There’s a special kind of joy that fills the kitchen when you decide to make your own shrimp and chive dumplings. The sound of shrimp being chopped, accompanied by the vibrant crunch of fresh chives, is music to my ears. I remember the first time I rolled out wonton skins, the excitement bubbling inside me as I filled each wrapper with savory goodness, sealing them like precious gifts.
This delightful dish combines tender shrimp with fragrant chives, wrapped in a thin layer of dough that turns golden and crispy when pan-fried. It’s an impressive yet surprisingly simple recipe that transforms your dining experience—from fast-food fatigue to a homemade feast bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or even a get-together with friends, these dumplings are all about joy, creativity, and the magic of cooking at home. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and rediscover the pleasure of homemade flavors!
Why love Shrimp and Chive Dumplings?
Heavenly Flavor: The perfect blend of shrimp and chives creates a delightful burst of taste in every bite.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for novice chefs.
Versatile Delicacy: Make these dumplings for dinner, as an appetizer, or at any gathering—they’re always a hit!
Crispy Perfection: Pan-frying grants a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender filling.
Fun Cooking Activity: Involve family or friends in the process, creating memorable moments together in the kitchen.
Elevate your culinary skills and discover more exciting dishes in our post on delicious dumpling recipes!
Shrimp and Chive Dumplings Ingredients
For the Filling
• Shrimp – 12 oz. of peeled and deveined shrimp brings a fresh ocean taste to your dumplings.
• Chives – 1 oz. cut into very short pieces add a unique oniony flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Egg White – 1 teaspoon helps bind the filling together for a smooth texture.
• Tapioca Starch – 1/2 teaspoon creates a chewy texture, making the dumplings delightfully addictive.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder – 1/2 teaspoon enhances the umami flavors in the filling.
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon brings all the flavors together, ensuring nothing tastes bland.
• Fish Sauce – 1/4 teaspoon adds depth with a hint of brininess.
• Sesame Oil – 1/4 teaspoon imparts a nutty aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• White Pepper Powder – 3 dashes introduce a mild heat that sharpens the taste.
• Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon balances the flavors and enhances the shrimp’s sweetness.
For the Wrapping
• Wonton Skin – Essential for encasing your flavorful shrimp and chive filling, bringing it all together.
For Cooking
• Cooking Oil – Some oil for pan-frying creates that lovely golden crust.
• Soy Sauce – 1 1/2 tablespoons for dipping, offering a savory and salty kick.
• Chinese Black Vinegar – 1 1/2 tablespoons adds a tangy dimension that perfectly complements the dumplings.
Dive into this enchanting recipe and experience the joy of crafting your own Shrimp and Chive Dumplings at home!
How to Make Shrimp and Chive Dumplings
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Clean the shrimp by rinsing them with cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. While that’s resting, mix together the soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar for a delightful dipping sauce and set aside.
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Chop the shrimp into small pieces, about three to four pieces per shrimp. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with the chives and the rest of the filling ingredients. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
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Lay a wonton skin flat on a clean surface. Wet your index finger with water and trace it along the four edges of the skin. Place a teaspoon of the shrimp filling in the center and fold the wonton skin towards the middle to encase the filling.
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Seal the wonton tightly by dabbing more water along the edges. The dumplings should resemble a little pouch or half-moon. Continue this process until all the filling is used up.
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Heat a pan over medium-low heat, adding cooking oil to it. Carefully transfer the dumplings into the pan. Cover with a lid and pan-fry one side until golden brown, then flip to fry the other side. Add more oil if needed for a golden crisp.
Optional: Serve with additional soy sauce and vinegar for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp and Chive Dumpling Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these dumplings to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Pork Addition: Mix in 4 oz. of finely chopped pork with the shrimp for a heartier filling. The combination adds a delightful richness that’s simply irresistible.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu. This twist creates a savory, umami-packed filling that’s perfect for plant-based eaters.
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Gluten-Free Wrappers: Use gluten-free wonton skins or rice paper for a suitable alternative that keeps the recipe accessible for everyone.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the filling for a fiery hit. This brings a thrilling heat that contrasts beautifully with the dumpling’s tender texture.
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Garlic Lovers: Incorporate minced garlic into the filling for a fragrant aroma and bold flavor that elevates the overall dish.
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Zesty Crisp: Top the dumplings with a sprinkle of lime zest before sealing for a refreshing citrus twist that enhances the flavor profile.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil in place of chives for a unique taste. Each herb brings its own character to the dish, making it excitingly different each time.
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Baking Alternative: Instead of pan-frying, brush the dumplings lightly with oil and bake them at 375°F for a healthier version with a different texture. Enjoy the crispy exterior with a tender inside!
