Recipe Dim Sum

Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese cuisine, is often enjoyed as a shared meal comprising small, flavorful dishes. Originating from the Cantonese culture, these bite-sized delights are commonly served in bamboo steamer baskets or small plates. Dim Sum is a delightful way to experience a variety of flavors and textures in one meal, ranging from savory dumplings to sweet buns. In this article, we'll guide you through making some of the most popular Dim Sum dishes at home.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, gather the following ingredients for making a basic Dim Sum meal, focusing on steamed dumplings and buns:

For Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For Dumpling Filling:

• 200g ground pork or chicken
• 1 cup finely chopped shrimp (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Buns (Char Siu Bao):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For Bun Filling:

• 200g char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), diced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Preparation and Serving Instructions

Making the Dumpling Dough:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and boiling water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Add the vegetable oil and knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.

3. Shape the Dumplings: Roll the dough into a long cylinder and cut it into small, even pieces. Flatten each piece into a thin circle. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center, fold the dough over, and pinch the edges to seal, creating a pleated pattern.

4. Steam the Dumplings: Place the dumplings in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.

Making the Buns (Char Siu Bao):

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, vegetable oil, and baking powder. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a pan, cook the diced char siu with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens. Let it cool.

3. Shape the Buns: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball into a circle and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Gather the edges and twist to seal. Place each bun on a parchment-lined steamer tray.

4. Steam the Buns: Steam the buns over boiling water for 15 minutes or until they are puffy and cooked through.

Serving:

Serve the Dim Sum hot, accompanied by dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar.

Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh meat, vegetables, and herbs will enhance the flavor of your Dim Sum.
• Master the Pleating Technique: Pleating the dumplings correctly helps to seal in the juices and gives them a professional look.
• Steaming: Ensure your steamer is properly set up, and avoid overcrowding the dumplings or buns to allow even cooking.

Variations

• Vegetarian Dim Sum: Substitute the meat in the filling with tofu, mushrooms, or a mixture of finely chopped vegetables.
• Sweet Buns: Instead of savory char siu filling, try a sweet red bean paste or custard filling for the buns.
• Fried Dumplings: Pan-fry the dumplings after steaming for a crispy texture.

Calories

The calorie count for Dim Sum varies depending on the filling and preparation method. On average:

• Steamed Dumplings: About 40-60 calories per piece.
• Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): Around 150-200 calories per bun.

Conclusion

Making Dim Sum at home can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize flavors and experiment with different fillings. Whether you’re hosting a Dim Sum brunch or simply indulging in a solo feast, these homemade treats are sure to impress. With practice, you’ll master the art of Dim Sum and create delicious memories with every bite.