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There’s a special kind of joy in crafting your own Shrimp and Chive Dumplings at home. Picture this: the vibrant colors of fresh chives mingling with juicy shrimp as I chop and mix my filling, creating a filling that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. This recipe has become my go-to for cozy evenings, effortlessly bridging the gap between quick comfort food and a culinary adventure. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these dumplings transform from humble beginnings into a delicious delight that impresses every dinner guest.

Even if you’re feeling overwhelmed from a long day, the rhythmic folding of those wonton skins brings a sense of calm and satisfaction. And trust me, the aroma of these beauties sizzling away in the pan will have your loved ones flocking to the kitchen. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a simple soy-vinegar dipping sauce, these Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are a tasty reminder of how homemade food can turn a meal into a celebration. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why love Shrimp and Chive Dumplings?

Irresistible Flavor: The sweet shrimp combined with fresh chives creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice cooks will find success in crafting these delicious dumplings.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, they are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Versatile Dipping Options: Pair them with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
A Fun Cooking Experience: Wrapping the dumplings can be a delightful activity, adding a hands-on dimension to your cooking.
Next time you’re craving comfort food, consider making these tasty Shrimp and Chive Dumplings!

Shrimp and Chive Dumpling Ingredients

For the Filling
• Shrimps – 12 oz. peeled and deveined, essential for a juicy base.
• Chives – 1 oz. cut into very short pieces for a fresh onion-like crunch.
• Egg White – 1 teaspoon to help bind the filling together.
• Tapioca Starch – 1/2 teaspoon gives the filling a pleasant chewiness.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder – 1/2 teaspoon adds a depth of flavor to the mixture.
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon to season the filling.
• Fish Sauce – 1/4 teaspoon for a savory umami kick.
• Sesame Oil – 1/4 teaspoon imparts a nutty aroma that enhances taste.
• White Pepper Powder – 3 dashes for a hint of warmth in every bite.
• Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon balances the flavors in the filling.

For Wrapping and Cooking
• Wonton Skin – Just enough to hold your delicious filling—grab the store-bought variety for ease!
• Cooking Oil – For pan-frying to a golden, crispy finish.

For Dipping Sauce
• Soy Sauce – 1 1/2 tablespoons for that classic savory dip.
• Chinese Black Vinegar – 1 1/2 tablespoons adds a delightful tanginess to complement the dumplings.

Creating these Shrimp and Chive Dumplings is a joyfully engaging process that promises to bring everyone to the table!

How to Make Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Clean the shrimps by rinsing them with cold water to remove any residue. Gently pat them dry with paper towels for a better texture. While you’re at it, mix the soy-vinegar dip and set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Chop the shrimps into small pieces, about 3-4 chunks per shrimp. In a mixing bowl, add the chives and combine everything with the remaining ingredients. Let this filling marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Lay a wonton skin on a clean, flat surface. Using your index finger, dab some water along the four edges of the skin—this helps create a seal! Spoon about a teaspoon of your flavorful filling into the center, then fold the wonton skin towards the middle to encase the filling.
Seal the dumplings by dabbing a bit more water on the edges. Shape them into adorable little round packages, pinching to ensure no filling escapes. Repeat until all your delicious filling is used up.
Heat up a pan over medium to low heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. Carefully place all the dumplings in the pan, cover it with a lid, and pan-fry one side until golden brown. Flip them over and repeat on the other side, adding more oil if needed to achieve that perfect crispness.

Optional: Garnish with chopped chives or sesame seeds for a pop of color!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Shrimp and Chive Dumplings?

Elevate your meal with delightful sides and drinks that enhance the exquisite flavors of these tasty dumplings.

Steamed Broccoli: The vibrant green complements the golden-brown dumplings, and its mild flavor adds a nutritious crunch.
Szechuan Noodles: Spicy, saucy noodles bring a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate shrimp and chive filling. Enjoy the contrast!
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing offers a crisp counterpart to the savory dumplings, cleansing the palate with each bite.
Sesame Snap Peas: Crunchy snap peas tossed in sesame oil create a lovely textural balance while echoing the sesame flavor in the dumplings.
Ginger Ale: The light, fizzy sweetness of ginger ale cleanses the palate between dumpling bites, making it an ideal drink choice.
Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who enjoy some heat, a side of chili garlic sauce elevates the flavor profile with its spicy kick. A touch of this sauce will provide an exciting contrast to your dumplings!

