Key Takeaway: Learn how to make scrumptious dim sum dishes at home without breaking the bank. From pork dumplings to turnip cakes, these recipes are perfect for any dim sum enthusiast looking to save money and enjoy homemade delights.
Dim sum is a culinary tradition that brings joy to many with its variety of bite-sized delicacies. In this guide, we’ll walk you through making your own dim sum at home, keeping it budget-friendly and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive in!
Pork Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground pork (or chicken)
- 2 thinly sliced green onions
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon (3 grams) toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (17 grams) soy sauce
- Dumpling wrappers
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: Combine ground pork, green onions, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl until well mixed.
- Prepare the Dumplings: Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper. Wet the edges with water, fold it like a taco, and pinch the edges to seal.
- Steam the Dumplings: Place the dumplings in a steamer basket over simmering water. Steam for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Chung Fun (Rice Rolls)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 grams) rice flour
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) corn starch
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) fine sea salt
- 2 cups (500 milliliters) water
- ½ pound (225 grams) mushrooms, diced
- 1 cup (75 grams) chopped cabbage
- Soy sauce to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Mix rice flour, corn starch, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water, whisking until smooth. Let rest for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Sauté diced mushrooms and cabbage with soy sauce until tender.
- Steam the Rice Rolls: Pour a thin layer of batter into an oiled tray. Steam over simmering water for 2-3 minutes until firm. Place mushroom mixture on one end and roll up. Repeat for more rolls.
Turnip Cake
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) daikon radish, grated
- 3 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1¼ cup (170 grams) rice flour
- 1 tablespoon (9 grams) corn starch
- ¾ teaspoon (3 grams) sugar
- ½ teaspoon (1 gram) salt
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Prepare the Daikon: Sauté daikon radish with garlic, shallot, and mushrooms until most liquid evaporates. Season with soy sauce.
- Make the Batter: Mix rice flour, corn starch, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water, whisking until smooth. Combine with the daikon mixture.
- Steam the Cake: Pour the mixture into a greased bread pan. Steam over simmering water for 25-30 minutes. Let cool, then slice and sear in a pan until crispy.
Baked Char Siu Bao
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups (600 grams) bread flour
- ¼ cup (56 grams) sugar
- 1½ teaspoons (11 grams) salt
- 1 cup (240 grams) whole milk
- ⅔ cup (150 grams) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon (12 grams) instant yeast
- 1 egg
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped char siu (Chinese BBQ pork)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¾ cup (180 grams) chicken stock
- 1¾ tablespoons (21 grams) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Mix bread flour, sugar, and salt. Separately, heat milk and cream to 95°F, then add yeast and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients, knead until smooth, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté shallots in oil until soft. Add char siu, sugar, soy sauce, and chicken stock mixed with flour. Cook until thickened, then cool.
- Assemble and Bake: Divide dough into 16 balls. Flatten each, fill with char siu mixture, and seal. Let proof for 30-45 minutes. Brush with egg wash, optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Sticky Rice in Corn Husks
Ingredients
- 6-7 corn husks, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- 1¼ cups (275 grams) glutinous rice, soaked for 1 hour
- 3 boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons corn starch
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Instructions
- Steam the Rice: Place soaked rice in a parchment-lined steamer and steam for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Sauté chicken with garlic, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. Thicken with cornstarch mixture.
- Assemble the Parcels: Place a layer of rice on a corn husk, add chicken, and top with more rice. Wrap and tie with kitchen twine. Steam for another 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy making these budget-friendly dim sum dishes at home and share the joy with friends and family. Happy cooking!