Creating my Shrimp Dumpling Bites was a journey filled with inspiration and memories. I remember the first time I tasted a shrimp dumpling at a street stall on a misty morning in Hong Kong. I was enchanted by its delicate texture, bursting with juicy shrimp flavor in each bite. That day, I knew I had to try making something similar at home, but with my own twist. After experimenting in the kitchen, I came up with these little treats I now call Shrimp Dumpling Bites—a simple yet elegant recipe that always brings back those warm, flavorful memories.
Testing the Perfect Bite
Making Shrimp Dumpling Bites took patience, but it was worth it. The biggest challenge was finding the right balance of ingredients to let the shrimp flavor shine while still having a little crunch from finely chopped vegetables. I spent hours finely dicing carrots and scallions to blend them into the shrimp, adding just a touch of ginger for that gentle zing. The filling became a perfect mix of freshness and flavor, and the wrappers crisped up beautifully, adding a delightful contrast to the soft, savory filling.
A Family Favorite
When I served these Shrimp Dumpling Bites to my family for the first time, I felt both nervous and excited. I carefully arranged them on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves. As everyone took their first bite, I watched their reactions eagerly. My kids loved the playful, small size, and my husband couldn’t resist the tasty filling and crisp texture. Since then, it has become a family favorite, requested at every gathering. Nothing warms my heart more than watching my family enjoy the dishes I’ve crafted with love.
Sharing the Love
Now, I’m thrilled to share my Shrimp Dumpling Bites recipe with you. It’s easy to make and a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack. I hope these little bites bring you as much joy as they’ve brought to my family. Each dumpling is a piece of the journey, from that morning in Hong Kong to my kitchen today. I invite you to try it out and add your own special touches—after all, the best recipes are the ones that bring people together.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Shrimp Dumpling Bites
- Shrimp Texture: When processing shrimp, pulse briefly until coarsely chopped; this ensures the filling is juicy and avoids an overly paste-like consistency.
- Salt and Cabbage: Squeezing out excess water from the cabbage helps avoid soggy dumplings. Adding salt before resting makes it easier to draw out moisture.
- Dumpling Sealing: Ensure no air pockets when sealing to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Wet the edge of each wrapper with a bit of water if they’re not sticking well.
- Flavor Depth: Letting the filling sit for 5-10 minutes after mixing allows the flavors to meld. Adding a hint of chili flakes or green onions can provide a bit more spice or fresh bite.
- Cooking Method Choice: For a healthier option, choose steaming or boiling. Pan-frying gives a delicious crispy bottom, so it’s a great choice if you prefer a textural contrast.
- Freezing Tips: Arrange dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer bag, preventing them from sticking together.
Shrimp Dumpling Bites
4
servings30
minutes10
minutes480
kcal40
minutesDive into the delightful world of Shrimp Dumpling Bites! Perfect as an appetizer, these succulent dumplings are packed with fresh shrimp and vibrant vegetables. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, these versatile bites are a must-try for any home cook. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this simple, healthy, and customizable recipe!
Ingredients
- Dumpling Wrappers
32 pre-made or homemade dumpling skins
- Shrimp Filling
12 ounces fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp
10 ounces finely shredded green cabbage
4 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms (shiitake, button, or crimini)
½ small finely diced onion
- Seasonings
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger or freshly squeezed ginger juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper
- Dipping Sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar (rice or white)
1 tablespoon water
black pepper and/or red chili flakes
- Alternative Ingredients:
Dumpling Wrappers: Use rice paper for a gluten-free option.
Soy Sauce: Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Shrimp: Replace with ground chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Sesame Oil: Use olive oil if sesame oil is unavailable.
Additional Vegetables: Add diced carrots or green onions for extra flavor.
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture – Pulse the shrimp in a food processor until coarsely chopped, or finely chop by hand. Ensure not to over-process to maintain texture.
- Season the Vegetables – In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage with 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, thoroughly squeeze out the liquid using a clean cloth or your hands.
- Combine the Filling – Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms to the cabbage. Mix in the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a richer flavor, allow the mixture to marinate for an additional 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Dumplings – Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the filling onto each dumpling wrapper. Carefully fold and pleat the edges to seal, ensuring no air is trapped inside. Optionally, dust the dumplings with a light layer of flour on the base to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings – Choose your preferred cooking method: Steaming: Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. Boiling: Boil a pot of water, add the dumplings, and cook until they float to the surface, then continue boiling for an additional 1-2 minutes. Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the dumplings without overcrowding, fry until the bottoms are golden brown, then add water, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- food processor
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 480kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ- Shrimp Dumpling Bites
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! These dumplings freeze very well. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent dumplings from sticking to the steamer?
Place the dumplings on a cabbage leaf, parchment paper, or a lightly oiled surface to keep them from sticking during steaming.
What’s the best way to reheat these dumplings?
For frozen dumplings, no need to thaw—steam, boil, or pan-fry straight from the freezer. Adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free rice paper instead of traditional wrappers, and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
What can I serve with these shrimp dumpling bites?
Serve with a simple soy-vinegar dipping sauce, a fresh side salad, or vegetable stir-fry to complement the savory flavors of the dumplings.