Make Ahead Options

These Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply chop the shrimp and mix it with the chives and other ingredients, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Additionally, you can wrap the dumplings and freeze them for up to 3 days—just lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, pan-fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for that golden, crispy finish. You’ll have delicious homemade Shrimp and Chive Dumplings ready to serve with minimal effort!

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Quality Shrimp: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor. Avoid using shrimp that taste fishy, as this can ruin your dumplings.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add more filling, but sticking to 1 teaspoon per dumpling ensures they seal properly and won’t burst during cooking.
Seal Tightly: Make sure to seal the dumplings well by pinching the edges firmly. Any gaps can result in the filling leaking out while frying.
Control Heat: Fry on medium to low heat to ensure even cooking and to prevent the bottoms from burning before the insides are properly cooked.
Experiment with Dipping Sauce: Try different combinations for the soy-vinegar dip, like adding a touch of chili oil for some heat or garlic for extra flavor.

Enjoy making these delightful Shrimp and Chive Dumplings with confidence!

How to Store and Freeze Shrimp and Chive Dumplings

Fridge: Store uncooked dumplings in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents sticking.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze raw dumplings on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months—perfect for quick future meals!

Reheating: To reheat, pan-fry frozen dumplings directly from the freezer on low to medium heat until golden brown and heated through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat!

Thawing: If cooked dumplings have been frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.

Shrimp and Chive Dumpling Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you adapt these dumplings to your taste and dietary needs!

Veggie Delight: Replace shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for a vegetarian option. Adding chopped spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to add a delightful kick. Your dumplings will be a fiery sensation that heats up any gathering!
Gluten-Free: Use rice paper wraps or gluten-free wonton skins to make these dumplings safe for those with gluten sensitivities. They’ll be just as delightful and satisfying!
Seafood Medley: Swap shrimp for a combination of crab and scallops for a luxurious treat. This twist brings a new level of elegance to your dumplings, perfect for special occasions.
Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the mix for an aromatic burst of flavor. The herby freshness can elevate your dumplings to new culinary heights!
Crispy Coating: For an extra crunch, try dipping boiled dumplings in panko breadcrumbs and pan-frying them until golden. This textural contrast is sure to impress!
Sweet Treat: For a dessert version, fill the skins with sweetened cream cheese and diced fruits. Fry until golden, then dust with powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
Savory Broth: Serve dumplings in a warm broth made from chicken or vegetable stock. It turns your dish into a comforting soup, wonderful for chilly evenings!

Shrimp and Chive Dumplings Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting shrimp?
Absolutely! For the best shrimp, look for medium to large sizes that are firm to the touch, with a bright pink color and no fishy smell. Fresh shrimp should be slightly translucent, not dull or gray. If using frozen shrimp, choose ones that were flash-frozen and avoid those with frost or ice crystals, indicating thawing and refreezing.

How long can I store uncooked dumplings in the fridge?
Very! You can keep your uncooked Shrimp and Chive Dumplings in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This way, they’ll stay fresh and ready for your next homemade meal!

Can I freeze my shrimp dumplings?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Shrimp and Chive Dumplings, first, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once they’re frozen, transfer the dumplings to a freezer-safe bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months!

What’s the best way to reheat frozen dumplings?
To reheat frozen dumplings, simply pan-fry them directly from the freezer. Start on low to medium heat, adding a small amount of oil to the pan. Cook them covered for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown and heated through. This method ensures they stay crispy!

Can these dumplings be made gluten-free?
Of course! To make your Shrimp and Chive Dumplings gluten-free, you can substitute regular wonton skins with gluten-free alternatives available at many grocery stores. Additionally, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce in your dipping mixture for a gluten-free option.

What if my filling is too wet?
If your filling is too wet, don’t worry! You can adjust the texture by adding a bit more tapioca starch, which helps absorb excess moisture. Start with a teaspoon at a time until you achieve a consistency that’s easy to work with. This will help prevent leakage during cooking and ensure your dumplings maintain their shape!