Dim sum, meaning “touch the heart” in Cantonese, is a beloved culinary tradition originating from Southern China. Known for its variety of small, flavorful dishes, dim sum is typically served with tea, making it a delightful social meal to share with family and friends. While it’s often associated with bustling restaurants, you can recreate the magic of dim sum at home.
This article will guide you through the essentials of making some classic dim sum dishes, from steamed dumplings to buns and rolls.
Understanding Dim Sum Basics
Before diving into recipes, it’s essential to understand the components and cooking techniques that make dim sum unique.
Diversity: Dim sum consists of bite-sized dishes that include dumplings, buns, rolls, pastries, and desserts.
Cooking Methods: Steaming, frying, baking, and boiling are the primary methods used.
Ingredients: Common ingredients include shrimp, pork, chicken, vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder.
Dim Sum Recipes
Below are step-by-step recipes for some classic dim sum dishes that you can make at home.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Ingredients:
200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1/2 cup bamboo shoots (finely chopped)
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1 cup wheat starch
1/4 cup tapioca starch
3/4 cup boiling water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Chop the shrimp into small pieces and mix with bamboo shoots, sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, and sugar. Set aside.
Make the Dough:
Mix wheat starch and tapioca starch in a bowl. Gradually add boiling water while stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough until smooth, then add vegetable oil and knead again.
Shape the Dumplings:
Roll the dough into a thin log and cut into small pieces. Flatten each piece into a thin circle.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper and fold the edges to form a pleated dumpling.
Steam:
Place the dumplings on parchment paper in a bamboo steamer. Steam for 6–8 minutes until translucent.
Char Siu Bao (Barbecue Pork Buns)
Ingredients:
Filling:
1 cup roasted pork (char siu), diced
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Heat a pan and combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
Stir in the diced char siu and set aside.
Make the Dough:
Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it activate for 5 minutes.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, and the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
Shape the Buns:
Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each one. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and seal the edges.
Place buns on parchment paper and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Steam:
Steam the buns for 12–15 minutes until puffy and cooked through.
Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Ingredients:
250g ground pork
200g shrimp (minced)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup water chestnuts (chopped)
20 wonton wrappers
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Mix pork, shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and water chestnuts in a bowl.
Assemble the Dumplings:
Place a wonton wrapper in your palm and add 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
Fold the edges around the filling, leaving the top exposed. Press lightly to secure.
Steam:
Place dumplings in a bamboo steamer and steam for 8–10 minutes.
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Ingredients:
1 cup rice flour
2 tbsp tapioca starch
2 cups water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Soy sauce for serving
Fillings (shrimp, char siu, or vegetables)
Instructions:
Prepare the Batter:
Mix rice flour, tapioca starch, water, and oil to form a smooth batter.
Cook the Rolls:
Lightly oil a flat plate and pour a thin layer of batter onto it. Steam for 3–4 minutes.
Add filling, then roll the noodle sheet while it’s still hot.
Serve:
Cut into pieces and drizzle with soy sauce before serving.
Egg Custard Tarts
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
2 tbsp cold water
Custard Filling:
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor until crumbly. Add cold water and form a dough.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit tart molds. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Custard:
Dissolve sugar in warm milk. Whisk in eggs and vanilla.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the custard into the tart shells and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until set.
Tips for Perfect Dim Sum
Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of ingredients significantly impacts the taste.
Invest in Equipment: A bamboo steamer and rolling pin are essential.
Practice Patience: Perfecting dim sum requires time and practice.
Wrapping Up
Making dim sum at home is a rewarding culinary journey that allows you to explore the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a dim sum brunch or experimenting for fun, these recipes will help you create a memorable dining experience. With practice, you can expand your repertoire and even invent your own dim sum creations.
Enjoy the art of dim sum and savor every bite!
