Dim Sum (Basic Dumpling Recipe)

Ingredients for Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup warm water

Ingredients for Filling (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings):

• 250g ground pork

• 100g shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger, finely minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1/2 tsp chili oil (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, add the flour. Gradually pour the warm water into the flour, stirring with chopsticks or a spoon until a dough forms.

   • Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Set the filling aside.

3. Roll out the Dumpling Wrappers:

   • After the dough has rested, divide it into two portions.

   • Roll each portion into a long log, about 1 inch in diameter. Cut each log into small pieces (about 1 inch each).

   • Roll each small piece into a thin circle (about 3 inches in diameter) using a rolling pin.

4. Assemble the Dumplings:

   • Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper.

   • Fold the dumpling in half and pinch the edges together to seal, creating a pleated edge if desired.

   • Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

5. Cook the Dumplings:

   • Steamed Dumplings: Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Place the dumplings in the steamer, making sure they don’t touch. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.

   • Pan-Fried Dumplings (Potstickers): Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in the pan. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, then add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 6-8 minutes until the water evaporates and the dumplings are fully cooked.

6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil (optional). Stir to combine.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the dim sum dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your homemade dim sum with its delicate, flavorful filling and the perfect dipping sauce!