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    Home » Asian

    Published: Aug 3, 2016 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Steamed Dim Sum

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Steamed Dim Sum; delicious parcels packed with a flavorful vegetable and tofu filling.

    Steamed and served with various sweet and spicy sauces; this Asian small plate is a keeper!

    Steamed dim sum arranged in a black plate with chili sauce and chopsticks on the side.

    Small plates are popular in almost every cuisine. The Spanish have tapas, Turkish have mezze and the Koreans have banchan.

    These small plates are precious, delicious and so unique to the cuisine. And they make the dining experience top notch. Given an option, I would love to simply enjoy these and skip the mains. But that's just me.

    Asian cuisine is rich in every course. From the small plates in the form of dim sum and hot tea to mains like Teriyaki Noodles and Garlic Tofu to sides like Peanut Celery Salad and Kimchi Quinoa Fried Rice. All these are not only delicious but also quite easy to put together and loved by everyone.

    Jump to:
    • What is Dim Sum
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Storage
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Pairings
    • More Appetizer Recipes
    • Steamed Dim Sum

    What is Dim Sum

    The small plates of Asian cuisine; dim sums come in various forms, colors, shapes and textures. Mini dough parcels stuffed with vegetables, tofu, and other combinations of protein; these are often steamed in a bamboo basket and served with various dipping sauces.

    Plus, they are served in small portions, and often accompanied by hot tea. Generally served family style, these are passed around and enjoyed with tiny bowls full of delicious sauces.

    The most popular dim sums are dumplings and steamed buns. They are great with all kinds of dipping sauces like Chili Oil, Soy based garlic sauce or even this delicious Peanut Sauce.

    Why this recipe works

    • This Dim Sum recipe is Vegan.
    • The cooking time is short and and stress-free.
    • Filled with mixed vegetables and tofu, this dim sum recipe is delicious.
    • The shape of the dim sum maintains while steaming.
    • It is novice friendly as the wrapping imperfections do not matter much.
    • It works great as an appetizer or tapas.
    • Serve it with some hot tea for a great brunch.
    • Using store bought wrappers make it under 60 minutes from start to finish.
    • Super versatile, these can be made with different vegetables each time.
    • Dim Sum are great to make ahead or part or meal prep.
    • These can be enjoyed straight after steaming or frozen to enjoy later.
    • They can be made with only a two teaspoons of oil.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients for steamed dim sum; wrappers, vegetables, tofu and sauces arranged on a black blue background.
    • Vegetables: Mixed vegetables are great to use in the steamed dim sum. I like to use broccoli, carrots, spinach, cabbage and scallions. Moreover; mushrooms, cauliflower, Napa cabbage and bok choy work great too.
    • Tofu: Finely diced firm or extra firm tofu is great for the recipe. It helps add texture, taste and protein to the recipe. Moreover, softer tofu will completely disintegrate in the dumplings.
    • Dumpling Wrappers: Round dumpling wrappers are great to shape. Pick the ones that are not super thin like sui mai wrappers. They tend to give away quickly when steamed.
    • Sauces: I add soy sauce, vinegar and red chili sauce for the recipe. Plus, adding some vegetarian stir-fry sauce works well.
    • Seasonings: The only seasoning we need for the dumplings is salt, pepper and five spice seasoning.
    • Oil: Like most Asian recipes, sesame oil is the best to use here. However, vegetable oil is good too.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make this recipe

    1- Heat 2 teaspoon sesame oil in a wok/large pan over medium heat.

    2- Once hot, add ½ cup diced carrots and ½ cup chopped broccoli; sauté for a couple of minutes.

    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; add oil in a pan and add finely diced vegetables.

    3- Then add ¾ cup chopped cabbage and ¾ cup chopped spinach.

    4- Sauté for a couple of minutes till the spinach wilts and add 1 cup chopped tofu and ¼ cup chopped scallions.

    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; add cabbage, spinach and finely diced tofu.

    5- Add in the seasonings. Mix well and cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes.

    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Pepper powder
    • ½ teaspoon Five spice powder

    6- Then add the sauces and mix well.

    • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
    • ½ teaspoon Red Chili Sauce
    • ½ teaspoon Vinegar
    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; cook everything well till dry and season with sauces.

    7- Remove from flame and cool completely.

    8- Then wet the sides of a dumpling wrapper thoroughly and add a tablespoon of the filling.

    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; cook well and remove; then take a dumpling wrapper and add filling in it.

    9- Seal the edges in a crinkled fashion. You may choose to shape them as you like. Continue with the rest of the dumpling wrappers.

    Pro Tip: At this stage you may freeze them for future use.

    10- In a pan add 1 cup water. We need enough to steam but not touching the base of the steamer. Position the steamer and place a parchment paper on the base of the basket.

    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; pleat the dumplings well and prepare the steamer with parchment paper.

    11- Start steaming the water with the steamer and its cover on. Once the water starts boiling, open the cover of the steamer. Place the dumplings leaving some space between them.

    12- Quickly put the cover on and steam the dumplings for 7-8 minutes. 

    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; place the dim sums and cover; cook for 7-8 minutes.

    13- The dumplings will turn a little translucent.

    14- Then remove them and serve with dipping sauces. 

    Collage steps to make steamed dim sum; steam and serve with dipping sauce.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • Do not let the wrappers dry out. Keep them covered in a wet cloth or place in an air tight container while you work on wrapping the dim sum.
    • Plus, keep the rolled dim sum under a moist cloth while folding the rest or before steaming.
    • Round and square wrappers will both work for the recipe.
    • Whether the dim sums are crinkle wrapped or folded over in a simple way; they taste just as great!
    • Make sure all the veggies are chopped fine or processed in a food processor. Large chunks will pierce the skin of the dim sums while folding or steaming.
    • Dim Sums are great to make ahead too; simply label and freeze them after folding. They are great for 2-3 months in the freezer.
    • Enjoy these steamed dim sum with chili garlic sauce, soy based sauce or gyoza dip.
    • No matter what steamer you use, it is important to create a barrier between the basket and dim sums. Cabbage leaves, carrots and parchment paper works well here.
    A bamboo steamer with steamed dim sums and a chopstick with a steamed dim sum held on top.

    Storage

    These steamed dim sum are great to enjoy when made. However, they are great to make ahead and enjoy later too.

    These do stay well for a couple days in the refrigerator but tend to get soggy at the base. Instead simply freeze them instantly.

    To freeze, place the wrapped dim sums on a plate or baking tray and freeze till hard. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for 3-4 months. And yes, do label them before popping in the freezer.

    To enjoy, simply steam from the frozen form. Thawing them will make the covers soggy.

    Recipe FAQs

    How to avoid dim sums from sticking to the basket?

    It is important to create a barrier between the dim sums and the steaming basket. Napa cabbage leaves, carrot slices pr parchment paper works well here.

    Can we make steamed dim sum without a bamboo basket?

    Yes certainly. While bamboo does give the dim sums an earthy flavor, they can be made without it too. Simply place a large wok with water on a stove. Place a plate or flat strainer on a small bowl and add the dim sums. Close with a lid and steam for 7-8 minutes.

    Is it okay to stack the bamboo baskets?

    Yes the bamboo baskets can be stacked over each other and the dim sums can be steamed together. It helps make them faster and in one go like the Asian restaurants.

    What can we fill in dim sums?

    The fillings for dim sums can be anything you fancy. From mixed vegetables, tofu, paneer or even other proteins. However, simply dice it fine so the filling does not leak while wrapping or steaming.

    A green plate with steamed dim sums and a small bowl filled with garlic based soy sauce dip.

    Pairings

    These Steamed Dim Sum are great with so many Asian salads, noodles and soups. Here are some of the best pairings:

    • Instant Pot Miso Ramen Soup
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    • A gray bowl filled with Kimchi quinoa fried rice topped with scallions and served with some kimchi, sesame seeds and tofu curry on the side.
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    Bamboo steamer basket filled with steamed dim sums and some dipping sauces placed next to it.

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

    A green plate with steamed dim sums and a small bowl filled with garlic based soy sauce dip.

