Dim sum is a popular Chinese culinary tradition that involves serving a variety of small dishes, often steamed, fried, or baked. One of the favorite types of dim sum is chicken-based dim sum. This dish is flavorful, tender, and a great way to enjoy chicken in a different style. In this article, we’ll explore how to make dim sum chicken from scratch, offering detailed instructions, tips, and helpful advice to guide you through each step.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make dim sum chicken, you will need a few key ingredients. These are common in Chinese cooking and can be found at most grocery stores or Asian supermarkets.
For the Chicken Filling:
Chicken breast (or thigh) – 500g, finely chopped or minced.
Dried shiitake mushrooms – 3-4 pieces, soaked and chopped.
Bamboo shoots – 1/4 cup, finely chopped.
Water chestnuts – 1/4 cup, finely chopped (optional).
Spring onions – 2 stalks, chopped.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
Ginger – 1-inch piece, minced.
Soy sauce – 1 tbsp.
Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp.
Sesame oil – 1 tsp.
Cornstarch – 1 tsp.
Salt – 1/2 tsp (to taste).
Pepper – 1/4 tsp (to taste).
Chinese five-spice powder – 1/4 tsp.
Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) – 1 tbsp.
Sugar – 1/2 tsp.
For the Dumpling Wrappers:
Dim sum wrappers – Store-bought or homemade. You can purchase thin, round wrappers for dumplings, which are commonly used for dim sum.
Preparing the Chicken Filling
Before you start preparing the wrappers, let’s first focus on making the chicken filling. This is the heart of the dim sum chicken.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by chopping the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use a food processor or a knife to mince the chicken. The goal is to make sure the chicken is finely chopped so it blends well with the other ingredients. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the chicken in a food processor for a finer consistency.
2. Soak the Dried Mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to your chicken filling. Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes. Once softened, remove the mushrooms from the water, discard the stems, and chop them into small pieces.
3. Prepare Bamboo Shoots and Water Chestnuts
If using bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, chop them finely into small cubes. These ingredients add a nice crunch to the filling. If you cannot find fresh bamboo shoots, you can use canned bamboo shoots. Water chestnuts are optional, but they provide an extra level of texture.
4. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken, soaked and chopped mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Add in the spring onions, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Season the Filling
Now it’s time to season your chicken mixture. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Mix the ingredients well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the seasonings. The cornstarch will help bind the ingredients together and give the filling a smooth texture.
6. Let the Filling Rest
Once the filling is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to work with the filling when you begin assembling the dim sum.
Preparing the Dim Sum Wrappers
If you are using store-bought wrappers, you can skip ahead to the next step. However, if you want to make your own wrappers, here is a simple guide.
1. Make the Dough
To make the dough for the wrappers, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup of hot water and mix the dough until it comes together. You may need to add a little more water, but do so carefully to avoid making the dough too sticky.
2. Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting the dough will make it easier to roll out.
3. Roll the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a walnut. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a thin round disc, about 3 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to do this.
4. Keep the Wrappers Covered
As you work, make sure to keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Assembling the Dim Sum Chicken
Now that you have the chicken filling and the wrappers prepared, it’s time to assemble the dim sum.
1. Place the Filling on the Wrapper
Take one wrapper and place it in the palm of your hand. Spoon a small amount of the chicken filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) into the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill it, as this can make it difficult to seal.
2. Seal the Wrapper
Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling. You can also fold the edges to create pleats for a more traditional look. Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
3. Repeat the Process
Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all the dim sum are assembled.
Cooking the Dim Sum Chicken
Dim sum chicken is typically steamed, which helps maintain the moisture and tenderness of the chicken. Here’s how to steam your dim sum.
1. Prepare the Steamer
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. You will need a bamboo steamer or any other steaming basket. If using a bamboo steamer, line the bottom with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dim sum from sticking. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, making sure there is enough space between each one.
2. Steam the Dim Sum
Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket over the pot and cover it with a lid. Steam the dim sum over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are fully cooked. You will know the dim sum is ready when the wrappers become translucent, and the filling is hot and cooked through.
3. Serve and Enjoy
Once the dim sum is cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and serve them hot. You can serve them with a side of soy sauce, chili sauce, or even hoisin sauce for dipping.
Tips for Making Perfect Dim Sum Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will make your dim sum chicken more flavorful.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the wrappers, as this can cause the dumplings to burst open during steaming.
Ensure the Wrappers are Sealed Properly: Sealing the edges tightly is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Serve Immediately: Dim sum tastes best when it is freshly steamed. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings and steam them later.
Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add other ingredients like shrimp, pork, or spices to the chicken filling for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Making dim sum chicken at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With some patience and practice, you can create delicious dim sum that rivals what you’d find at a restaurant. The key is in the preparation of the filling, the proper sealing of the wrappers, and the correct steaming technique. By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy freshly made dim sum chicken anytime! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, your homemade dim sum will be a hit.
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