Name: Shrimp Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 30 round dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)

Ever crave a bite that’s juicy, savory, and wrapped in delicate perfection? Shrimp dumplings deliver exactly that—a satisfying mix of tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and seasonings nestled in thin, silky wrappers. Whether you steam them for dim sum or pan-fry for crispy bottoms, these dumplings are the kind of dish that disappears in minutes.

Homemade shrimp dumplings may look like a restaurant feat, but they’re quite doable at home. With a few fresh ingredients and a bit of folding practice, you can master this crowd-pleaser and serve it piping hot with a punchy dipping sauce. The best part? You can make them ahead, freeze them, and cook on demand.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the dumpling filling and folding, let’s talk setup. Having the right tools makes all the difference in ease and final presentation.

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining shrimp, aromatics, and seasonings thoroughly without spillage.

Food Processor or Sharp Knife: If you want finely chopped shrimp and a cohesive texture, a food processor is your best friend. Alternatively, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do.

Small Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Ensures you portion the same amount of filling in each dumpling, which helps them cook evenly.

Dumpling Wrappers: You can find these at most grocery stores or Asian markets—round wrappers work best for traditional shrimp dumplings.

Steamer Basket or Skillet: Choose your cooking method. A bamboo steamer is ideal for soft, tender dumplings. A non-stick skillet is perfect if you want crispy-bottomed potstickers.

Small Bowl of Water: This is your “glue” to seal the edges of each dumpling so they don’t open during cooking.

Having this prep in place lets you focus on the fun part: shaping and cooking your dumplings.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Dumplings Recipe

Each ingredient in shrimp dumplings plays a specific role in building flavor, texture, and that signature juiciness.

Shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined) – The star of the show. Use fresh or frozen shrimp, finely chopped, to give your dumplings their meaty, juicy center.

Garlic & Ginger – These aromatics brighten and lift the shrimp with their sharp, savory warmth.

Green Onions – Adds freshness, color, and a subtle onion bite that complements the seafood.

Soy Sauce – Infuses umami depth into the filling.

Sesame Oil – Brings a nutty richness that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Cornstarch – Helps bind the mixture, locking in moisture and keeping the filling tender.

Salt & White Pepper – Simple seasonings that round out the flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp.

Dumpling Wrappers – These thin dough sheets hold the filling. Look for round, wheat-based wrappers for easy folding.

How To Make the Shrimp Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Filling

Finely chop the shrimp or pulse in a food processor until coarsely minced. In a bowl, combine shrimp with garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dumpling Station

Lay out the wrappers, a bowl of water, a spoon or scoop for filling, and a tray lined with parchment or dusted with cornstarch.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Dip your finger in water and wet the edges. Fold the wrapper in half, pressing to seal and pleating if desired. Make sure no air pockets remain inside.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

To steam: Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment and steam dumplings over boiling water for 6–8 minutes.

To pan-fry: Heat a bit of oil in a non-stick skillet, place dumplings flat-side down, and fry until bottoms are golden. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce

Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

How to Serve and Store Shrimp Dumplings

Shrimp dumplings are best served hot and fresh right after steaming or pan-frying. Plate them with a small bowl of dipping sauce made from soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a final touch of flair.

If you’re planning to serve them as part of a larger meal, pair them with a light cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup to round out the experience without overpowering the delicate dumplings.

Storing Tips:

To refrigerate: Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming or pan-frying until warmed through.
To freeze: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent dumplings from sticking while steaming?

Line your steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery and won’t bind as well with the filling ingredients.

Are these dumplings gluten-free?

Not by default. Most dumpling wrappers and soy sauce contain gluten. Use gluten-free wrappers and tamari if needed.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

A mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes is classic. You can also try adding grated garlic or a touch of honey.

Can I bake shrimp dumplings instead?

Baking is not recommended as it tends to dry them out. Steaming or pan-frying delivers the best texture.

What if my wrappers tear?

If a wrapper tears, gently patch it with another small piece and a dab of water. Keep your wrappers covered to prevent drying out.

Want More Shrimp Recipes Ideas?

If you loved these shrimp dumplings, you might also enjoy venturing into other seafood-inspired dishes.

Try the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re craving a bold fusion of Italian comfort and seafood indulgence. For a quicker option, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa delivers fresh, zesty flavors with minimal prep.

The Shrimp Burrito Bowls are perfect for meal-prep lovers looking for a protein-packed, satisfying bite. And if you enjoy savory stews, Louisiana Seafood Gumbo layers rich depth and heat for a more Southern experience.

For something cozy with an Asian twist, the Potsticker Soup is a fantastic pairing with dumplings—double the comfort in one meal.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your appetizer or seafood board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make these shrimp dumplings, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you steam or pan-fry? Did you tweak the filling with chili or mushrooms? Let me know in the comments.

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