions

• 1 qt (1 L) water
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) agar-agar powder
• 2 blades pandan leaf
• 1 qt (1 L) unsweetened soy milk
• 2/3 cup (150 ml) evaporated milk
• 20-oz (560-g) canned longan in syrup

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Method One: Ha Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

1. 
   1
   Set the bamboo steamer over simmering water. Fill a saucepan with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and set it on your stove over medium to medium-high heat. Position your bamboo steamer over the pan.

   • There must be enough water to create steam, but the water level must not be high enough to touch the bottom of the steamer.
   • Use a bamboo steamer for the most traditional experience and taste. If you do not have a bamboo steamer, however, an ordinary steamer basket will also work.
2. 
   2
   Puree the shrimp. Place the peeled, de-veined shrimp in a food processor and blend them into a puree or thick paste.

   • If you do not have a food processor, you can puree the shrimp using a blender or cut the shrimp into 1/2-inch (1.25-cm) segments using a sharp knife. Note that the shrimp should still be uncooked.
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3. 
   3
   Combine the shrimp with the other filling ingredients. Transfer the shrimp to a large mixing bowl and add the water chestnuts, sesame oil, sake, mirin, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

   • The water chestnuts should be minced into small pieces before you add them. Minced bamboo shoots can be used instead of the water chestnuts, or you could use a combination of the two if you'd prefer both flavors.
   • Other substitutions you can make include dry sherry instead of sake, sugar instead of mirin, and black bean garlic sauce instead of soy sauce.
4. 
   4
   Spread out the wrappers. Separate the wrappers and spread them out over a clean counter or table. You should need 16 wrappers for this recipe.

   • Ready-made dumpling wrappers work best for this recipe, but you can use wonton skins of you cannot find dumpling wrappers. Since wonton skins are square instead of circular, however, you'll need to round off the corners before filling them.
5. 
   5
   Place a spoonful of filling into the center of each wrapper. Spoon a small dollop of shrimp filling into the center of each dumpling wrapper.

   • You should only use approximately 1 tsp (5 ml) of filling for each wrapper. If you use too much, the ends won't be able to seal correctly and the dumpling will open as it cooks.
6. 
   6
   Fold and press the edges. Fold the wrappers over the filling to create half-circles. Firmly press the edges together to seal the wrappers.

   • If the ends won't stick together, wet your fingers with clean water and lighten dampen the edges before trying again.
   • You should also crimp the edges using a fork or similar utensil to help hold the seal.
7. 
   7
   Steam the dumplings for 4 to 7 minutes. Place the dumplings into the steamer in a single layer. Cover the basket and steam for 4 to 7 minutes.

   • You should be able to see the shrimp filling through the thin wrapper. Wait for the shrimp to change in color from translucent gray to opaque pink and white.
8. 
   8
   Serve hot. Remove the finished dumplings from the steam and let them rest for 3 minutes. Serve while still hot.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Method Two: Wu Gok (Taro Dumplings)

Prepare the Filling

1. 
   1
   Dice the pork and shrimp. Dice both ingredients into fine pieces. Combine the pork with the soy sauce and ginger in a small bowl. Toss the shrimp with half the salt in another dry bowl.

   • Before dicing the shrimp, it should be peeled and de-veined. You should also rinse it in clean water and dry it on clean paper towels.
2. 
   2
   Mix the sauce. Whisk together the cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine, water, pepper, and remaining salt in a small bowl until thoroughly and evenly combined.

   • Rice wine will produce the most traditional flavor, but sherry can be used if rice wine is unavailable.
3. 
   3
   Heat the canola oil. Pour the canola oil into a small skillet and set the pan on your stove over medium heat.
4. 
   4
   Cook the pork and shrimp. Add the pork and shrimp to the hot oil and stir-fry until both ingredients are fully cooked.

   • Use your spatula to further break up the pork into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Both the pork and shrimp must be completely cooked before you continue.
5. 
   5
   Add the sauce and green onions. Pour the sauce into the pan and sprinkle in the diced green onions. Continue to cook the mixture for another few minutes, stirring frequently.

   • Wait until the sauce thickens before you continue. It may need to reach a simmer before adequate thickening occurs.
6. 
   6
   Chill for at least 2 hours. Pour the filling into a small bowl. Let it cool slightly at room temperature, then cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling for at least 2 hours.

   • Meanwhile, prepare the dough as the filling chills.
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Prepare the Dough

1. 
   1
   Chop the taro root. Peel the taro root and use a sharp knife to cut it into 1-inch to 2-inch (2.5-cm to 5-cm) square pieces.

   • Note that you should remove the tough outer layer of flesh along with the skin as you peel the taro.
   • Also note that thinner pieces of taro will cook faster than thicker pieces.
2. 
   2
   Steam the taro for 30 to 45 minutes. Place the taro root in a steamer basket set over simmering water. Cover and cook until the pieces become soft.

   • Fill the bottom saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water before placing the steamer on top. You need enough water to create steam, but the water should not be high enough to reach through the steamer.
3. 
   3
   Combine the wheat starch and hot water. Place the wheat starch in a medium bowl and gradually pour the boiling water into it, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to combine the two ingredients into a paste.

