Crystal shrimp dumplings are a special snack in Guangdong and look like dumplings.It can be regarded as the “noble” among dumplings. Its outer skin is crystal clear and as thin as paper.At a glance, you can vaguely see the tender red shrimps inside the dumplings, which looks particularly appetizing.It’s tender and juicy when you bite into it.Coupled with the deliciousness of the shrimp, it’s really super delicious.
Food preparation:
Fillings: 200g shrimps, 40g fat meat, 50g bamboo shoots, 5g salt, 2g cornstarch, 25g lard, 2g fresh soy sauce, 2g sesame oil, 5g sugar, 1g white pepper
Dumpling wrapper: 80g wheat starch (starch), 80g potato starch, 8g lard, 160g boiling water
Specific steps:
1. Remove the shrimp lines and wash them. 1/3 chopped, 2/3 minced. Add 2g cornstarch and a little salt. Stir vigorously until the shrimp becomes sticky.
2. Wash the bamboo shoots, cut into small pieces and blanch. Blanch the fat meat as well, then cut the bamboo shoots into small pieces and mince the fat meat.
3. Add the chopped bamboo shoots, minced fat pork, white pepper, lard, sesame oil, fresh soy sauce, and sugar into the shrimp paste and continue stirring. After stirring, put it in the refrigerator for later use.
4. Weigh wheat starch and potato starch. Reserve about half of the potato starch for later use, mix the other half with wheat starch evenly, add a little salt, add boiling water, it must be boiling water, stir evenly, cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the remaining potato starch and knead evenly while hot.
6. Take out the dough, place it on the mat, knead the lard into the dough, roll it into a long strip, divide it into small portions of 20g each, and cover it with plastic wrap.
7. Brush a thin layer of oil on the mat, take a ball, roll it into a ball and flatten it gently, put the fillings on it, make sure there are shrimp grains in each filling, pinch the middle tightly, and pinch four times each time. Make pleats, pinch the edges thinner, and wrap them one by one.
8. Put the wrapped shrimp dumplings into the steamer and steam for 9 minutes.
9. After taking it out of the oven, the color of the leather will look better after it cools down a bit.
Tips:
The shrimp dumplings made in this way can only be steamed, not boiled.
In conclusion, crafting these exquisite crystal shrimp dumplings is a rewarding culinary adventure. By following these detailed steps and paying attention to each aspect, you’ll soon be able to enjoy restaurant-quality dumplings right in the comfort of your own home. cooking!
FAQs about making crystal shrimp dumplings ：
1. What is the key to achieving the translucent texture of crystal shrimp dumpling wrappers?
The key to achieving the translucent texture lies in using tapioca starch and wheat starch in the wrapper dough. These starches, when combined with hot water, create a dough that turns translucent when steamed.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for the filling?
Fresh shrimp are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use high-quality frozen shrimp if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping and marinating.
3. Is there a substitute for bamboo steamers?
If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can use a regular metal or bamboo steaming basket lined with parchment paper. Just make sure the dumplings don’t touch the boiling water below.
4. How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer?
To prevent sticking, you can use parchment paper or lettuce leaves as a liner in the steamer. This creates a barrier between the dumplings and the steamer, ensuring they don’t stick.
5. Can I prepare crystal shrimp dumplings in advance and freeze them?
Yes, you can prepare crystal shrimp dumplings in advance and freeze them for later use. Arrange the dumplings on a tray, making sure they don’t touch, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, steam them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the steaming time.
6. What’s the best way to fold and seal the dumplings?
The simplest way to fold crystal shrimp dumplings is to fold them in half and pinch the edges together to seal. However, if you want to achieve an elegant pleated look, you can follow online tutorials or videos that demonstrate various pleating techniques.
7. What other dipping sauces can I use besides the suggested soy sauce and ginger mixture?
While the classic soy sauce and ginger dipping sauce is a favorite, you can get creative with your dipping sauces. Try sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce mixed with a bit of Sriracha for some heat, or a combination of soy sauce and black vinegar for a tangy twist.
8. Can I make crystal shrimp dumplings with different fillings?
Absolutely! Crystal dumpling wrappers work well with various fillings, both savory and sweet. You can experiment with fillings like pork, chicken, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings like red bean paste for a dessert version.
9. How do I reheat leftover crystal shrimp dumplings?
To reheat leftover dumplings, you can steam them for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a bit of oil until they become crispy and golden on the bottom while covering the pan to heat the tops.
10. Are crystal shrimp dumplings gluten-free?
Crystal shrimp dumplings are not gluten-free due to the use of wheat starch in the wrapper dough. However, you can explore gluten-free alternatives by using gluten-free starches or flours to create the wrapper dough.
