Name: Shrimp and Chive Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Dumplings:; 12 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined, medium to large size); 1 oz chives, cut into very short pieces; 1 teaspoon egg white; ½ teaspoon tapioca starch (or 菱粉); ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon fish sauce; ¼ teaspoon sesame oil; 3 dashes white pepper powder; ½ teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon oil; Wonton skin (for wrapping); Cooking oil (for pan-frying); Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce:; 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce; 1 ½ tablespoons Chinese black vinegar

Craving a delicious dim sum treat that’s easy to make at home? These Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are packed with juicy shrimp and fresh chives, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have a delightful dish that’s perfect for beginners or anyone who loves Asian-inspired cuisine.

Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are a perfect balance of savory and fresh, thanks to the tender shrimp and aromatic chives. The flavors come together beautifully with the addition of sesame oil, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. The dumplings are easy to assemble, and with just a few minutes of cooking, you’ll have crispy, golden-brown dumplings on the outside with a juicy, flavorful filling on the inside. Plus, they come with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce that makes each bite even better!

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:
12 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium to large size
1 oz. chives, cut into very short pieces
1 teaspoon egg white
½ teaspoon tapioca starch
½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fish sauce
¼ teaspoon sesame oil
3 dashes white pepper powder
½ teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon oil
Wonton skin
Cooking oil, for pan-frying

For the Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce:
1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons Chinese black vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the shrimp into small pieces, about 3-4 pieces per shrimp.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix the chopped shrimp with the chives. Add the egg white, tapioca starch, chicken bouillon powder, salt, fish sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar. Mix well and refrigerate the filling for 30 minutes to marinate.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar. Set aside.
Assemble the Dumplings: Lay a wonton skin on a flat surface. Dab your index finger with water and trace it along the four outer edges of the wonton skin. Place a teaspoon of the shrimp filling in the center, then fold the wonton skin towards the middle to form a half-moon shape. Dab a little water on the edges to seal the dumpling tightly. Repeat until all the filling is used.
Cook the Dumplings: Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Cover with a lid and pan-fry the dumplings on one side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the dumplings over and cook the other side until golden and crispy. Add more oil to the pan if necessary.
Serve: Serve the dumplings hot with the soy-vinegar dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 16 dumplings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu to make vegetarian dumplings.
Spicy Version: Add a few drops of chili oil or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Herb Options: If you don’t have chives, you can try substituting them with green onions, cilantro, or dill for a different flavor profile.
Steamed Dumplings: For a lighter option, you can steam the dumplings instead of pan-frying them. This will give them a softer texture.
Different Wrappers: You can experiment with other types of wrappers like gyoza wrappers or dumpling wrappers, but make sure they’re not too thick.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover dumplings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, you can either steam or pan-fry them again to restore their crispy texture. You can also freeze the uncooked dumplings for up to 3 months. To cook frozen dumplings, simply pan-fry them directly from the freezer, adding a little extra time for cooking.

FAQs

Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the dumplings in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the pan?

Ensure your pan is well-oiled and heated to the right temperature before adding the dumplings. Use a non-stick pan for the best results.

Can I use wonton wrappers instead of dumpling wrappers?

Yes, wonton wrappers work well for these dumplings, though they may be a little thinner. Just be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.

How do I get the shrimp to have a “springy” texture?

For a springy texture, make sure to finely chop the shrimp and marinate the mixture with egg white and starch. This will help achieve that bouncy texture when cooked.

Can I make a larger batch of filling?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the filling to make more dumplings. Just make sure to adjust the number of wonton wrappers accordingly.

How long do I need to cook the dumplings?

Each side should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. If you’re steaming them, cook for about 6-7 minutes.

Can I freeze these dumplings uncooked?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dumplings. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container once frozen.

Can I use another type of dipping sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a sweet chili sauce or a soy sauce and ginger mix.

What’s the best way to serve these dumplings?

Serve these dumplings with a side of dipping sauce and perhaps some steamed vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are a flavorful and fun dish to make at home. With their crispy golden exterior and juicy, savory filling, they’re sure to impress your family and guests. Easy to prepare, customizable with different fillings or seasonings, and delicious every time, these dumplings are perfect for a dim sum-inspired meal any day of the week. Enjoy!