There’s something truly special about the moment you bite into a perfectly steamed Shrimp Shumai—it’s like a burst of flavor that transports you straight to a bustling dim sum restaurant. When I first decided to make these delightful dumplings at home, I had no idea just how easy they would turn out to be. The combination of garlic, ginger, and lemongrass creates an aromatic filling that’s simply irresistible.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll impress your family and friends while saying goodbye to takeout. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or want to wow guests at your next gathering, these shrimp shumai are sure to steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into creating this flavorful dish that embodies both comfort and culinary adventure—all in under 10 minutes of steaming time!
Why will you love Shrimp Shumai?
Irresistible flavors: The combination of fresh garlic, ginger, and lemongrass creates a mouthwatering filling that elevates your dining experience.
Quick & easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these dumplings in no time—perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier alternative: These homemade shumai let you enjoy a delicious treat without the guilt of fast food.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family dinner, everyone will be impressed by these delightful bites.
Versatile dipping options: Serve them with your favorite ponzu or soy sauce for an extra kick! For more delicious variations, check out my easy dumpling recipe.
Shrimp Shumai Ingredients
For the Filling
• Garlic – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to your shumai.
• Fresh ginger – Provides a zesty and refreshing undertone that’s essential for authentic taste.
• Lemongrass – Brings a citrusy aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Shrimp – The star ingredient! Use fresh or frozen shrimp for the best results.
• Soy sauce – Gives depth and umami to the filling, enhancing the savory notes.
• Rice wine vinegar – Adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the shrimp.
• Sesame oil – This oil provides a nutty flavor that makes the filling irresistible.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning the filling, just a touch is all you need.
• White pepper – Adds a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
For Wrapping
• Wonton wrappers – These delicate squares are perfect for wrapping your shrimp filling; make sure they’re fresh for optimal texture.
To create the perfect Shrimp Shumai, gather these ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as delightful as it is delicious!
How to Make Shrimp Shumai
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Pulse Aromatics: Place garlic, ginger, and lemongrass in a food processor. Pulse 6 to 8 times until finely ground and well combined. Scrape down the sides for even mixing.
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Add Shrimp: Dice half of your shrimp and add them to the food processor along with the remaining ingredients. Process until a smooth paste comes together, then pour into a mixing bowl, folding in the remaining diced shrimp gently.
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Fill Wrappers: Place ½ tablespoon of the shrimp mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet the edges with a small touch of water to help seal.
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Shape Shumai: Bring the wrapper sides to the center and press any excess wrapper down to seal gently. Flatten the top and place each shumai on a baking sheet. For a pop of color, add a slice of green onion on top as you go.
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Prep for Steaming: Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and place a steamer on top, lining it with a layer of lettuce leaves. Arrange your shumai on top, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
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Steam Dumplings: Cover the steamer with a lid and place it over medium-high heat. Steam the shumai for 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and tender.
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove the shumai from the steamer and serve them hot with ponzu sauce, or mix soy sauce with sesame oil for a delicious dip!
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Shrimp Shumai
Room Temperature: Keep shrimp shumai covered at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage.
Fridge: Store cooked shrimp shumai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a steamer or microwave to retain moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked shrimp shumai on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Steam from frozen for 10 to 12 minutes.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen shrimp shumai, simply steam them until heated through, ensuring they remain full of flavor and tenderness.
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp Shumai are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them freshly steamed even on your busiest days! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps of pulsing the aromatics and mixing in the shrimp. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also fill the wonton wrappers and freeze them for up to 3 months; just be sure to arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, steam straight from frozen for 10-12 minutes, and relish the comfort of these homemade dumplings without the last-minute rush!
Expert Tips for Shrimp Shumai
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass for the best flavor. Frozen ingredients can alter the taste and texture of your Shrimp Shumai.
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Moisture Control: Avoid overfilling the wonton wrappers to prevent them from tearing. Stick to the recommended ½ tablespoon of filling for each wrapper.
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Sealing Technique: Make sure to wet the edges of the wrappers thoroughly before sealing to ensure a secure closure. This prevents the filling from leaking during steaming.
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Steaming Setup: When steaming, keep the shumai at least 1 inch apart in the steamer basket to allow steam to circulate evenly. This helps them cook thoroughly and evenly.
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Taste Tester: Before serving the entire batch, steam a couple of dumplings first and taste to adjust the seasoning in your filling, especially salt and pepper.
