Why Make This Recipe
Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings are a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea and garden together. They are fun to make and perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. These dumplings are not only tasty but also a healthier option compared to fried snacks. Plus, they can be customized to your liking by changing the filling ingredients.
How to Make Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, shelled and chopped
- 1/2 cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Small wonton wrappers
Directions:
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Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, cabbage, green onions, broccoli, carrot, egg, cornstarch, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
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Prepare the steamer: Boil some water in a steamer pot. Line the steamer basket with lettuce or cabbage leaves, or you can brush it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
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Assemble the dumplings: Take a wonton wrapper and moisten the edge with a little water. Place about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to make a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Repeat this for all the wrappers and filling.
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Steam the dumplings: Carefully place the assembled dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is fully cooked.
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Serve: Serve the dumplings hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
These dumplings make a great appetizer or a main dish. Serve them on a large platter with some soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for dipping. You can also add fresh cilantro or sesame seeds on top for an extra touch.
How to Store Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To reheat, steam them again for a few minutes until heated through. You can also freeze uncooked dumplings for longer storage. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, you can steam them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tips to Make Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
- Make sure not to overfill the wonton wrappers, as this can cause them to burst while cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add some finely chopped ginger or garlic to the filling.
- Practice makes perfect! If it’s your first time making dumplings, don’t worry about achieving perfect shapes.
Variation
You can easily customize the filling according to your preferences. Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well too. Just make sure to thaw them completely before chopping.
2. What if I don’t have a steamer?
You can create a makeshift steamer by placing a heat-safe plate on top of a pot of boiling water. Just make sure the plate does not touch the water.
3. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when the wrappers become translucent, and the filling is cooked through. You can cut one open to check if it is fully cooked.
Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, shelled and chopped
- 1/2 cup cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 pieces green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 piece egg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- to taste Salt and pepper
- small package wonton wrappers
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, cabbage, green onions, broccoli, carrot, egg, cornstarch, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
- Boil some water in a steamer pot. Line the steamer basket with lettuce or cabbage leaves, or brush it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Assembly
- Take a wonton wrapper and moisten the edge with a little water. Place about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to make a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Repeat this for all the wrappers and filling.
Cooking
- Carefully place the assembled dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is fully cooked.
Serving
- Serve the dumplings hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.