STEAMED CHINESE DUMPLINGS (SHU MAI)

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Do not trim the excess fat from the ribs; it contributes flavor and moistness. Use any size shrimp except popcorn shrimp; there’s no need to halve shrimp smaller than 26 to 30 per pound before processing. The dumplings may be frozen for up to 3 months; cook them straight from the freezer for about an extra 5 minutes. Read about our favorite steamer basket in related testing. To jury-rig one, follow the instructions on in related How to Cook. For more options on wrappers, see related How to Cook. Serve shu mai with store-bought chili oil or make your own (see related recipe).

How We Brought Shu Mai Home
Authentic shu mai may taste great, but they contain inaccessible—and, in some cases, unappealing—ingredients. For our recipe, we kept the best of those elements and found readily available, more healthful substitutes for the others.

Restaurant Way
Fatback + Lard
Restaurant chefs pack their shu mai with fat to create rich flavor and succulent texture.

MSG
This flavor-boosting additive is key to the ultra-savory flavor in many Chinese dumplings.

Chinese Black Mushrooms
These contribute rich, earthy flavor but are not available in most American supermarkets.

Our Way
Gelatin
Gelatin mimics the luxuriant effect of fat and helps the meat retain its juices.

Soy Sauce + Rice Vinegar + Rice Wine
Liberal doses season our filling without synthetic enhancers.

Shiitake Mushrooms
Dried, reconstituted shiitake mushrooms replicate the hard-to-find Chinese variety.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
  • 1 pound boneless country-style pork ribs , cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 pound shrimp , peeled, tails removed and halved lengthwise (see note)
  • 1/4 cup water chestnuts , chopped
  • 4 dried shiitake mushroom caps (about 3/4 ounce), soaked in hot water 30 minutes, squeezed dry, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice cooking wine (Shaoxing) or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (1 pound) package 5 1/2 inch square egg roll wrappers (see note)
  • 1/4 cup carrot , finely grated (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine soy sauce and gelatin in small bowl. Set aside to allow gelatin to bloom, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, place half of pork in food processor and pulse until coarsely ground into approximate 1/8-inch pieces, about ten 1-second pulses; transfer to large bowl. Add shrimp and remaining pork to food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped into approximate ¼-inch pieces, about five 1-second pulses. Transfer to bowl with more finely ground pork. Stir in soy sauce mixture, water chestnuts, mushrooms, cornstarch, cilantro, sesame oil, wine, vinegar, sugar, ginger, salt, and pepper.

3. Divide egg roll wrappers into 3 stacks (6 to 7 per stack). Using 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut two 3-inch rounds from each stack of egg roll wrappers (you should have 40 to 42 rounds). Cover rounds with moist paper towels to prevent drying.

4. Working with 6 rounds at a time, brush edges of each round lightly with water. Place heaping tablespoon of filling into center of each round. Following illustrations below, form dumplings, crimping wrapper around sides of filling and leaving top exposed. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with damp kitchen towel, and repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Top center of each dumpling with pinch of grated carrot, if using.

5. Cut piece of parchment slightly smaller than diameter of steamer basket and place in basket. Poke about 20 small holes in parchment and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Place batches of dumplings on parchment liner, making sure they are not touching. Set steamer over simmering water and cook, covered, until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately with chili oil.

STEP-BY-STEP
Assembling Shu Mai

1. BRUSH AND FILL
Brush wrapper edges lightly with water. Place heaping tablespoon of filling in center.


2. PINCH AND ROTATE
Pinch opposite sides of wrapper. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat. Continue until you have eight equidistant folds.


3. SQUEEZE
Gather sides of shu mai and squeeze gently at top to create “waist.”


4. PACK
Hold shu mai in your hand and gently but firmly pack down filling with butter knife.

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