    Steamed Dim Sum

    Smruti
    Steamed Dim Sum; a delicious appetizer made with dim sum wrappers, vegetables, tofu and sauces.
    These are so good with dipping sauces and work as a complete meal.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 5
    Calories 205 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Dumplings

    • 30 Dumpling Wrappers
    • 1 cup Firm Tofu diced
    • ½ cup Carrot minced
    • ¾ cup Cabbage finely diced
    • ½ cup Broccoli minced
    • ¾ cup Spinach minced
    • ¼ cup Scallions chopped fine
    • 2 teaspoon Sesame Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Pepper powder
    • ½ teaspoon Five spice powder
    • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
    • ½ teaspoon Vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon Red Chili Sauce

    To Steam

    • 1 cup Water

    Instructions
     

    Making the Dumpling Filling

    • Heat sesame oil in a wok/large pan over medium heat.
      2 teaspoon Sesame Oil
    • Once hot, add carrots and broccoli; sauté for a couple of minutes.
      ½ cup Carrot, ½ cup Broccoli
    • Then add cabbage and spinach.
      ¾ cup Cabbage, ¾ cup Spinach
    • Sauté for a couple of minutes till the spinach wilts and add tofu and scallions.
      1 cup Firm Tofu, ¼ cup Scallions
    • Season with salt, pepper and five spice seasoning. Mix well and cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes.
      1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Pepper powder, ½ teaspoon Five spice powder
    • Then add chili sauce, soy sauce and vinegar. Mix well.
      1 tablespoon Soy sauce, ½ teaspoon Red Chili Sauce, ½ teaspoon Vinegar
    • Remove from flame and cool completely.

    To Assemble the Dumplings

    • Wet the sides of the dumpling wrapper thoroughly and add a tablespoon of the filling.
      30 Dumpling Wrappers
    • Seal the edges in a crinkled fashion. You may choose to shape them as you like. Continue with the rest of the dumpling wrappers. At this stage you may freeze them for future use.

    To Steam the Dumplings

    • In a pan add water. We need enough to steam but not touching the base of the steamer.
      1 cup Water
    • Position the steamer and place a parchment paper on the base of the basket.
    • Start steaming the water with the steamer and its cover on.
    • Once the water starts boiling, open the cover of the steamer. Place the dumplings leaving some space between them.
    • Quickly put the cover on and steam the dumplings for 7-8 minutes. 
    • The dumplings will turn a little translucent. Remove them and serve with dipping sauces. 

    Video

    Notes

    • Do not let the wrappers dry out. Keep them covered in a wet cloth or place in an air tight container while you work on wrapping the dim sums.
    • Plus, keep the rolled dim sums under a moist cloth while folding the rest or before steaming.
    • Round and square wrappers will both work for the recipe.
    • Whether the dim sums are crinkle wrapped or folded over in a simple way; they taste just as great!
    • Make sure all the veggies are chopped fine or processed in a food processor. Large chunks will pierce the skin of the dim sums while folding or steaming.
    • Dim Sums are great to make ahead too. Simply label and freeze them after folding. They are great for 2-3 months in the freezer.
    • Enjoy these dim sums with chili garlic sauce, soy based sauce or gyoza dip.
    • No matter what steamer you use, it is important to create a barrier between the basket and dim sums. Cabbage leaves, carrots and parchment paper works well here.
    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 957mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2769IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kalyani says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      u stun us all consistently with ur pics, Smruti !! what a lovely capture, especially the first one 🙂 I have a bamboo steamer too - which is hardly used. am gonna bookmark this series 🙂

      Reply
    2. Srivalli says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      Wow you really do justice to the theme you pick Smruti..totally in love with your dish and pictures, awesome job!..can't wait to read what else you are cooking in that lovely steamer!

      Reply
    3. Priya Suresh says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      Omg, these steamed dim sum is calling me, feel like munching some with a tangy sauce.

      Reply
    4. Harini R says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      Lovely first picture with steam and the steamer 🙂 Very tempting dim sun too.

      Reply
    5. Suma Gandlur says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      Lovely snaps and love your 'choice' of appliance for the theme.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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