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Dipping Delights: Experiment with different sauces like a spicy sriracha soy mix or a sweet chili sauce alongside the traditional soy and sesame oil for your shrimp shumai dipping pleasure!
What to Serve with Shrimp Shumai?
Create a delightful meal that complements this irresistible dish while tantalizing your taste buds.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy rice serves as a perfect base, soaking up the sauce while balancing the flavors of the shumai.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers, tossed with a light sesame dressing, add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm dumplings.
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Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil Dip: A classic dipping sauce that enhances the umami notes of the shrimp, making every bite a flavorful experience.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a soothing, savory companion, perfect for dipping your shrimp shumai between sips.
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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Juicy, grilled chicken adds a savory element to your meal, offering a delicious, protein-packed pairing.
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Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy, these rolls bring additional textures and flavors that complement the soft dumplings beautifully.
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Chardonnay: Pairing a glass of chilled Chardonnay brings out the bright flavors in the shumai, making for an elegant dining experience.
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Chocolate Mochi: For dessert, these chewy, sweet bites provide a delightful end to your meal, balancing the savory with just the right touch of sweetness.
Embrace the art of pairing and create a memorable dining experience with these irresistible options!
Shrimp Shumai Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own with these delicious twists!
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Dairy-Free: Use avocado oil instead of sesame oil for a lighter and dairy-free flavor option.
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Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped chili peppers to the filling for a fiery surprise with each bite. Spice fans will absolutely love this.
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Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for finely chopped mushrooms and tofu for a delightful plant-based version that’s still packed with flavor.
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Crispy Texture: Pan-fry cooked shumai in a little oil until golden brown after steaming for a crunchy contrast.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh chopped cilantro or basil into the filling for an aromatic burst that elevates the dish’s freshness.
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Sweet Twist: Incorporate a touch of sweet chili sauce into your dipping sauce for a sweet and savory balance that complements the shumai beautifully.
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Asian Flair: Experiment with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce in the filling for a unique umami kick you’ll love.
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Whole Wheat Wrappers: Opt for whole wheat wonton wrappers to add a nutty flavor and increase the nutritional value of your shumai.
Get creative and enjoy the journey of making your shrimp shumai uniquely yours!
Shrimp Shumai Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for my shrimp shumai?
Absolutely! Look for shrimp that is firm, moist, and has a slightly translucent appearance. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and free from dark spots or an off smell. For the best flavor, opt for wild-caught shrimp if available, as they often have a sweeter taste compared to farm-raised varieties.
How should I store leftover shrimp shumai?
Very easy! You can store cooked shrimp shumai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam them or use the microwave, adding a little water to keep them moist. This way, they’ll remain flavorful and tender!
Can I freeze shrimp shumai for later?
Certainly! To freeze uncooked shrimp shumai, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, steam them straight from the freezer for 10 to 12 minutes, and you’ll have delicious dumplings ready in no time!
What should I do if my shumai wrappers tear during the filling process?
No worries! If a wrapper tears, simply patch it up with a small piece of another wrapper or just use a bit of water to seal the tear. You can also place a small piece of the filling in the center and create a small pouch instead of a traditional shumai shape. They might not look perfect, but they’ll still taste fantastic!
Are shrimp shumai safe for my dog to eat?
While your furry friend might be curious about shrimp shumai, it’s best to avoid sharing them. The seasonings like garlic and soy sauce can be harmful to dogs. If you want to treat your pet, consider plain steamed shrimp without any seasonings as a safe alternative!
Delicious Shrimp Shumai: A Flavorful Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pulse Aromatics: Place garlic, ginger, and lemongrass in a food processor. Pulse 6 to 8 times until finely ground and well combined.
- Add Shrimp: Dice half of your shrimp and add them to the food processor along with the remaining ingredients. Process until a smooth paste comes together, then pour into a mixing bowl, folding in the remaining diced shrimp gently.
- Fill Wrappers: Place ½ tablespoon of the shrimp mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet the edges with a small touch of water to help seal.
- Shape Shumai: Bring the wrapper sides to the center and press any excess wrapper down to seal gently. Flatten the top and place each shumai on a baking sheet.
- Prep for Steaming: Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and place a steamer on top, lining it with a layer of lettuce leaves. Arrange your shumai on top, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
- Steam Dumplings: Cover the steamer with a lid and place it over medium-high heat. Steam the shumai for 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and tender.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the shumai from the steamer and serve them hot with ponzu sauce, or mix soy sauce with sesame oil for a delicious dip!