In Chinese, these dumplings are called “sì xǐ jiaozi”. It translates to four happiness dumplings. And they represent luck, fortune, longevity, and joy. I wish everyone lots of joy and happiness after watching this episode. Let’s get started!
Four Happiness Steamed Dumplings
Serving: 12
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
For the filling:
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large egg
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the toppings:
1 cup carrots, cut into small pieces
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup green beans, cut into small pieces
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, cut into small pieces
Pinches of salt, separated
For the dumplings:
12 dumpling wrappers
1 cup water, for sealing
For the dipping sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons red vinegar, or other types of vinegar
1 tablespoon chili oil
To prepare:
- In a food processor, place in the deveined shrimp, and blend until it becomes a paste. (You could also mince it with a knife, and mix everything in a mixing bowl.) Then add the egg, soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well. Set aside.
- Season each of the following with a pinch of salt: carrots, corn kernels, green beans, and shiitake mushrooms.
- In a bowl, mix in the soy sauce, red vinegar (or other types of vinegar), and chili oil. Whisk.
To assemble:
- Prepare 1 cup of water on the side, for sealing.
- Place a dumpling wrapper flat, and add about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center. Tap some water on an edge, and pinch the edge across together. Do the same with the other two edges, bringing them to the center. Then, tap water on each pair of sides, and seal them together. Do the same with all the sides, and it forms 4 open pockets.
- Fill each pocket with one of the ingredients: carrots, corn kernels, green beans, and shiitake mushrooms. Do the same with the rest.
- Place the dumplings on a bamboo steamer (or replace it with a plate).
To steam and serve:
- In a large steamer over high heat, bring water to a boil. Place the dumplings inside, and cover the lid. Steam for 10 minutes until everything is completely cooked through.
- Carefully remove and serve with the dipping sauce! Enjoy!
