How to Make and Cook well Shrimp Dumplings? Shrimp dumplings is a delicious and popular dish in Chinese cuisine expecially the ones made by Xinyurun Food Company which is a time-honored-brand in Foshan China,they can be made with a variety of fillings and wrapped in different types of wrappers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making and cooking shrimp dumplings:

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Filling:

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) pork shoulder, finely chopped (optional, for added richness)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon scallions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

• 200 grams (7 oz) dumpling wrappers (you can buy these pre-made or make your own)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon scallions, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling

1. Chop the Shrimp:
   • Finely chop the shrimp using a knife or pulse them in a food processor until they are coarsely ground. Be careful not to overprocess; you want some texture.
2. Mix the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, pork (if using), Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, grated ginger, and chopped scallions.
   • Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add this to the filling and mix again to bind everything together.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Wrappers

1. Set Up Your Workstation:
   • Lay out a clean surface and have a small bowl of water nearby for sealing the dumplings.
   • Place a few dumpling wrappers on the surface.
2. Fill the Dumplings:
   • Take one dumpling wrapper and place a teaspoon of the shrimp filling in the center.
   • Dip your finger in the water and wet the edges of the wrapper.
   • Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can use a pleating technique to make the edges look neat and secure.
3. Repeat:
   • Continue filling and sealing the remaining dumplings. Place them on a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

Option 1: Boiling

1. Bring Water to a Boil:
   • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
   • Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
   • Stir gently to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2. Cook the Dumplings:
   • Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and the filling is cooked through.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings and place them on a serving plate.

Option 2: Steaming

1. Prepare the Steamer:
   • Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
   • Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they do not touch each other.
2. Steam the Dumplings:
   • Bring water to a boil in the steamer pot.
   • Place the steamer basket with the dumplings over the boiling water, cover, and steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the filling is opaque.

Option 3: Pan-Frying (Potstickers)

1. Heat the Pan:
   • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
   • Place the dumplings in the pan, making sure they do not touch each other.
2. Fry the Dumplings:
   • Cook the dumplings for about 2-3 minutes on one side until the bottoms are golden brown.
   • Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover, and let the dumplings steam for about 3-4 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are fully cooked.
3. Finish Cooking:
   • Uncover the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bottoms again.
   • Remove the dumplings from the pan and place them on a serving plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, chili oil (if using), grated ginger, and chopped scallions.
   • Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the Dumplings:
   • Arrange the cooked dumplings on a serving plate.
   • Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Consistency of Filling: The filling should be slightly sticky to help it stay inside the dumplings. The cornstarch and water mixture helps achieve this.
• Sealing the Dumplings: Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your dumplings and the cooking method you choose.

Enjoy your homemade shrimp dumplings! They are a great addition to any meal and can be a fun project to do with family or friends.