Dim sum, a traditional Chinese cuisine, is a delightful assortment of small, bite-sized dishes that are typically served with tea. Originating from the Cantonese region of China, dim sum has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its unique flavors and variety. In this article, we will explore the art of making dim sum, from the essential ingredients to the step-by-step preparation of some classic dishes.
What is Dim Sum
Dim sum, which translates to “touch the heart,” is a style of Chinese cuisine that involves a wide range of small dishes. These dishes can be steamed, fried, or baked and are often served in bamboo baskets. Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed during brunch or lunch, accompanied by tea, in a practice known as “yum cha” (drinking tea).
The History of Dim Sum
Dim sum has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Silk Road, where travelers would stop at tea houses to rest and enjoy small bites of food. Over time, these small dishes evolved into the elaborate dim sum we know today. The Cantonese region, particularly Guangzhou, is credited with refining and popularizing dim sum, making it a staple of Chinese culinary culture.
Essential Ingredients for Dim Sum
Before diving into the recipes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the key ingredients used in dim sum. These ingredients are the foundation of many dim sum dishes and can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
Wheat Starch and Tapioca Starch
These starches are essential for making the translucent wrappers used in dishes like har gow (shrimp dumplings) and cheung fun (rice noodle rolls).
Rice Flour
Rice flour is used to make the dough for various dumplings and buns, such as char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
Soy Sauce
A staple in Chinese cooking, soy sauce is used for seasoning and adding depth of flavor to many dim sum dishes.
Sesame Oil
This aromatic oil is used to enhance the flavor of fillings and sauces.
Oyster Sauce
A rich, savory sauce made from oysters, it is commonly used in stir-fries and as a dipping sauce.
Shaoxing Wine
A type of Chinese rice wine, Shaoxing wine is used to marinate meats and add complexity to dishes.
Five-Spice Powder
A blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, this spice mix adds a unique flavor to meats and fillings.
Bamboo Shoots and Water Chestnuts
These crunchy vegetables are often used in fillings to add texture and freshness.
Dried Shrimp and Shiitake Mushrooms
These ingredients are rehydrated and used to add umami and depth to various dim sum dishes.
Char Siu (Barbecue Pork)
A popular filling for buns and dumplings, char siu is made from pork that has been marinated and roasted.
Classic Dim Sum Recipes
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation of some classic dim sum dishes.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Har gow is one of the most iconic dim sum dishes, known for its translucent, chewy wrapper and succulent shrimp filling.
Ingredients:
Wrapper:
- 1 cup wheat starch
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
Filling:
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp bamboo shoots, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Wrapper:
In a mixing bowl, combine wheat starch and tapioca starch. Gradually add boiling water while stirring until a dough forms. Add vegetable oil and knead until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
Chop the shrimp into small pieces and mix with bamboo shoots, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Dumplings:
Roll the dough into a log and cut into small pieces. Flatten each piece into a thin circle. Place a small amount of filling in the center and fold the wrapper into a half-moon shape, pleating the edges to seal.
Steam the Dumplings:
Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam over high heat for 6-8 minutes until the wrappers are translucent.
Serve:
Serve hot with soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.
Char Siu Bao (Barbecue Pork Buns)
Char siu bao is a beloved dim sum dish featuring fluffy buns filled with sweet and savory barbecue pork.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Filling:
- 200g char siu (barbecue pork), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
In a pan, combine char siu, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until heated through. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the filling thickens. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Buns:
Divide the dough into small pieces and flatten each piece into a circle. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and gather the edges to seal, forming a bun.
Steam the Buns:
Place the buns in a steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam over high heat for 10-12 minutes until the buns are fluffy and cooked through.
Serve:
Serve warm as a delicious snack or part of a dim sum meal.
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Cheung fun is a delicate dish made from thin rice noodle sheets, often filled with shrimp, beef, or char siu, and served with a sweet soy sauce.
Ingredients:
Rice Noodle Batter:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling:
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Batter:
In a bowl, mix rice flour, tapioca starch, water, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
Marinate the shrimp with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
Cook the Rice Noodle Sheets:
Lightly oil a steaming tray and pour a thin layer of batter into the tray. Sprinkle some shrimp on top. Steam for 2-3 minutes until the noodle sheet is set. Roll the sheet into a log and repeat with the remaining batter and filling.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and sesame oil. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve:
Cut the rice noodle rolls into pieces and serve with the sweet soy sauce.
Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Siu mai is an open-topped dumpling filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, often garnished with a small piece of carrot or roe.
Ingredients:
Wrapper:
- 1 pack round dumpling wrappers
Filling:
- 200g ground pork
- 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp bamboo shoots, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, combine ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well until the filling is sticky.
Assemble the Dumplings:
Place a dumpling wrapper in your hand and add a small amount of filling. Gather the edges of the wrapper around the filling, leaving the top open. Flatten the bottom so the dumpling can stand upright.
Steam the Dumplings:
Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
Serve:
Garnish with a small piece of carrot or roe and serve hot with soy sauce or chili oil.
Tips for Making Perfect Dim Sum
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor and texture in dim sum. Always use high-quality meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Master the Wrapper:
The wrapper is crucial for many dim sum dishes. Practice making thin, even wrappers that are strong enough to hold the filling without breaking.
Steam Properly:
Steaming is a common cooking method for dim sum. Ensure your steamer is hot before adding the dishes, and avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking.
Balance Flavors:
Dim sum is all about balance. Ensure your fillings have a good mix of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, and don’t forget the importance of texture.
Experiment with Fillings:
While traditional fillings are delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and flavors to create your own unique dim sum dishes.
Conclusion
Making dim sum at home may seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re making har gow, char siu bao, cheung fun, or siu mai, the key is to practice and have fun in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start creating your own dim sum feast. Enjoy!
Related topics:
