Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Har Gow, or Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, are a beloved dim sum dish, particularly popular during Chinese New Year. Their translucent wrappers and succulent shrimp filling make them a visual and culinary delight. Let's dive into the recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Filling:

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add Boiling Water: Gradually pour the boiling water into the flour mixture, stirring constantly with chopsticks or a fork.
3. Knead the Dough: Once the dough cools slightly, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shrimp, ginger, green onion, cornstarch, sugar, salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well.

Assembling and Steaming the Dumplings:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll out each portion into a thin, circular wrapper.
2. Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the shrimp filling in the centre of each wrapper.
3. Pleat and Seal: Pleat the edges of the wrapper to enclose the filling. You can use different pleating techniques to create beautiful shapes.
4. Steam the Dumplings: Place the dumplings in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam for 6-8 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through.

Nutrition Information and Tips:

• Nutrition: Har Gow are a good source of protein and low in calories, making them a healthy choice. However, they can be high in sodium, so it's important to balance your intake.
• Tips:
• For a more delicate flavour, use smaller shrimp.
• To prevent the wrappers from sticking, dust them lightly with cornstarch before filling.
• For a more flavourful filling, add a pinch of MSG or a few drops of fish sauce.
• Serve Har Gow hot with dipping sauce, such as black vinegar or soy sauce mixed with a bit of chilli oil.

Enjoy these delicious dumplings with your family and friends during Chinese New Year!