Dim sum dreaming: 11 delectable dumplings to make at home

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Rolling out your dim sum cravings? We’ve got you. Serving up 11 recipes that range from steamy buns to delectable dumplings, all guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned dim sum lover or just dipping into the world of these bite-sized delights, there’s something here for everyone. No need to daydream about that last yum cha outing, because now you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let’s get those bamboo steamers out!

Two bowls of wonton soup with shrimp and greens.
Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Char Siu

Sliced char siu with chopsticks.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Experience the delightful, smoky flavors of the traditional Cantonese BBQ right in your own kitchen with the homemade Char siu. Prepared in a pressure cooker and then finished on the grill or in the air fryer, it’s ideal for serving directly or repurposing into Char Siu Bao, providing a versatile addition to your at-home dim sum menu.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Har Gow

4 shrimp har gow in a steamer basket.
Har Gow. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Delight in the subtle sophistication of Har Gow, a beloved dim sum classic. The pleasingly plump shrimp dumplings, encased in a delicate translucent wrapper, balance flavor and texture to perfection. Their surprisingly straightforward preparation underscores the feasibility of homemade dim sum.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Char Siu Bao

2 char siu bao on a plate with dipping sauce.
Char Siu Bao. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Speaking of Char Siu Bao, you’ll be surprised at how effortlessly you can create these flavorful bundles. The soft, fluffy buns form a perfect receptacle for the Char Siu or any filling of your preference, transforming them into an inviting mainstay of your homecooked dim sum selection.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Fried Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate.
Fried Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The irresistibly crunchy, flavorful fried pork and shrimp wontons are a true delight to the palate. With a savory filling that pairs pork and shrimp with classic Chinese seasonings, they offer an indulgent treat that’s ready after a quick dip in the deep fryer.
Get the Recipe: Fried Wontons

Wonton Soup

wonton soup with shrimp in a white bowl.
Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bring a comforting classic to your table with the Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Featuring a savory broth adorned with juicy, homemade wontons, it guarantees a satisfyingly delicious meal that epitomizes the accessibility of at-home dim sum.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup

Mantou

A steamed chinese bun with two hands pulling it apart.
Mantou. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

There’s something undeniably dreamlike about the Chinese steamed buns. Their ethereal lightness combines with delectable fillings, from Char Siu to hoisin sautéed vegetables, creating a dim sum cornerstone that you can replicate in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mantou

Spicy cucumber salad

Overhead shot of Spicy Cucumber Salad with black beans in a black bowl.
Spicy cucumber salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Introduce a touch of refreshing crunch to your homemade dim sum spread with the Spicy Cucumber Salad. Enhanced with chili crisp and fermented black beans, this dish offers a cooling counterpoint to the warmth of the other dim sum delicacies.
Get the Recipe: Spicy cucumber salad

Black Sesame Cookies

Black sesame cookies on a baking sheet with a spoonful of black sesame seeds.
Black Sesame Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Enrich your dim sum array with the dense, nutty Black Sesame Cookies. Balancing a crunchy outer shell with a chewy interior, these cookies offer a rich addition to your homemade dim sum menu, both in taste and aesthetic appeal.
Get the Recipe: Black Sesame Cookies

Scallion Pancakes

overhead shot of scallion pancakes with soy dipping sauce and chopsticks.
Scallion Pancakes. Photo credit: Greedy Girl Gourmet.

Introduce the street-food charm to your homemade dim sum spread with the Taiwanese green onion pancake, or Cong you bing. This savory snack is not only delicious, but also highly convenient, with the ability to be batch made, frozen, and cooked straight from the freezer. Though achieving its coveted flaky texture may require some practice, the included tips and tricks will guide you towards perfect flaky scallion pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Pancakes

Coconut jelly

Overhead shot of pandan and coconut jelly
Coconut jelly. Photo credit: Greedygirlgourmet.

Enjoy the refreshing treat of Coconut Jelly right in your own kitchen. Whether you prefer the creamy consistency of a pudding or the silky texture akin to tofu, this easy-to-make dessert can be a sweet conclusion to your homemade dim sum meal. This guide focuses primarily on the traditional dim sum version, providing a versatile and enjoyable dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Coconut jelly

Crystal Dumplings

Veggie crystal dumplings on a blue plate.
Crystal Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Finally, cater to diverse palates with the Vegetarian Crystal Dumplings. These tender, veggie-filled morsels, enveloped in a translucent wrapper, serve as a testament to the versatility and inclusivity of a well-curated, homemade dim sum selection.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

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