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Picture this: the tantalizing aroma of freshly pan-fried dumplings fills your kitchen, inviting you to experience a culinary adventure. I recently discovered the joy of making Chinese Chive Dumplings (Jiu Cai Jiao) filled with succulent shrimp and fragrant chives, and let me tell you, they are a game-changer for any dim sum lovers out there.

After a long week of fast food takeout, I craved something homemade, something with that chewy texture and crispy bite that only dumplings can deliver. With just a handful of ingredients and a dash of enthusiasm, you can whip up these delightful morsels that are perfect as appetizers or a cozy snack.

Imagine the golden-brown dumplings, slightly crispy on the outside, bursting with flavor on the inside. Dipped in soy sauce or a spicy garlic blend, they elevate any meal to an occasion. Ready to embark on a dim sum journey from your own kitchen? Let’s dive into this simple yet impressive recipe!

Why love Chinese Chive Dumplings?

Homemade Delight: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own perfectly crispy dumplings in the comfort of your kitchen.

Flavor Explosion: The blend of juicy shrimp and aromatic chives delivers a savory punch that is hard to resist.

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, anyone can master the art of dumpling-making!

Versatile Dish: These dumplings can be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course, adapting to any meal occasion.

Crowd-Pleasing: Serve them at gatherings or family dinners, and watch them disappear quickly — everyone loves a tasty dumpling!

Elevate your dining experience with these pan-fried delights, perfect for those who appreciate homemade food over takeout.

Chinese Chive Dumpling Ingredients

For the Filling
• Shrimp – Fresh and peeled, provides a protein-packed filling; be sure to cut into ¼-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Chinese Chives – Adds a fragrant, garlicky flavor; if unavailable, scallions make a great substitute.
• Soy Sauce – Enhances umami flavor; opting for a low-sodium version can be healthier.
• Shaoxing Rice Wine – This traditional ingredient adds depth; dry sherry can serve as a substitute in a pinch.
• Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for the filling, helping to bind the mixture together.
• Oyster Sauce – Adds a rich, savory taste; can be omitted for a vegetarian/dietary alternative.

For the Dough
• Wheat Starch – Essential for achieving the perfect dumpling wrapper texture; avoid replacing it with all-purpose flour.
• Tapioca Starch – Provides flexibility to the dough; it’s crucial for the right consistency and mouthfeel.
• Salt – A must for flavor enhancement in the dough; adjust to taste.

For Cooking
• Canola Oil – Used for pan-frying the dumplings, but feel free to swap in other neutral oils if you like.
• Sesame Oil – Provides a delightful nuttiness; can be replaced with a neutral oil in case of allergies or preferences.

Embark on your delicious journey of crafting these Chinese Chive Dumplings (Jiu Cai Jiao), destined to be a family favorite!

How to Make Chinese Chive Dumplings

Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch to create a flavorful mixture. Stir in your diced shrimp, making sure it’s well-coated. In a skillet, sauté dried shrimp with chives in oil until fragrant, then add the shrimp mixture. Cook on medium heat until thickened, then allow to cool.
Make Dough: In a separate bowl, mix wheat starch, tapioca starch, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in just-boiled water. Stir until it forms a dough, then knead for a few minutes until smooth. Let rest in a bag for about 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
Shape Dumplings: Roll the rested dough into logs, cut it into equal pieces, and flatten each piece into a disk using a plastic bag and a rolling pin or a pressing tool for easy shaping.
Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling into the center of each disk, fold over, and pleat the edges tightly to seal, ensuring no air stays inside.
Steam & Pan-Fry: Arrange the dumplings in a steamer and steam for about 7 minutes, until the tops are glossy. Allow them to cool, then heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat, pan-frying the dumplings on both sides until they become crispy and golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy these delightful dumplings warm, perfectly paired with soy sauce or a spicy chile garlic sauce for dipping pleasure!

Optional: Garnish with fresh chives or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Crispy Shrimp and Chive Dumplings?

Pairing these delightful dumplings with complementary dishes will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Hot and Sour Soup: The tangy and spicy flavors contrast beautifully with the dumplings and enhance your meal’s complexity.
Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly seasoned, its crisp texture and freshness balance the rich, savory dumplings. A splash of soy sauce brings everything together.
Garlic Fried Rice: A hearty option, this fragrant dish provides a comforting side with its warm cloves of garlic and golden rice, making an excellent pairing.
Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage and vibrant carrots tossed in a zesty sesame vinaigrette add refreshing crunch and brightness, creating a satisfying meal contrast.
Chili Oil Dipping Sauce: For a spicy kick, mix soy sauce, chili oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds – perfect for dipping your dumplings! The heat adds intrigue without overshadowing the flavors.
Mango Sticky Rice: As a sweet finishing touch, this beloved Thai dessert brightens up the meal, marrying the savory dumplings with a tropical sweetness.

