Chinese Dim Sum - Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

  • Total time - 1 hour
  • Preparation - 45 minutes
  • Cooking time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: China
Translucent Chinese shrimp dumplings, Har Gow, in a bamboo steamer, ready to be served.

Har Gow is a true challenge for the home cook, but with patience, you can create the most delicate and delicious dumplings. The secret lies in a properly prepared dough that turns translucent when cooked, and a balanced filling full of shrimp flavor. It's an ideal dish for a special occasion or a dinner with friends.

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 200 g raw shrimp, chopped
  • 50 g bamboo shoots, finely minced
  • 20 g finely ground pork fat (optional)
  • salt, sugar, white pepper
  • sesame oil and rice wine

For the Wrapper (Dough)

  • 1 cup wheat starch
  • 0.5 cup tapioca starch
  • 1.5 cups boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For Serving

  • soy sauce
  • chili oil
  • rice vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Coarsely chop the shrimp, leaving some whole for a better texture. In a bowl, mix the shrimp, bamboo shoots, minced pork fat, sugar, salt, white pepper, sesame oil, and rice wine. Mix well and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the dough

In a bowl, mix the wheat starch and tapioca starch. Pour in the boiling water and stir quickly with chopsticks or a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Let it cool for a minute, then knead it by hand until smooth. Add a little oil and knead until the dough is silky and non-sticky. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

Step 3: Shape the dumplings

Tear off a small piece of dough and roll it into a thin circle (about 7-8 cm in diameter). Place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold the wrapper over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, creating pleats. If you're a beginner, a simple half-moon shape is also fine.

Step 4: Prepare for steaming

Line the bottom of a bamboo steamer basket with perforated parchment paper or lettuce leaves. Arrange the dumplings in the basket, leaving some space between them. Place the steamer over a pot of boiling water.

Step 5: Steam and serve

Steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes, or until the wrapper becomes translucent and the shrimp is cooked through. Serve the hot dumplings immediately with soy sauce, chili oil, and rice vinegar for dipping.