Sunday, August 29, 2010

Steamed Chinese Shrimp Dumplings

OMG! These are pretty yummy little appetizers. Every bite is so moist and flavorful. The sweetness and crunch from the fresh water chestnuts totally compliments the sweetness of the fresh shrimp. The shallots and chives together with the lemon add that needed fresh kick to the overall flavor.

It was definitely OMG when I took the first bite. I finished all 10 in less than 10 mins...oops....


Ingredients (makes about 20 dumplings):
1. 1 cup shrimp, chopped
2. 1/2 cup fresh water chestnuts, diced
3. 1 shallot, diced (yields about 1 to 2 tablespoons)
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or white pepper)
6. 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
7. 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
8. Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
9. Wonton wrappers
10. 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)

Method:
1. Mix all ingredients (except chives) in a mixing bowl.
2. On a clean chopping block, lay down a piece of wonton wrapper. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling onto the center of the wrapper.
3. Using a brush, brush the rest of the wrapper with egg wash.
4. To make the dumpling pouch, make slight continuous pinches along the sides of the wrapper to form a little bowl shape to hold the filling in the center (see picture below). Leave the top of the dumpling exposed, like a open bowl. The egg wash will hold the folds together.


5. Garnish the top of each dumpling with chopped chives.

Alternative shape:
Here's an easier shape that anyone can master. Brush the wrapper with egg wash as described above. Pinch each corner of the wrapper to form a square bowl that holds the filling in the center. See picture below. Garnish the top of each dumpling with chopped chives.


Nutritional value of this recipe:
At only 397 calories for the entire serving (i.e. about 20 dumplings), this recipe will provide you with more than 30g of protein, 35%* of your daily required iron, 70%* of your daily required Vitamin C, 10%* of your daily required Vitamin A and 13%* of your daily required calcium.

Snacking has never been more fun!

1 comment:

YourWonderfulSis said...

you HAVE to make this when you are back