Steamed Cantonese Shrimp Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate translucent dumplings filled with fresh shrimp, served with a fragrant ginger-soy dipping sauce to highlight Cantonese dim sum tradition. This chinese-inspired dumplings ready in about 30 minutes blends shrimp, peeled and chopped, water chestnuts, finely chopped, stalks green onions, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 10 oz peeled and chopped shrimp, 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts, 2 finely chopped green onions, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix well until sticky.
  2. Step 2: Place one wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tsp of the shrimp mixture into the center. Fold and pleat the wrappers to seal tightly, forming a half-moon shape. Repeat for all wrappers.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Line the steamer basket with parchment paper with holes or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the dumplings in the basket, leaving space between each. Steam over boiling water for 6-7 minutes until wrappers turn translucent and shrimp is fully cooked.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar to make the dipping sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve the steamed shrimp dumplings hot with the ginger-soy dipping sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Cantonese Shrimp Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Steamed Cantonese Shrimp Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Cantonese Shrimp Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Cantonese Shrimp Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Cantonese Shrimp Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce?

Chinese dumplings like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.