20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (2024)

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Ever wanted to sample all of your favorite Cantonese appetizers in one sitting? Dim Sum presents a tantalizing array of dumplings, rolls and buns for you to eat to your heart’s content. We’ve rounded up 20 Best Chinese Dim Sum recipes and now you can recreate some of your favorites at home.

20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (1)

What is Dim Sum?

It is a traditional Cantonese meal consisting of many small plates with bite-sized portions of tasty Cantonese dishes. In Chinese restaurants in the United States, dim sum is usually eaten “family style” whereby a large group passes around the plates, taking a little bit of everything. The term “dim sum” can be used to refer to each individual menu item, or to the items collectively.

Types of Dim Sum

There are over 1000 dim sum dishes in existence. A typical menu includes various types of dumplings, buns, rolls and balls, as well as bite-sized pieces of meat. Steamed dumplings like Xiao Long Bao can be filled with your choice of meat or veggies, with pork, shrimp and chicken being the most popular options.

Authentic Popular Chinese Dim Sum Dishes

20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (2)
20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (3)

Shumai (Siu Mai)

These steamed dumplings are filled with a tasty combination of juicy pork and shrimp. Learn the proper technique for folding authentic Chinese Siu Mai with this simple recipe.

Chicken Feet

Considered a Chinese delicacy, these chicken feet are just like the ones you’d find in your favorite Chinese restaurant. With this recipe, they’re tender, juicy and full of flavor.

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

This popular Cantonese appetizer is simply irresistible. Here’s a simple, yet authentic recipe for Chinese Har Gow shrimp dumplings.

Chinese BBQ Pork Buns (Cha Siu Bao)

These soft, pillowy buns are stuffed with a flavorful BBQ pork filling. With the right technique, it’s easy to make Char Siu Bao dumplings from scratch.

Vegetarian Dim Sum

20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (4)
20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (5)

Sesame Balls

This meatless treat is crispy on the outside with a soft, chewy middle. You won’t be able to resist these deep fried sweet-and-savory balls.

Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls

These super crispy vegetable spring rolls are incredibly easy to make. Serve with a honey garlic dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dim sum.

Chinese Chive Pancakes

Fragrant sprigs of fresh chives make these savory pancakes absolutely delicious. Enjoy with a drizzle of soy sauce for a healthy vegetarian breakfast.

Hongkong Style Egg Tart

These egg tarts feature a sweet, custody filling and a flaky pastry crust. This authentic recipe is inspired by bakeries in Hong Kong.

Steamed Dim Sum

20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (6)
20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (7)

Chinese Steamed Pork Buns

This traditional dish consists of a juicy pork filling. Even kids and picky eaters can’t resist these flavorful steamed buns.

Shanghai Xiao Long Bao

These famous Chinese steamed dumplings are a great way to start Dim Sum. Learn the technique for making authentic Xiao Long Bao at home.

Cheong Fun (Steamed Rice Noodle Rolls)

Homemade Chinese rice noodle balls make an irresistible appetizer. Here are five delicious ways to make Cheong Fun, using simple ingredients you already have at home.

Steamed Beef Short Ribs

If you want more variety for dim sum, give this recipe a try. Pieces of beef ribs are marinated overnight for steaming, making them extra flavorful and tender.

Other Dim Sum Recipes

20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (8)
20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (9)

Braised Pork Feet

In China, pig trotters are considered one of the most delicious cuts of pork. This meaty dim sum is slow cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce and garnished with green onions.

Turnip Cake

Don’t let its simple appearance fool you. Turnip cake is packed with umami flavor and an addictively crispy texture. Enjoy piping hot or serve at room temperature.

Congee

This comforting Chinese rice porridge is a welcome addition to any dim sum platter. Pair this traditional side dish with stir fried vegetables or braised meats.

Wonton Noodle Soup

When you’re having takeout cravings, close the UberEats app and make your very own Chinese wonton soup. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this comforting dim sum from scratch.

Pan Fried Potstickers

These crispy, savory dumplings are a favorite menu item at Chinese restaurants. Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers, so they’re ready to be fried the next time you have a potsticker craving.

Cantonese Sticky Rice Dumplings (Zongzi)

If you like Mexican tamales, you’re sure to enjoy Chinese zongzi. These sticky rice dumplings can be savory or sweet, depending on your preferences.

Chicken and Cabbage Dim Sum

This clever recipe uses cabbage leaves in lieu of traditional dumpling wrappers. The result is a delicious, low carb dim sum.

Seafood Dim Sum

Satisfy your seafood cravings with this simple keto-friendly dim sum. This recipe features a delicious medley of fish, shrimp and mussels.

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20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (10)

Chinese Dim Sum Spring Rolls

These super crispy Chinese spring rolls are incredibly easy to make. Serve with a honey garlic dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dim sum.

