Delight your taste buds with these succulent shrimp and vegetable dumplings, a classic dish perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as a light meal. These handmade dumplings are flavorful, versatile, and easy to prepare, making them a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each dumpling is filled with a savory mix of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and seasonings for a perfect bite every time.
- Versatile: Customize the filling to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Making dumplings from scratch feels rewarding and looks impressive, yet it’s simpler than you might think!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These dumplings are a hit at parties, dinners, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Napa cabbage, finely chopped
- Carrots, grated
- Green onions, finely sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Dumpling wrappers
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Chop the shrimp into small pieces and combine them in a large bowl with the cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Lay a dumpling wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half, and pleat or press to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Arrange dumplings in the pan, flat side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for 5-6 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with dipping sauce of your choice, such as soy sauce with rice vinegar and chili oil.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 24 dumplings, serving 4-6 people.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped chili or a dash of chili oil to the filling.
- Different Wrappers: Use gluten-free wrappers for a gluten-free alternative.
- Flavor Boost: Include water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Uncooked dumplings can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the steaming time.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked dumplings in a skillet with a splash of water and cover until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent dumpling wrappers from sticking together?
Dust the wrappers with a little flour and keep them covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for a better texture in the filling.
What dipping sauce pairs best with these dumplings?
Soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of chili oil is a classic choice.
Can I bake the dumplings instead of pan-frying?
While baking is possible, pan-frying gives a better texture with crispy bottoms.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before using.
What vegetables work well in the filling?
Apart from cabbage and carrots, try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy.
Are dumpling wrappers and wonton wrappers the same?
They are similar but dumpling wrappers are usually round, while wonton wrappers are square.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The wrappers should become translucent, and the filling should feel firm and hot throughout.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
What’s the best way to fold dumplings?
There are many folding techniques, from simple half-moons to more intricate pleats. Experiment to find your favorite!
Conclusion
Shrimp and vegetable dumplings are a delightful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re new to dumpling-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor and versatility. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a satisfying snack. With easy storage options, you can always have these tasty treats ready to go!
PrintShrimp and Vegetable Dumplings Recipe
These shrimp and vegetable dumplings are a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. Packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, they make a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main dish. Serve them steamed or pan-fried with a tangy dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Steaming, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
For the wrappers:
- 40 round dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
For cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying, optional)
- Water (for steaming or cooking)
For the dipping sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cabbage, carrots, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the dumplings:
- Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal. Optionally, pleat the edges for a decorative look. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Cook the dumplings:
- To steam: Arrange dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
- To pan-fry: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange dumplings in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp the bottoms.
- Make the dipping sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the dumplings warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Dumplings can be frozen before cooking. Arrange them on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to suit your taste.