Name: Shrimp Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup carrot, finely grated; 1/4 cup broccoli, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 20 round dumpling wrappers; Dipping sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds)

Shrimp dumplings have always been a favorite of mine—not just to eat, but to make from scratch. There’s something incredibly calming about folding each dumpling by hand, watching the filling hug the wrapper, and then steaming them to glossy perfection. Every bite is juicy, tender, and bursting with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, complemented by colorful veggies and that soft yet chewy wrapper. It’s comfort food that feels a little fancy, without being complicated.

What I love most about these shrimp dumplings is their versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick appetizer, a crowd-pleasing party platter, or even a light lunch, they always deliver. Served with a dipping sauce that’s rich with soy, sesame, and vinegar, they strike the perfect balance between savory and fresh. If you’ve never made dumplings at home before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Dumplings Recipe

These dumplings are incredibly flavorful and satisfying, yet light and nutritious. The shrimp brings protein and a natural sweetness, while the chopped vegetables add color, crunch, and vitamins. They’re steamed, not fried, which keeps them delicate and healthy. Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze them for easy meals later.

What Kind of Wrappers Should I Use?

You’ll want to look for dumpling or wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your local Asian market or grocery store. Round dumpling wrappers are ideal—they’re thinner and become perfectly tender after steaming. Avoid egg roll wrappers as they’re too thick. If you’re up for it, homemade dumpling dough can take this recipe to the next level.

Options for Substitutions

No shrimp? You can use ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based protein like tofu.
Not a fan of broccoli? Try chopped spinach, cabbage, or even finely diced mushrooms for an umami boost.
Gluten-free? Look for gluten-free dumpling wrappers or use rice paper for an alternative texture.
Add heat: Mix in a touch of chili oil or minced fresh chili if you want a spicy edge.

Ingredients for This Shrimp Dumplings Recipe

Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the filling—sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. Make sure they’re finely chopped or lightly pulsed in a food processor for a cohesive texture.
Carrot (finely grated): Adds sweetness, color, and a tender bite that complements the shrimp.
Broccoli (finely chopped): A colorful and nutritious addition that gives texture and brightness to the filling.
Garlic (minced): For depth and aroma, garlic brings a warm, savory note to the dumplings.
Ginger (freshly grated): Adds zing and freshness—essential for balancing the richness of shrimp.
Soy Sauce: A splash of umami and saltiness that seasons the filling perfectly.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle gives that distinctive nutty, toasty flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps bind the filling together, especially when it steams and releases moisture.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, for overall seasoning.
Dumpling Wrappers: Round, thin wrappers that steam beautifully and hold the filling without tearing.
Dipping Sauce (optional): Soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds make a perfect match.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Finely chop the shrimp by hand or pulse a few times in a food processor—don’t over-blend. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, grated carrot, chopped broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and slightly sticky.

Step 2: Set Up Your Wrapping Station

Place a small bowl of water next to your clean work surface. Lay out the dumpling wrappers and place a heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold and press to seal. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look or simply press tightly to close.

Step 3: Steam the Dumplings

Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or lightly oiled cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, leaving space between each. Steam over boiling water for about 7–8 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce

Once steamed, transfer the dumplings carefully to a plate. Serve immediately with a side of dipping sauce—soy sauce mixed with vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil is my go-to. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for extra flavor and color.

How Long to Prepare the Shrimp Dumplings Recipe

Prep Time: If you’re organized, prepping the filling and wrapping the dumplings takes about 25–30 minutes. Chopping the vegetables and shrimp finely is the most time-consuming part, but it’s also where the magic happens. Once you get into the rhythm of folding, it becomes quite therapeutic.

Cooking Time: Steaming takes around 7–8 minutes per batch. Depending on the size of your steamer and how many dumplings you’re making, this step may require a few rounds. Altogether, you’re looking at a total time of about 40–45 minutes from start to table.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Dumplings

Don’t overprocess the shrimp—keep a bit of texture for better mouthfeel.
Make sure the wrappers are sealed tightly to prevent them from opening during steaming.
Don’t overcrowd the steamer; give each dumpling space to cook evenly.
Use fresh ginger and garlic—powdered alternatives won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
Lightly oil or line your steamer to avoid sticking disasters.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overfilling the dumplings: This makes them hard to seal and more likely to burst.
Using dry wrappers: If wrappers dry out, they crack. Keep them covered with a damp cloth while working.
Underseasoning the filling: Taste a small amount of the filling by microwaving or steaming a test dumpling before wrapping the rest.
Skipping cornstarch: It binds the filling and prevents excess moisture from breaking the wrapper.
Oversteaming: They can turn mushy—7–8 minutes is usually plenty.

What to Serve With Shrimp Dumplings?

1. Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce

A simple mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil enhances every bite.

2. Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and crunchy, it balances the soft texture of dumplings.

3. Hot and Sour Soup

A classic pairing that turns this into a full, comforting meal.

4. Stir-Fried Noodles

Make it a more filling dinner with some garlicky, saucy noodles.

5. Steamed Edamame

Great as a protein-rich side or a snack between dumplings.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked dumplings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming again or microwaving with a damp paper towel over them.

Freezing (Uncooked): Lay uncooked dumplings on a tray lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for 2–3 months. Steam straight from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.

Freezing (Cooked): While not ideal, cooked dumplings can also be frozen and reheated in a steamer or microwave, though they may become slightly softer.

Estimated Nutrition

Per 4 dumplings (approx.):

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 14g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 540mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use?

Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp—fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly before chopping.

Can I pan-fry these instead of steaming?

Yes! You can turn them into potstickers by pan-frying the bottoms and then steaming them in the same pan with a splash of water.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to wrap.

How do I keep dumpling wrappers from drying out?

Keep them covered with a clean, damp cloth while you work. They dry out quickly once exposed to air.

Are these gluten-free?

They’re not by default, but you can use gluten-free wrappers and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Conclusion

Shrimp dumplings are a beautiful combination of flavor, texture, and tradition—all wrapped in a delicate bundle you can make right at home. Whether you’re new to dumpling-making or already obsessed, this recipe offers a satisfying, delicious result that’s totally worth the effort. Once you bite into one of these juicy, gingery parcels, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my kitchen—and soon, yours too.