Dim Sum (点心): Steamed Chicken Dumplings (鸡肉蒸饺) Recipe

Dim Sum (点心) at glance: A collection of small, bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Popular items include dumplings, buns, rolls, and desserts. Often enjoyed as a brunch, dim sum has a wide variety of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

For the Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground chicken
• 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
   • Gradually add the boiling water, stirring with a fork or chopsticks until the mixture forms small clumps.
   • Add the vegetable oil and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, water chestnuts, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Dumplings:
   • Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into small, equal pieces (about 1 inch each).
   • Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten with your palm to form a small disc.
   • Use a rolling pin to roll each disc into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
   • Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each dough circle.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look.
4. Steam the Dumplings:
   • Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
   • Arrange the dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
   • Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil (if using), sugar, garlic, and green onion.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the steamed dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious and halal chicken dim sum!