Embrace these pairings for a full, delightful culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of your Chinese Chive Dumplings!

Storage Tips for Chinese Chive Dumplings

Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, keep dumplings at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Cooked dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked dumplings for up to one month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag to avoid sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Chinese Chive Dumplings, re-steam them for about 5 minutes, then pan-fry on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

Chinese Chive Dumplings Variations

Feel free to get creative with these dumplings and make them your own with these fun twists!

Meat-Free: Substitute shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian filling.
This change will give you a savory flavor while keeping it satisfying for plant-based diets.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the filling for a thrilling heat boost.
Your taste buds will thank you for this incredible flavor enhancement!
Veggie Boost: Integrate finely diced bell peppers or carrots to the mix for extra color and crunch.
These vibrant veggies not only add nutrition but also make each bite visually stunning.
Herb Infusion: Include fresh herbs like cilantro or basil in the filling for a refreshing burst of flavor.
A hint of these aromatic herbs can transform the taste profile into something extraordinary.
Alternative Wrappers: Use rice paper or store-bought dumpling wrappers for quicker preparation.
These options save time while still giving you a delicious end result; perfect for a busy weeknight.
Nutty Delight: Drizzle a little sesame oil into the filling for an earthy depth that complements the shrimp and chive beautifully.
Let the nuttiness elevate your dumpling experience in every bite!
Cheesy Surprise: Mix in some finely grated cheese, like cheddar or cream cheese, for a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
This twist is sure to become a family favorite, providing a delightful contrast to the savory filling.
Garnished Goodness: Top with fresh green onions or sesame seeds just before serving for an inviting, crunchy finish.
This final touch not only adds flavor but also enhances the plate’s presentation!

Make Ahead Options

These flavorful Chinese Chive Dumplings (Jiu Cai Jiao) are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance by combining all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, ensuring you cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply steam them for around 7 minutes until glossy, then pan-fry until crispy. This will give you a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort, just when you need it!

Tips for the Best Chinese Chive Dumplings

Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp and Chinese chives for a vibrant flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of your Chinese Chive Dumplings.
Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is soft but not overly sticky. Adjust with more starch if it feels too wet to work with comfortably.
Seal Well: Don’t skimp on sealing your dumplings; properly pleated edges prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
Steaming First: Always steam before pan-frying for that ideal texture — the steaming makes them chewy while the frying adds crunch.
Transport with Care: If you need to freeze the dumplings, do so in a single layer. This prevents them from sticking together to maintain their shape.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with these delightful Chinese Chive Dumplings!

Chinese Chive Dumplings (Jiu Cai Jiao) Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best shrimp for the filling?
Absolutely! For the juiciest and most flavorful shrimp filling, look for fresh, firm shrimp that have a mild scent of the sea. The shrimp should be beautifully translucent and avoid any with a strong, fishy odor. If opting for frozen shrimp, ensure they are properly thawed and rinsed before use, as this will help maintain the flavor and texture once cooked.

What is the best way to store leftover dumplings?
Very important! Cooked Chinese Chive Dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to maintain their crispy texture. If you find you have leftovers, don’t fret — simply reheat them in a pan with a touch of oil to restore that wonderful crunch!

Can I freeze the dumplings? How?
Absolutely! To freeze Chinese Chive Dumplings, it’s best to do so before cooking. Arrange the assembled dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid (about 1-2 hours), transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, re-steam the dumplings for about 5 minutes, then pan-fry them on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

What should I do if my dough feels too sticky?
Oh, that can happen from time to time! If you find that your dumpling dough is too sticky, simply sprinkle in a little more tapioca or wheat starch and knead gently until the consistency is smooth. It should feel soft and pliable but not tacky to the touch. Adjusting the starch as needed can help you achieve that perfect dough texture that’s easy to work with.

Are these dumplings safe for my pet?
It’s great that you’re considering your pet! While the ingredients in Chinese Chive Dumplings are generally safe for human consumption, they are not appropriate for pets, particularly the garlic and chives, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always keep human food separate and ensure your furry friends enjoy meals prepared specifically for them!

What can I substitute if I can’t find Chinese chives?
Very good question! If Chinese chives are unavailable, you can substitute them with scallions or green onions for a similar taste, though the flavor may be a bit milder. For a unique twist, finely chopped garlic shoots or even herbs like cilantro can give wonderful flavor in a pinch. The more the merrier, as there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen!