Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings Recipe - Delicious & Authentic | USA Origin

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings are a popular dim sum dish that originated in Guangzhou, China. These delicate dumplings are known for their translucent skin and juicy shrimp filling. They are a staple in Cantonese cuisine and are enjoyed by many around the world.

History

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings have been a part of Cantonese cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, they were served as a snack or appetizer in teahouses in Guangzhou. Over time, they gained popularity and are now a common dish in dim sum restaurants worldwide.

Ingredients

Dough

0.75 cup wheat starch
2 tsp tapioca starch
0.5 cup boiling water, or as needed
2 tsp lard

Har Gow Filling

6 oz (170 g) raw shrimp
2 tbsp bamboo shoots
2 tbsp water chestnuts
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp finely chopped green onion
0.25 tsp sesame oil

How to prepare

Sift the wheat starch and tapioca starch into a bowl.
Slowly add the boiling water and immediately start stirring.
Add enough water until you have a sticky dough.
Add the lard and knead the dough until it becomes smooth.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Finely chop the shrimp.
Rinse the bamboo shoots and water chestnuts under warm running water.
Drain the water.
Shred the bamboo shoots and finely chop the water chestnuts.
While the dough is resting, mix together the filling ingredients.
Knead the rested dough a bit more.
To make the dumplings, pinch off a heaping teaspoon of dough and roll it out into a 3-inch circle.
Moisten the edges of the circle.
Add 1 level teaspoon of the filling in the middle.
Fold over the dough and pleat the edges to seal.
Continue with the remaining dumplings.
Steam the dumplings for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is cooked and the dough becomes shiny and translucent.

Variations

You can add minced garlic or ginger to the filling for extra flavor.
You can also add diced mushrooms or water chestnuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it becomes smooth to ensure a good texture for the dumplings.

- When folding the dumplings, make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.

- Steam the dumplings over high heat to ensure that the dough becomes shiny and translucent.

Serving Suggestions

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional cooking technique for Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings. It helps to retain the juiciness of the shrimp filling and gives the dough a shiny, translucent appearance.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find wheat starch, you can substitute it with cornstarch. You can also use vegetable shortening instead of lard.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the dumplings just before steaming. Store the assembled dumplings in the refrigerator until ready to steam.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings on a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic touch. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings pair well with a light and refreshing green tea or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the dumplings for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings are a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and iron.

Alergens

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings contain shellfish (shrimp) and wheat allergens.

Summary

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings are a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in proteins and low in calories. They are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings are a classic dim sum dish that is loved for their delicate skin and flavorful shrimp filling. With a few simple ingredients and some practice, you can recreate this traditional Cantonese dish at home. Enjoy these dumplings as a snack, appetizer, or main dish for a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn all I could about cooking. I had always been fascinated by the art of creating delicious dishes from scratch, and when I first tasted Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

I had never tasted anything quite like these delicate little dumplings before. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender wrapper, and savory sauce was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I was determined to learn the secrets behind this delectable dish, and so I set out on a journey to discover the recipe.

I began by asking friends and family if they knew how to make Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings, but no one seemed to have a clue. Undeterred, I scoured cookbooks and searched the internet for any information I could find. Finally, after weeks of searching, I stumbled upon an old cooking blog that promised to reveal the secrets of making these dumplings.

I poured over the blog post, taking in every detail and jotting down notes as I went. The recipe seemed simple enough, but I knew that the key to perfecting these dumplings would be in the technique. I set to work in my tiny little kitchen, determined to recreate the flavors that had captivated me so.

I started by making the dough from scratch, combining flour and water until a smooth, elastic ball formed. I rolled out the dough into thin circles, careful to keep them uniform in size. Next, I mixed together a filling of plump shrimp, minced garlic, ginger, and a few other secret ingredients that the blog had revealed.

As I carefully folded the dough around the shrimp filling, forming each dumpling into a neat little package, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I knew that these dumplings were going to be something special, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor.

After steaming the dumplings to perfection, I eagerly took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the shrimp perfectly cooked and seasoned, the wrapper tender and flavorful. I had done it - I had mastered the art of making Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings.

From that day on, I became known among my friends and family as the Har Gow Shrimp Dumpling Queen. I would make them for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and they were always a hit. People would beg me for the recipe, but I would always keep it close to my chest, a secret that only I knew.

As the years went by, I continued to make these dumplings, honing my skills and perfecting the recipe. I would often experiment with different fillings and sauces, always striving to create the ultimate Har Gow Shrimp Dumpling.

And now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of cooking, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. I may have stumbled upon this recipe by chance all those years ago, but it has become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire, a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.

So if you ever find yourself craving a taste of something truly special, just remember - the secret to the perfect Har Gow Shrimp Dumpling lies in the love and dedication that goes into making it. And who knows, maybe one day you'll stumble upon a recipe that will change your life, just like this one did for me.