Dim Sum Soup Recipe

Dim sum, a beloved and celebrated part of Chinese cuisine, is much more than just food-it’s an experience. Steeped in history and tradition, dim sum brings people together around a table to share small, bite-sized delicacies, traditionally served with tea. These savory and sweet offerings are often made to order, arriving in bamboo steamers, and come in various forms, from dumplings and buns to rolls and pancakes. Among the myriad of dim sum offerings, Dim Sum Soup is a standout-delicate yet comforting, with a rich and flavorful broth paired with soft, chewy dumplings filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, or even seafood. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that warm, soothing bowl of soup, here’s a recipe that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong or the elegant dining rooms of Shanghai.

Dim Sum Soup isn’t just about the dumplings-it’s the heartwarming broth that ties everything together. In this recipe, the dumplings will be filled with a flavorful meat mixture, complemented by aromatic herbs and vegetables, all floating in a delicate, savory broth. The beauty of this dish lies in the balance of textures-the crispness of the dumplings, the silkiness of the broth, and the crunch of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients Needed

For The Dumplings

Pork or Chicken (500g): You can go for either ground pork or chicken depending on your preference. Pork gives a richer, juicier filling, while chicken offers a leaner option.
Shrimp (200g): Adding shrimp to your dumplings will elevate the flavor with a delicate sweetness and a touch of seafood essence.
Ginger (1-inch piece, finely chopped): Ginger adds a fresh, zingy flavor that complements the meats.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The garlic brings an aromatic warmth to the dumplings.
Spring Onion (2 stalks, finely chopped): For a mild, slightly oniony kick.
Chinese Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds saltiness and depth to the flavor.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): A little goes a long way to infuse the filling with its rich, toasted flavor.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps to bind the filling together and maintain its texture when steamed.
Salt and White Pepper: For seasoning.

For The Broth

Chicken Stock (1 liter): This serves as the base for your broth. A good, rich chicken stock will give you a deep, flavorful foundation.
Ginger (2-3 slices): Sliced thinly to infuse a light, fragrant warmth into the broth.
Garlic (2 cloves, smashed): The garlic will further enhance the aromatic profile.
Chinese Cooking Wine (2 tbsp): Adds complexity to the broth.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Brings saltiness and umami.
Scallions (2 stalks): For garnish and a subtle fresh onion flavor.
Salt and White Pepper: To taste.

Cooking Instructions

Preparing The Dumplings

Make the Dumpling Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken, chopped shrimp, ginger, garlic, spring onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
Shape the Dumplings: Using a spoon, take about a teaspoon of the filling and place it in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Wet the edges with a bit of water and fold the wrapper to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the dumplings, ensuring there are no air pockets.
Steam the Dumplings: Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves (to prevent sticking). Steam over simmering water for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and the filling is tender.

Making The Broth

Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, ginger slices, smashed garlic, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer: Let the broth simmer gently for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Strain the Broth: Once the broth has developed a rich aroma, strain out the ginger and garlic to leave a clear, flavorful liquid.
Season the Broth: Taste the broth and add salt or white pepper as needed. You want it to be savory but not overpowering, allowing the delicate flavors of the dumplings to shine.

Assembling The Soup

Heat the Broth: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer before adding the cooked dumplings.
Add Dumplings to the Broth: Carefully drop the steamed dumplings into the hot broth. Let them warm through for about 3-4 minutes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh scallions. Serve immediately while hot, alongside a steaming cup of Chinese tea for the full experience.

Ingredient Insights

Soy Sauce: A key ingredient in Chinese cuisine, soy sauce adds umami and depth to both the dumplings and broth. It’s important to use light soy sauce in this recipe, as it has a more delicate flavor compared to the thicker dark variety.
Sesame Oil: This oil imparts a nutty, toasty flavor that’s indispensable in Chinese cooking. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with vegetable oil, but the unique taste of sesame oil is worth seeking out.
Chinese Cooking Wine: This wine, typically called Shaoxing wine, is integral for adding a complex, slightly sweet, and aromatic quality to the broth. If unavailable, dry sherry can serve as a good substitute.
Cornstarch: Used in the dumpling filling to bind the ingredients together, cornstarch helps the mixture retain moisture and keeps the dumplings soft and juicy when steamed.

Expert Tips

Preventing Dumplings from Sticking: To avoid dumplings sticking to the steamer, make sure to line it with parchment paper or use cabbage leaves to create a non-stick surface. You can also brush the dumplings lightly with a little oil before steaming.
Make-Ahead Tip: The dumplings can be made ahead of time and frozen. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, no need to thaw them out-just steam directly from frozen.
Broth Variation: For a more intense broth, consider adding dried shiitake mushrooms or a few star anise to the simmering broth. This will introduce an earthy, aromatic element to the soup.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the dumpling filling. Try adding finely chopped mushrooms for an umami boost or even some finely shredded vegetables for extra crunch.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Dim Sum Soup: If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat and shrimp with finely chopped vegetables such as cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu. Season the filling with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a flavorful alternative.
Spicy Dim Sum Soup: Add some chili oil or chili paste to the broth or filling for a spicy kick. You could also infuse the broth with Sichuan peppercorns for a unique numbing heat.
Seafood Dim Sum Soup: Substitute the pork or chicken with mixed seafood such as crab, scallops, and fish fillets for a lighter, seafood-forward soup.

Final Words

Dim Sum Soup is not only a delightful dish but also an embodiment of the creativity and depth of Chinese culinary tradition. The process of making these dumplings from scratch and pairing them with a carefully crafted broth is both a satisfying and rewarding experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or friends, this soup is a perfect dish for bringing everyone to the table. It’s a true celebration of flavor, texture, and technique.

Dim Sum Soup Recipe