May 29, 2021, 1:52 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Dim sum originates from China and is consumed there even for breakfast. Literally translated, the dish means “small things made with the heart.” The specialty consists of small filled dumplings that are either steamed or fried.

According to legend, dim sum was invented because a Chinese emperor grew tired of his imperial cuisine and wanted to try new dishes. His chefs created the first dim sum, and the emperor couldn’t get enough of them. In southern and eastern China, the dumplings are now a staple of breakfast. But they are also enjoyed in central China at any time of day and with countless fillings.

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Important for Traditional Dim Sum: A Bamboo Steamer

Another story explains the popularity of dim sum differently: In the past, travelers along the Silk Road often stopped at teahouses, including in China. And because it was discovered that drinking tea aids digestion, small snacks were served alongside. The traditional combination of dim sum and tea was born.

Either way, it’s clear that the sweet or savory dumplings are almost always served in the bamboo baskets in which they were previously steamed. To prepare dim sum, you need to get such a steamer, which is available in some Asian markets. In China, different sauces are served with the dumplings. In this recipe, we’ve chosen a delicious sesame sauce that can be easily and quickly recreated.

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Recipe for Dim Sum

Ingredients

• 200 g shrimp
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 lime
• 2 scallions
• 10 g ginger
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp sugar
• 20 wonton wrappers
• Steamer

Preparation

1. Finely chop the shrimp, peel the ginger, and dice it. Then remove the roots from the scallions and slice them into thin rings. Mix everything in a bowl and season with chili flakes.
2. Grate the lime and finely chop the zest. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, sugar, zest, and lime juice. Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a pan without adding fat, then stir them into the sauce.
3. Dust the work surface with flour and lay out the wonton wrappers. Place a teaspoon of the shrimp filling in the center of each wrapper. Brush the edges of the wrapper with water. Then fold all four corners up to the center and seal into a pouch.
4. Line the steamer with parchment paper and pierce it several times. Place the dim sum inside and steam for about ten minutes. To do this, place the steamer on a pan filled with enough water so that the dim sum does not touch the liquid.
5. Serve with sesame sauce and enjoy.