Steamed Chive And Shrimp Cakes

I'm excited to help you learn about Steamed Chive and Shrimp Cakes, a popular dish found in many restaurants in the USA!

Here's a brief introduction:

What is it?

Steamed Chive and Shrimp Cakes, also known as "Har Gow" in Chinese cuisine, are a type of dim sum dish originating from Southern China. The name "Har Gow" literally means "shrimp dumpling" in Cantonese. However, in the USA, Steamed Chive and Shrimp Cakes often refer to a specific type of dim sum characterized by a combination of shrimp, napa cabbage, and chives wrapped in a thin dough wrapper.

Taste and Texture

The dish is known for its delicate, tender, and succulent shrimp filling, balanced by the freshness of chopped chives and the subtle sweetness of napa cabbage. The dough wrapper is typically thin and crispy, giving way to a soft, fluffy inside.

Preparation

To make Steamed Chive and Shrimp Cakes, a mixture of shrimp, napa cabbage, chives, and sometimes breadcrumbs is stuffed into a thin dough wrapper, usually made from wheat flour. The wrapper is then sealed, typically by crimping the edges, and the pastry is placed in a steamer basket. Water is added to the steamer, and the cakes are steamed until they are cooked and tender.

Variations and Accompanyments

While traditional Steamed Chive and Shrimp Cakes are flavorful on their own, restaurants may offer variations, such as adding flavorings like soy sauce, ginger, or fermented bean paste. They may also serve them with dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, or a mixture of the two.

To explore more, you can try asking your favorite Chinese restaurant if they offer Steamed Chive and Shrimp Cakes or Har Gow on their menu.