Expert Tips for Shrimp and Chive Dumplings
- Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp may lose their sweetness and become rubbery.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the dumplings—too much filling can cause them to break during cooking.
- Seal Well: Ensure the edges of the wonton skins are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out while frying.
- Adjust Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the dumplings are crispy on the outside while allowing the filling to heat through without burning.
- Dipping Sauce: Experiment with different dipping sauces—play with sesame oil, chili sauce, or even a sprinkle of lime for a fresh twist.
Enjoy making your own delicious Shrimp and Chive Dumplings with these helpful tips!
What to Serve with Shrimp and Chive Dumplings?
Elevate your meal by pairing these delightful dumplings with dishes and drinks that complement their savory flavors and textures.
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Steamed Broccoli: A fresh and crunchy side that provides a vibrant contrast to the tender dumplings, making every bite refreshing.
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Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet and creamy rice harmonizes beautifully with the dumplings, enhancing their flavors and creating a comforting dish.
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Soy Sauce and Vinegar Dip: The classic dipping sauce intensifies the umami of the dumplings, adding a burst of tanginess with every dunk.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw with carrots and cabbage adds freshness and balance, cutting through the dumplings’ grease.
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Wontons Soup: Serving these dumplings in a warm broth feels inviting; the soup’s essence complements the dumplings wonderfully, creating a full meal.
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Chili Oil Drizzle: Adding a few drops of chili oil offers a spicy kick, elevating the flavor experience to new heights and warming your taste buds.
Enjoy mixing and matching these suggestions for a meal that feels truly special!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp and Chive Dumplings
Fridge: Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container; they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet on medium heat with a touch of oil until heated through.
Freezer: For best results, freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen shrimp and chive dumplings, pan-fry from frozen on low heat, adding a splash of water and covering them with a lid until cooked through and crispy.
Wrap Well: If you’re freezing cooked dumplings, allow them to cool completely and wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container to preserve texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp and Chive Dumplings are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dumplings up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them and placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply pan-fry the dumplings directly from the fridge; there’s no need to thaw! To maintain their quality, avoid stacking the dumplings, as this can cause them to stick together. This way, you can enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it a breeze to have a delicious homemade meal at your fingertips!
Shrimp and Chive Dumplings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for the dumplings?
Absolutely! Look for medium to large shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean scent. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a fishy smell, as these can indicate they are past their prime. Fresh shrimp should be pink and translucent. If buying frozen, ensure they’re well-packaged and have no signs of freezer burn.
What’s the best way to store leftover shrimp and chive dumplings?
Very! Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil to restore their crispy texture. For optimal enjoyment, consume them within this timeframe for the best taste!
Can I freeze shrimp and chive dumplings? How do I do that?
Certainly! To freeze uncooked dumplings, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They’ll remain good for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, simply pan-fry on low heat, adding a splash of water and covering with a lid until crispy and fully cooked.
What if my dumplings tear while cooking?
No worries! If your dumplings tear while cooking, it usually means they were either overfilled or the sealing wasn’t tight enough. If this happens, try to patch them up gently with water and a little extra wonton skin if you have some handy. Alternatively, simply enjoy the crispy goodness as is—dinner will still be delightful!
Are these dumplings safe for anyone with allergies?
The more the merrier! However, be cautious of ingredients like shrimp and sesame oil, which can trigger allergies in some individuals. For a safer alternative, consider replacing shrimp with chopped mushrooms or tofu and checking for gluten-free wonton skins if gluten is a concern. Always inform your diners of all ingredients used!
Can I make the filling in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the shrimp and chive filling a day ahead. After mixing the ingredients, store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of 24 hours. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully before wrapping them in wonton skins.
Delicious Shrimp and Chive Dumplings You Can Make at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Clean the shrimp by rinsing them with cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. While that's resting, mix together the soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar for a delightful dipping sauce and set aside.
- Chop the shrimp into small pieces, about three to four pieces per shrimp. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with the chives and the rest of the filling ingredients. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Lay a wonton skin flat on a clean surface. Wet your index finger with water and trace it along the four edges of the skin. Place a teaspoon of the shrimp filling in the center and fold the wonton skin towards the middle to encase the filling.
- Seal the wonton tightly by dabbing more water along the edges. The dumplings should resemble a little pouch or half-moon. Continue this process until all the filling is used up.
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat, adding cooking oil to it. Carefully transfer the dumplings into the pan. Cover with a lid and pan-fry one side until golden brown, then flip to fry the other side. Add more oil if needed for a golden crisp.