Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are a simple yet delicious dim sum treat. Made with fresh shrimp, aromatic chives, and a light dipping sauce, these dumplings are perfect for beginners and come together in just a few easy steps. Whether pan-fried or steamed, they offer a savory bite that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Filling:

• 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into small pieces

• 1 oz chives, chopped into small 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

For the Wrapping:

• Wonton skins (enough for 16 dumplings)

• Cooking oil (for pan-frying)

For the Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce:

• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 ½ tablespoons Chinese black vinegar

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp Filling: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the shrimp into small pieces and mix with the chopped chives, egg white, tapioca starch, chicken bouillon powder, salt, fish sauce, sesame oil, white pepper powder, and sugar. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Assemble the Dumplings: Lay a wonton skin on a flat surface and dab water on the edges. Place about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp filling in the center and fold the skin towards the middle, sealing tightly. Repeat until all the filling is used.

3. Pan-Fry the Dumplings: Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the pan and cover. Pan-fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until crispy. Add more oil if needed.

4. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Mix the soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar together in a small bowl.

5. Serve: Serve the dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrients (Per Dumpling)

• Calories: 164 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 1g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 1g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 1mg

• Sodium: 153mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

These shrimp and chive dumplings are perfect for any occasion and can easily be customized with different fillings. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a dim sum meal!

The Appeal of Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

What makes Shrimp and Chive Dumplings so appealing is their simplicity and versatility. While the recipe uses a basic filling of shrimp and chives, there’s plenty of room for customization, allowing you to add different ingredients or tweak the seasoning to your liking. The dumpling dough itself is wonderfully light, allowing the filling to shine through. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a cozy meal at home, these dumplings are a wonderful way to enjoy a delicious bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

The flavors of shrimp and chives complement each other perfectly. Shrimp, known for its subtle sweetness and delicate texture, is enhanced by the slightly oniony, fragrant flavor of the chives. The addition of egg white and seasonings such as fish sauce, sesame oil, and chicken bouillon powder infuses the filling with a depth of flavor, while the tapioca starch gives it a nice, smooth texture. This balance of flavors makes Shrimp and Chive Dumplings a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re new to dim sum or a seasoned fan.

Ingredients That Bring Flavor

The filling for Shrimp and Chive Dumplings is the heart of the dish, and the ingredients you use will make all the difference. The shrimp is the star, and it’s important to use fresh, high-quality shrimp that will provide a clean, sweet flavor. Chives, a staple in Chinese cooking, bring a mild onion-like taste that pairs beautifully with the shrimp. The egg white adds a smooth texture to the filling, while the tapioca starch ensures that everything holds together without being too dense.

Seasonings like chicken bouillon powder, salt, fish sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar bring the dumplings to life with a balanced mixture of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. These ingredients give the filling a richness that makes it stand out, while also ensuring that the dumplings aren’t overly greasy or heavy.

The wonton skins used for wrapping the dumplings are light and thin, making them ideal for enclosing the flavorful filling. They create the perfect balance of crunchiness and softness when pan-fried or steamed. Wonton skins are widely available at most grocery stores, making this dish an easy one to prepare even if you’re not familiar with dim sum cooking.

How to Make Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Making Shrimp and Chive Dumplings is a simple process, and once you’ve assembled the dumplings, you can enjoy them either steamed or pan-fried for added crispiness. The first step is preparing the shrimp filling. Start by rinsing the shrimp, then chopping it into small pieces. Mix the shrimp with the chopped chives, egg white, and seasonings like fish sauce, sesame oil, and chicken bouillon powder. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Once the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the dumplings. Take a wonton skin and dab a little water around the edges to help seal it. Place a small spoonful of the shrimp filling in the center and fold the skin around it to form a sealed dumpling. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.

Next, cook the dumplings. You have two main options for cooking: pan-frying or steaming. For pan-frying, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, place the dumplings in the pan, and cover. Let them cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until crispy. For steaming, simply arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.

The Perfect Dipping Sauce

No dim sum dish is complete without a dipping sauce, and the soy-vinegar dipping sauce for these Shrimp and Chive Dumplings is the perfect complement. The sauce is incredibly simple, made with just soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar, but it adds a wonderful balance of salty and tangy flavors that perfectly enhance the dumplings. You can adjust the ratio of soy sauce to vinegar depending on your personal taste preference, or add a dash of chili oil for some heat if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are best served immediately while they are still warm and crispy on the outside. Serve them alongside the soy-vinegar dipping sauce for a burst of flavor with each bite. You can also enjoy them with other dim sum favorites like steamed buns, spring rolls, or dumplings filled with different ingredients such as pork, chicken, or vegetables. These dumplings are also perfect for a light lunch or dinner on their own.

For added flair, garnish your dumplings with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced scallions. If you enjoy a little heat, serve the dumplings with a side of chili sauce or chili oil.

Customizing Your Dumplings

While Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are delicious as is, they can also be easily customized to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add vegetables: You can enhance the filling by adding finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or cabbage for extra crunch and flavor.

• Change the protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use ground pork, chicken, or beef as a substitute for the shrimp filling.

• Spicy variation: Add a small amount of chopped fresh chili or chili paste to the filling or dipping sauce to give the dumplings a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information for Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Each Shrimp and Chive Dumpling provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, with 164 kcal, 1g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, and 1g of fat per dumpling. The dumplings also contain a small amount of fiber and sugar, as well as a modest amount of sodium from the soy sauce and fish sauce. If you’re looking for a light snack or appetizer that still delivers on flavor, Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are a great choice.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are an easy-to-make, delicious dim sum dish that is sure to satisfy. With fresh shrimp, aromatic chives, and a savory dipping sauce, these dumplings are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you pan-fry them for a crispy bite or steam them for a lighter option, these dumplings offer a savory, satisfying experience that will impress both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

The combination of textures—from the crispiness of the pan-fried dumpling skin to the soft, flavorful filling—makes each bite a delight. Plus, the versatility of the recipe means you can easily customize the dumplings to suit your personal preferences. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a dim sum meal, and discover why Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are a favorite in Chinese cuisine!