Chef Ed Recipe – Classic Chinese Dim Sum Sampler
Servings: 4–6 | Prep Time: 1 hr | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr 30 min
Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal made up of small dishes meant for sharing—steamed, pan-fried, or baked, often served with tea. Here’s Chef Ed’s classic sampler featuring pork shumai, shrimp dumplings (har gow), and vegetable spring rolls.
Dish 1: Pork Shumai (Steamed Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 lb peeled shrimp, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 egg white
- 20 round wonton wrappers
- Optional: fish roe or diced carrot for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine pork, shrimp, onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, and egg white. Mix until sticky.
- Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of each wrapper. Gather the sides to form a cylinder, leaving the top open.
- Top each shumai with a pinch of roe or diced carrot.
- Steam in a bamboo steamer for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.
Dish 2: Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb shrimp, peeled and minced
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Dumpling wrappers (or make your own translucent dough with wheat starch and tapioca flour)
Instructions:
- Mix shrimp, bamboo shoots, salt, sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Place a small spoonful in each wrapper. Fold into a half-moon and pleat the edges.
- Steam for 6–8 minutes until translucent and cooked through.
Dish 3: Vegetable Spring Rolls (Fried)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Spring roll wrappers
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- In a wok, sauté garlic and onions for 1 minute. Add vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to seal rolls.
- Place filling on a wrapper, roll tightly, seal edges with cornstarch slurry.
- Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with soy sauce, chili oil, hoisin, or black vinegar on the side. Brew jasmine or oolong tea for a traditional pairing.
Chef Ed’s Tips:
- Use a bamboo steamer lined with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the steamer or frying oil—work in batches.
- Dim sum is all about variety—feel free to add steamed buns, chicken feet, or egg tarts to your spread.
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