Shu Mai (Japanese Steamed Wontons) Recipe
Overview:
🕒 Total Time: 32 minutes
🥢 Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
🔑 Keywords: Meat, Japanese, Asian, < 60 Mins, Steam, Stove Top
🍽️ Yield: 24 wontons
🍽️ Servings: Varies
Description:
Shu Mai, reminiscent of Chinese Shao Mai, are delightful little wontons with an open top, common to many Asian cuisines. They make for excellent appetizers during Asian-themed meals or when entertaining guests. These steamed wonders are bursting with flavor, making them a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 24 | Wonton skins |
| 10 | ounces lean ground beef |
| 2 | tablespoons fresh ginger, minced |
| 2 | green onions, finely chopped |
| 1 | tablespoon soy sauce |
| 1 | teaspoon sugar |
| 1/2 | teaspoon sesame oil |
| 1/2 | teaspoon cornstarch |
| 1 1/2 | tablespoons frozen green peas |
| 2 1/2 | tablespoons mirin |
| 2 | teaspoons soy sauce |
| 1 1/2 | teaspoons dashi |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, minced fresh ginger, finely chopped green onions, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture becomes very sticky.
-
Portion the Filling:
- Divide the meat mixture into 24 equal parts, ensuring each portion is roughly the same size.
-
Assemble the Wontons:
- Lay out a wonton skin on a clean work surface.
- Hold the tips of your index finger and thumb together to create a small hole.
- Place a wonton skin on top and add a portion of the meat mixture onto the center of the skin.
- Gently press the meat into the hole formed by your fingers, allowing the wrapper to come around the sides of the meat.
- Lightly flatten the bottom of the shu mai to create a stable base.
- Repeat this process with the remaining wonton skins and meat mixture until all are assembled.
-
Add Final Touches:
- Place a frozen green pea in the center of the meat on each shu mai for a burst of color and flavor.
- Brush a thin coating of oil over the top of each shu mai to prevent sticking during steaming.
-
Steam the Shu Mai:
- Arrange the assembled shu mai in a single layer in a steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Steam the shu mai over high heat for 12-14 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the wonton wrappers are tender.
-
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the mirin, soy sauce, and dashi.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving alongside the steamed shu mai.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 58.5
- Fat Content: 2.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 8.4mg
- Sodium Content: 186.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.2g
- Protein Content: 3.5g
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delectable Shu Mai as an appetizer at your next Asian-inspired gathering or enjoy them as a light lunch or snack. Pair them with a side of steamed rice or noodles and a selection of dipping sauces for an authentic dining experience. These little parcels of goodness are sure to impress your guests with their exquisite flavors and delicate texture. Enjoy!
