Siu Mai (Exactly Like Dim Sum!)

Siu Mai is a classic Dim Sum dumpling that is widely popular in Chinese cuisine! I have so many memories of ordering this off of the dim sum push carts when my family would go to dim sum. After many iterations, I’ve finally landed on a version that can stand up to any dim sum restaurant!

Watch the Siu Mai Recipe Video Below!

Ingredients

These Siu Mai are exactly like the plump, juicy dumplings you get at Dim Sum! Here is what you’ll need for the recipe:

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound ground pork 80% lean / 20% fat
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• ½ tablespoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• ¼ teaspoon MSG optional omit if chicken bouillon includes msg
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup shiitake mushroom minced
• 1 package yellow Hong Kong style wonton wrappers
• Minced carrot optional garnish

Where did Siu Mai come from?

Siu Mai is believed to have originated in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) and has evolved over the centuries. It was initially considered a snack for the wealthy and was served in the imperial courts of various Chinese dynasties. The name “Siu Mai” (燒賣) is Cantonese, but variations of this dumpling are found throughout China under different names. In Mandarin, it’s called “Shao Mai” (烧卖). Each region in China has its own take on Siu Mai, with variations in fillings and wrappers.

Can I substitute the protein?

Traditionally, Siu Mai is made with a combination of pork and shrimp. If you do not eat pork, you can substitute the ground pork for ground chicken.

Tips for the BEST Siu Mai:

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ground pork, preferably with a good balance of lean meat and some fat for flavor and moisture.
2. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly and Da Xian: Combine the ground pork, shrimp, seasonings, and aromatics well, using your hands. Stir the mixture until you see streaks on the bowl. Pick up the filling and slam it down against the bowl a few times to create extra springiness.
3. Use Wonton Wrappers: Siu Mai wrappers are typically made from wonton wrappers, which are readily available in most grocery stores. You can also make your own if you prefer.
4. Keep the Wrappers Moist: Cover the wrappers with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out, as they can become brittle and hard to work with when dry.
5. Use a Steamer: Steam Siu Mai in a bamboo or metal steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
6. Maintain Space During Steaming: Ensure there’s some space between each Siu Mai in the steamer to prevent them from sticking together as they expand during cooking.
7. Steam Carefully: Steam the Siu Mai over boiling water for about 8-10 minutes or until the filling is cooked through and the wrappers become translucent.

If you liked this Siu Mai recipe, check out some of the most popular recipes on the blog! Please consider leaving a review and letting me know your thoughts about the recipe. It really helps out the blog!

• Chicken Lo Mein
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Beef and Broccoli
• Sesame Chicken
• String Bean Chicken

Siu Mai

by Chris Joe

Siu Mai is a classic Dim Sum dumpling that is widely popular in Chinese cuisine! I have so many memories of ordering this off of the dim sum push carts when my family would go to dim sum. After many iterations, I've finally landed on a version that can stand up to any dim sum restaurant!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 30 Siu Mai Dumplings

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Pork and Seasonings

• 1 pound ground pork 80% lean / 20% fat
• 1 tablespoon sugar 13g
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ tablespoon white pepper 5g
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• ¼ teaspoon MSG (optional) omit if chicken bouillon includes msg
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce 30ml
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 16g
• ½ cup shiitake mushroom minced
• 1 package yellow hong kong style wonton wrappers
• Minced carrot optional garnish

Instructions

 

• Season shrimp with baking soda and salt and let marinate for 10 minutes. Mince the shrimp into fine pieces.
• In a bowl, mix ground pork with the minced shrimp and add the kosher salt, sugar, white pepper, MSG optional, chicken bouillon powder, light soy sauce, and shiitake mushrooms and cornstarch. Stir in one direction until combined and streaks appear on the bowl.
• Slam the mixture down 5-10 times to create a bouncy texture.
• Use a flat wooden spoon or spatula and take about 2 tablespoons of filling and place in the center of the wonton wrapper. Using your thumb and index finger, hold it in place while pressing down the filling into the base of the wrapper using the wooden spoon while squeezing with your hand to form the siu mai. Top the siu mai with a few pieces of minced carrot.
• Steam for 10 minutes in a bamboo steamer and top and enjoy! I love serving this with sriracha and spicy chinese mustard, or with my homemade chili oil!

Keyword dim sum, dumplings, fried pork, shirmp, siu mai

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!