Hong Kong Steamed Fish Dumplings with Ginger and Scallions
These delicate steamed fish dumplings offer a taste of Cantonese cuisine with a fresh filling of white fish, ginger, and scallions. Encased in tender wrappers, they are lightly steamed to preserve the subtle flavors, making for a delightful dim sum or appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450g), boneless and skinless White fish fillets (e.g., cod, sole, tilapia)
- 2 tbsp, finely minced Fresh ginger
- 4 stalks, finely chopped (white and green parts) Scallions
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Ground white pepper
- 1 package (about 40-50 wrappers) Dumpling wrappers
- 1 tbsp (for sealing) Water
- 1 tsp (for binding) Optional: Cornstarch
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fish filling: Finely mince the white fish fillets. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or by pulsing briefly in a food processor until finely chopped but not paste-like. Transfer the minced fish to a medium bowl.
💡 Tip: Using very cold fish makes it easier to mince and helps create a better texture. - 2
Add the minced ginger, chopped scallions, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper to the bowl with the fish. If using cornstarch for extra binding, add it now. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
💡 Tip: Don't overmix, as this can make the fish filling tough. - 3
Assemble the dumplings: Place a dumpling wrapper on your palm. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the fish filling into the center of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edge of half the wrapper.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill the wrappers, or they will be difficult to seal. - 4
Fold the wrapper in half to create a semi-circle, pressing firmly to seal the edges and remove any air pockets. You can create pleats along the sealed edge for a decorative finish, or simply press firmly. Place the assembled dumplings on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, ensuring they don't touch.
💡 Tip: Ensure the dumplings are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming. - 5
Steam the dumplings: Line a bamboo steamer or a steamer insert with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Place the steamer over a pot of boiling water, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Steam in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the steamer, which can lead to uneven cooking. - 6
Serve the steamed fish dumplings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, black vinegar, or chili oil.
💡 Tip: These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more vibrant wrapper, you can use spinach-infused dough.
- ✓If you prefer a firmer filling, you can add a small amount of finely minced water chestnut for crunch.
- ✓Leftover filling can be used as a topping for rice or noodles.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a small amount of finely chopped cilantro to the filling for extra freshness.
- For a different flavor profile, incorporate a pinch of five-spice powder into the filling.