Print Pin

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Author: Izzy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 2 teaspoons minced cloves
  • 4 dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 oz glass noodles
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 ½ cups bean sprouts
  • 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 green onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 ½ tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • Spring Rolls:
  • 12-15 spring roll wrappers
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch plus 1 tablespoon of water for sealing rolls
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • For the Filling:

  • Soak the dried sh*take mushrooms in plenty of boiled water for 20 minutes. Make sure to drain and squeeze excess water out of the mushrooms. Chop the mushrooms, and set aside.

  • Soak the glass noodles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Drain well and cut into 1-inch pieces.

  • Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, stir-frying for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add pork, and stir fry until it’s no longer pink.

  • Add mushroom, glass noodles, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, green onion and cabbage. Cook for about 3 minutes or until vegetables are wilted.

  • Add cornstarch, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Cook for 1 minutes or until the mixture is no longer watery. (It should be sticky.)

  • Remove from heat, and transfer the filling onto a plate or tray to let it cool.

  • Make Spring Rolls:

  • Mix together cornstarch and water in a small bowl.

  • Then place a wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond position.

  • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the bottom of the wrapper. Roll up halfway, and then fold sides. Then keep rolling towards the end.

  • Use cornstarch slurry to seal the spring roll.

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat to 350°F.

  • Carefully lower spring rolls in the oil and cook in batches (about 5 spring rolls at a time.)

  • Turn occasionally and cook for about 2 minutes until they become nice and golden.

  • Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

  • Repeat with the remaining spring rolls. Serve hot with soy sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.

Author: Izzy

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Dim Sum

Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

20 Best Chinese Dim Sum Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular dimsum? ›

The most popular dim sum menu items include Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns), Cheong Fun (rice noodle rolls), Lo Bak Go (turnip cake), Fung Zao (chicken feet), and Dan Tat (egg tart).

What are some common dim sum dishes? ›

Examples of dim sum
  • Siu mai (open pork or prawn dumplings) ...
  • Har gau (steamed prawn dumplings) ...
  • Cheong fan (rolled rice noodles) ...
  • Potsticker dumplings. ...
  • Char siu bao (bbq pork buns) ...
  • Spring rolls. ...
  • Sesame prawn toast.
Nov 1, 2023

What gets served first at a dim sum meal? ›

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.

What is the best dim sum flavor? ›

Pork and Prawn Siu Mai

This delicious classic dim sum dish is a definitive favorite among dim sum enthusiasts. Filled with minced pork and shrimp, sprinkled with crab roe on top.

What tea is most common at dim sum? ›

PU-ERH. Pu-erh (Bo-Lay in Cantonese) is popular in China but apparently less well known in the west. It is a traditional tea of choice to be served with Dim Sum, but remember that it's strong and considered by many to be an acquired taste.

What is the healthiest dim sum dish? ›

Generally, in Dim Sum dishes, the healthiest are the dumpling dishes or (gao zi) as they have skins of dough, filled with meat and are steamed (though some are fried as well) The suimai, xiaolongbao and har gow are my favorites and seem to be the healthiest.

What is dim sum etiquette? ›

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.

Should dim sum be eaten hot or cold? ›

It makes a big difference when you steam dim sum for one minute more or one minute less. You should eat them hot. Their flavors will totally change if you warm them by microwave at home.”

What do you eat at dim sum breakfast? ›

Among the former, you'll find everything from steamed pork spareribs, char siu bao (steamed buns with roast pork), and har gaw (shrimp dumplings). Deep-fried treats include mini spring rolls and wu gok, a type of taro turnover.

What time is best for dim sum? ›

There's debate about the "best" time of day for dim sum: In China, dim sum is served as early as 5 a.m., whereas here in the States, it tends to be more of a brunch-type affair, although some restaurants offer dim sum through the dinner hours.

Is dim sum good or bad for you? ›

It is not necessarily bad to eat dim sum for breakfast, but it may not be the healthiest choice depending on the specific dishes you choose. Dim sum is a type of Chinese cuisine that typically consists of small bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates.

What side dishes go with Chinese dumplings? ›

The best side dishes to serve with Asian dumplings (East Asia) are ramen, tomato and egg stir fry, fried greens, chilli miso steamed aubergine, pork belly fried rice, cucumber salad (Oi Muchim), tahini miso noodles, and claypot tofu.

What is the difference between dumplings and dim sum? ›

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.

Why is dim sum so popular? ›

Dim sum's influence extended beyond just a culinary experience. It fostered a unique social culture centered around sharing food, tea, and conversation. Families and friends gathered at dim sum restaurants to bond and create lasting memories.

Why do people love dim sum? ›

The essence of dim sum is the hand craftsmanship. It's not a dish where you can find a recipe and imitate it easily at home. It requires skill and years of training,” says Saito Chau, a chef with vast experience in contemporary Cantonese cuisine. “It's the attention to detail, precision and the human touch.

What is the difference between dim sum and dim sim? ›

A 'Dim Sim' is traditionally made with pork and cabbage wrapped in a delicate pastry skin. It is lightly seasoned and delivers a delicious meaty texture with each bite. 'Dim Sum' is an umbrella term and refers to a whole range of small dishes and parcels served at Yum Cha.

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