Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai (Steamed Chinese Dumplings) Recipe

By
Shao Z.
Shao Zhi Zhong is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Shao Z.
Shao Zhi Zhong is a Chinese-born and Philadelphia-raised food writer and recipe developer who specializes in Chinese home cooking. She's also a web designer.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated August 29, 2018
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Photographs: Shao Z.

Siu mai, the Chinese steamed pork and shrimp dumplings, are one of the most popular items at dim sum parlors. But you don't have to go out just to enjoy them, because they're one of the easiest dumplings to make at home.

Why this recipe works:

  • Pork fat makes the filling incredibly juicy and flavorful.
  • Soaking the shrimp in baking-soda water ensures they are even more plump when cooked

Note: For a pop of color, I put minced carrots on top of the siu mai and a thin round of sliced carrot on the bottom, but tobiko (flying fish roe), ikura (salmon roe), peas, or chopped scallion can also be used to top each siu mai; if using tobiko or ikura, add those at the end when the siu mai are out of the steamer. To freeze siu mai, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer to freezer until frozen, about 30 minutes. Transfer siu mai to a zipper-lock bag and keep in freezer until ready to use. To cook frozen dumplings, add to steamer while still frozen and cook until done, about 10 minutes.

Recipe Details

Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai (Steamed Chinese Dumplings) Recipe

Active 60 mins
Total 2 hrs
Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 pound shrimp, shelled and deveined

  • 1 tablespoon baking soda

  • 1/2 pound boneless pork, such as shoulder, cut into large cubes

  • 2 ounces pork fat, such as fatback or fatty belly, finely diced

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh peeled ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 package extra-thin wonton wrappers or regular wonton wrappers

  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced into 15-20 rounds and the rest finely minced (optional, see note)

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, cover shrimp with cold water and stir in baking soda. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse shrimp under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels.

  2. Place the shrimp in a food processor and pulse 10 times, until coarsely chopped. Transfer shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Add pork and pork fat to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer pork to bowl with shrimp.

  3. Add white pepper, salt, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, olive oil, ginger, and sugar to the pork and shrimp, and, using a spatula or chopsticks, mix well until thoroughly combined. Set filling aside in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

  4. To wrap the siu mai, place 1 wonton wrapper in the palm of your hand. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper. Bring two opposite corners towards each other, and press gently to adhere them to filling. Repeat with remaining 2 corners to form a little cup around the filling, gently squeezing to hold wrapper in place. Place one carrot round (if using) on the bottom of each siu mai, add a little bit of the minced carrot on top, and transfer to a plate. Continue wrapping the remaining siu mai. The siu mai can be frozen now (see note) or cooked; note that frozen siu mai are best made without the carrot rounds on the bottom.

  5. To steam, line your steamer basket or tray with parchment paper (Napa cabbage laves can also work). Pour enough water into your steaming pot or wok so that the water is about 1 inch below the bottom of the steamer basket or tray. Bring to a boil.

  6. Arrange siu mai in the steamer tray, leaving room around each one and steaming in batches if necessary. Steam fresh siu mai until cooked through, about 7 minutes.

  7. Transfer to a plate. Serve. (Note that siu mai are traditionally served without a dipping sauce, though if you prefer one, mix soy sauce with a little sesame oil and fresh scallions and serve alongside.)

Special equipment

food processor, steamer

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
403Calories
26gFat
20gCarbs
19gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories403
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g34%
Saturated Fat 9g47%
Cholesterol 114mg38%
Sodium 695mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 19g
Vitamin C 0mg1%
Calcium 51mg4%
Iron 2mg9%
Potassium 217mg5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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