The Best Dim Sum Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the most popular dim sum? ›

Shu Mai. Shu mai just might be the most famous dish in the dim sum canon and it is a mandatory order. Generally, the steamed dumpling is filled with a blend of pork and shrimp alongside mushrooms, ginger, scallions. Some variations even include water chestnuts or crab if they are feeling extra fancy.

Common dim sum dishes include a variety of dumplings (steamed, boiled, pan-fried, open-topped shumai, and the coveted xiao long bao), bao buns, char siu (barbecued pork), steamed radish or turnip cakes with pork and dried shrimp, and many items wrapped in rice paper rolls or tofu skins.

Dumplings are balls of flour filled with a stuffing. Momos are also dumplings that contain some form of filling, be it vegetarian or meat. Dim sums are small snacks in Chinese cuisine that are eaten for lunch. They too have fillings covered with dough, but the dough is semi- or completely transparent.

First, pick a tea, as it will be a central part of the meal — dim sum did originate in tea houses after all. If you want to follow traditional etiquette, the person closest to the teapot should pour tea for guests first before pouring his or her own cup.

She revealed that dim sums are among the healthiest eating-out options. Explaining the reason, the nutritionist mentioned that these are generally bite-sized, high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and steamed. According to Makhija, steamed foods are the healthiest and most versatile.

As the tea freshens your palate diners can mix sweet and savoury dishes. Don't eat dim sum cold, it needs to be eaten hot. It should not be left to cool and it should be eaten within 15 minutes of being served. Start with fried dim sum then steamed as the fried dim sum cools quicker.

Because the recipes often require unique skill and technique, dim sum is very much a craft, but one that, with a little time, patience and the right recipes can be learned at home. To start, try one of the most iconic dim sum dishes: har gow.

Dim sum is so unique because there are many varieties of special Chinese dishes, served in small portions for all to share. The best part is that I don't have to order from the menu because carts full of cooked, ready to eat dishes will be pushed right to my table. I can pick whatever I like from the cart.

Pot stickers - pan fried dumplings. Dim Sum - Southern China breakfast/brunch small eats. It can including dumpling items (usually steamed) - traditionally potstickers do not count as dim sum but in US, since people know it, usually offered as a choice.

It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and tastes, commonly served in dim sum restaurants and stalls in Chinatown. You may think bao buns are the same as dumplings or dim sum, but they are actually a unique and distinct type of dish.

Is bao the same as dim sum? ›

Baos and dumplings use chicken, fish, pork, or vegetables. Both dishes are commonly served in dim sum restaurants. As you already know, dim sum is a type of meal where a wide range of small dishes are served. You can have it for breakfast, lunch, or brunch and enjoy a hot plate of bao or dumplings.

As a sign of respect, always pour tea for your companions first. Always move an item from the communal dish to your own before eating using a serving utensil or the top ends of your chopsticks. Do not eat directly from the steamer basket or shared plate. Dim sum is for sharing! Never lay claim to any one dish.

You'll want to make at least as many dumplings as your guests can eat in one sitting—estimate about 15 to 20 dumplings per guest, on the generous side. But the real genius of a dumpling party is you can basically trick your guests into making you a week's worth of dinners.

Dim sum means 'touch the heart' in Chinese. The small portions were designed to merely touch the heart not sate the appetite, and as such were first enjoyed as snacks. Over time, however, yum cha has evolved, and the cuisine is now a vital part of Chinese culture.

Steamed dishes: Steamed dishes are generally healthier than fried or deep-fried options. You can try steamed vegetable dumplings, steamed shrimp dumplings, steamed tofu, and vegetable rolls.

In Cantonese cuisine, dim sum are snacklike foods traditionally served for breakfast and lunch in restaurants. In modern establishments they might be served from rolling trolleys that pass by diners in a constant procession to be served up when ordered, or diners might select them as they move past on conveyor belts.

Sharing dishes with friends and family creates a sense of community and togetherness, which is perfect for celebrating special occasions with family and friends. Plus, dim sum dishes are served on small plates or bamboo steamers, so everyone can try a little bit of everything and enhance their dining experience.