🦐 Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) – Classic Cantonese Dim Sum

Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow — 蝦餃) are one of the most iconic dim sum dishes in Cantonese cuisine. These delicate dumplings feature a translucent wrapper encasing tender, juicy shrimp filling. Their slightly chewy skin and sweet, savory interior make them a dim sum favorite worldwide.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Dough (Traditional Wheat-Starch Wrapper):

100 g wheat starch

50 g tapioca starch

160 ml boiling water

1 tsp vegetable oil

Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

200 g fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined, chopped)

50 g bamboo shoots or water chestnuts (finely chopped)

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp Shaoxing wine or rice wine

½ tsp sugar

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp white pepper

1 tsp cornstarch

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🍳 How to Make Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix wheat starch and tapioca starch in a bowl.

Pour boiling water slowly, stirring continuously until a dough forms.

Add vegetable oil and knead until smooth and pliable. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Chop shrimp coarsely.

Combine shrimp, bamboo shoots, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, sugar, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Mix until ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings

Divide dough into small balls (~15 g each).

Roll each ball into a thin, round wrapper (about 7–8 cm in diameter).

Place a small spoonful of filling in the center.

Fold wrapper over filling and pleat the edges to seal, forming a half-moon shape.

Repeat until all filling is used.

Step 4: Steam the Dumplings

Prepare a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.

Place dumplings in the steamer, leaving space between them.

Steam over boiling water for 6–8 minutes until the wrapper turns translucent and the shrimp is fully cooked.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar.

Perfect for dim sum brunches or special gatherings.

Pair with other dim sum items like siu mai or turnip cakes.

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💡 Pro Tips

Use fresh shrimp for the sweetest flavor.

Keep wrappers thin but strong enough to hold filling without tearing.

Steam on high heat for even cooking and a tender, glossy wrapper.

Pleating takes practice — try to keep dumplings uniform for a professional look.

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✨ Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) are delicate, flavorful, and iconic — a true representation of Cantonese culinary artistry. Their translucent skins and juicy shrimp filling make them an unforgettable dim sum experience.