   • Stop adding water as soon as the mixture matches the appearance and texture of frosting. Loosely cover the bowl and set it aside.
   • You really should use wheat starch for this dough if at all possible. Use tapioca flour in a pinch, but know that the final appearance and consistency will vary slightly if you do.
4. 
   4
   Mash the cooked taro root. Let the taro cool for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a separate bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to mash the taro into a thick puree.

   • Discard any pieces that still feel hard.
5. 
   5
   Combine the dough, taro, and remaining ingredients. Place 1 cup (250 ml) of mashed taro into the wheat starch mixture. Add the salt and sugar, as well, and mix with your fingers until evenly blended. Add the lard or shortening after that.

   • Work the lard into the dough using your fingers. You'll need to knead the dough for several minutes, or until it takes on the consistency of mashed potatoes.
6. 
   6
   Refrigerate the dough. Gather the dough into a ball and cover it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours.
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Assemble the Dumplings

1. 
   1
   Separate the dough into 12 pieces. Roll the dough into a 12-inch (30.5-cm) log and cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.

   • If the dough seems warm and soft after you finish rolling out the pieces, chill the dough balls for another 10 to 15 minutes before continuing.
2. 
   2
   Indent the center of each wrapper. Flatten each dough ball into an oblong circle and use your fingers to form it into the shape of a bowl, with a shallow indentation in the center.

   • It might be easiest to form and fill each dumpling one at a time instead of trying to shape the wrappers all at once.
3. 
   3
   Fill the dumplings. Place 1 tsp (5 ml) of filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper around the filling and pinch the edges in place.

   • Each dumpling should be shaped like an egg or almond.
   • Use excess dough to patch any holes that develop as you form the dumplings.
4. 
   4
   Heat the frying oil. Pour 2 inches (5 cm) of canola oil or peanut oil into a heavy saucepan with deep sides. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches a temperature between 360 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit (182 to 188 degrees Celsius).

   • Test the temperature using a cooking thermometer. The oil must be hot enough before you add the dumplings; otherwise, the dough will fall apart as it cooks.
5. 
   5
   Fry the dumplings. Add the dumplings to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden-brown.

   • Avoid crowding the pan by only cooking two or three dumplings at a time.
   • Once the dumplings begin to float, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking them.
   • After 2 or 3 minutes, the dumplings should be done.
6. 
   6
   Serve hot. Remove the dumplings from the hot oil and let them drain on clean paper towels for several minutes. Serve them while they're still hot.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Method Three: Longan Tofu (Soy Jelly)

1. 
   1
   Place longans into each serving container. Open the canned longans and place two or more in the bottom of each serving dish.

   • Use 6-oz to 8-oz (180-ml to 250-ml) pudding cups for this recipe.
   • Reserve 2/3 cup (150 ml) of longan syrup after removing the longan fruit from the can. Any remaining syrup can be discarded or used for another purpose.
2. 
   2
   Heat the sugar, water, and pandan leaf. Combine the sugar, pandan leaves, and 3 cups (750 ml) of water in a medium saucepan. Heat on medium until the water boils.

   • Pandan leaves are mainly used for their fragrance. Use them if you can find them, but if you're unable to find them, you can leave them out of the recipe and the jelly should still set. Consider adding 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) of vanilla extract or almond extract, instead, to prevent the jelly from tasting bland.
   • Tie the pandan leaves together into a tight knot before adding them to the mixture.
3. 
   3
   Mix together the agar-agar and remaining water. In a separate small bowl, mix the agar-agar powder with the remaining 1 cup (250 ml) of water.

   • Stir the two ingredients until the agar-agar seems fully dissolved.
4. 
   4
   Combine the two mixtures. Pour the agar-agar mixture into the boiling sugary syrup. Stir well and continue to cook it over medium heat.

   • Allow the contents of the saucepan to reach a boil after combining the two mixtures, then simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes before turning off the heat.
5. 
   5
   Add the milks and syrup. Pour the soy milk, evaporated milk, and reserved longan syrup into the saucepan. Mix well until evenly distributed.
6. 
   6
   Pour the mixture into the containers. Pour the liquid jelly mixture over the longans in your prepared serving dishes.

   • Allow the jelly to sit out and cool to room temperature.
7. 
   7
   Serve chilled. Place the containers of jelly in your refrigerator and chill for roughly 2 hours. Enjoy directly out of the refrigerator.
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Tips

• Other dishes commonly served as part of a dim sum meal include pork dumplings, congee, egg rolls, egg tarts, and mango pudding.
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Things You'll Need

Ha Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

• Bamboo steamer or steamer basket
• Medium saucepan
• Food processor
• Knife
• Teaspoon

Wu Gok (Taro Dumplings)

• Knife
• 2 to 4 mixing bowls
• Small skillet
• Steamer basket
• Medium saucepan
• Plastic wrap
• Small, heavy saucepan
• Paper towels

Longan Tofu (Soy Jelly)

• Twelve 6-oz to 8-oz (180-ml to 250-ml) pudding cups
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or mixing spoon