Shrimp & Chicken Dumplings with Rice Paper Easy Har Gow + Shrimp Pancakes Dim Sum at Home
Shrimp & Chicken Dumplings with Rice Paper 🥟 Easy Har Gow + Shrimp Pancakes 🦐 Dim Sum at Home! is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Morgane Recipes on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 57 min
Cost: $17.65 total, $4.41 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 oz Shrimp (peeled, raw or cooked, frozen then thawed for shrimp pancakes)
- 1 tsp Light Soy Sauce (for shrimp pancake filling)
- 1 tsp Shaoxing Rice Wine (for shrimp pancake filling)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil (for shrimp pancake filling)
- 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper (pinch for pancake seasoning)
- 1 stalk Spring Onion (thinly sliced for shrimp pancakes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for greasing plate and steaming)
- 20 pieces Rice Paper Sheets (standard 8‑inch sheets)
- 2 oz Bamboo Shoots (canned, drained and boiled)
- 0.5 lb Chicken Thighs (skinless, boneless, finely chopped)
- 5 oz Shrimp (peeled, raw, finely chopped for dumpling filling)
- 1 tsp Salt (for dumpling seasoning)
- 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper (for dumpling seasoning)
- 0.5 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 0.5 tbsp Shaoxing Rice Wine (for dumpling seasoning)
- 0.5 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil (for dumpling seasoning)
- 1 large Egg White (helps bind the dumpling filling)
- 1 tbsp Corn Starch (retains moisture in dumpling filling)
- 2 stalks Spring Onion (thinly sliced for dumpling filling)
- 1 tsp Light Soy Sauce (additional seasoning for dumpling filling)
- 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tbsp Water (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tsp Sugar (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil (for dipping sauce)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha Chili Sauce (optional for serving)
- 1 tbsp Oolong Tea Leaves (for tea accompaniment)
Instructions
Shrimp Pancake Filling
In a large mixing bowl combine 5 oz peeled shrimp, 1 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp Shaoxing rice wine, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, a pinch of ground pepper, and the sliced spring onion. Mix until the shrimp is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Soak Rice Paper for Pancakes
Heat water to about 140°F. Dip each rice‑paper sheet for 3–4 seconds, then lay it on a damp cloth to finish softening.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 140°F
Assemble Shrimp Pancakes
Place three shrimp pieces in the center of each softened sheet, fold the two sides toward the center, then fold the bottom over the top to form a small pouch. Transfer to an oiled plate and brush the top lightly with vegetable oil.
Time: PT5M
Make Dipping Sauce
Whisk together 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp water, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
Time: PT2M
Boil Bamboo Shoots
Place the 2 oz bamboo shoots in a saucepan, cover with water, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 100°C
Prepare Dumpling Filling
Finely chop the chicken thighs and raw shrimp. In a bowl combine half of the chicken with all of the shrimp, 1 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp ground pepper, 0.5 tsp grated ginger, 0.5 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 0.5 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and mix until sticky. Add the egg white and 1 tbsp corn starch, mix again. Fold in the remaining chicken, boiled bamboo shoots, and 2 sliced spring onions. Finally, add 1 tsp light soy sauce and stir to a uniform, slightly elastic texture.
Time: PT15M
Soak Rice Paper for Dumplings
Dip half‑sheets of rice paper in 140°F water for 3–4 seconds, place on the damp cloth and let soften for about 20 seconds.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 140°F
Assemble Dumplings
Place roughly 0.5 tbsp of filling in the center of each softened half‑sheet, fold the two ends toward the center, then gather the remaining paper around the filling to form a sealed pouch. Oil the steamer basket and arrange the dumplings (about 40 total) in a single layer.
Time: PT20M
Steam Dim Sum
Place the oiled plate with shrimp pancakes and the steamer basket with dumplings over boiling water. Steam for 7 minutes until the rice paper becomes translucent and the filling is cooked through.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 100°C
Brew Oolong Tea
Put 1 tbsp oolong tea leaves in the teapot’s infuser, pour 212°F boiling water over them, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves; they can be reused for a second, lighter infusion.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 212°F
Serve
Plate the steamed dumplings and shrimp pancakes, drizzle with the soy‑sesame dipping sauce, and optionally add a drizzle of sriracha. Serve alongside the hot oolong tea.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free, Contains meat, Contains seafood
Allergens: Shellfish, Egg, Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shrimp: cooked shrimp
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: ground chicken
- Instead of Corn Starch: potato starch
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Mixing Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Steamer Basket
- Plate
- Oil Brush (optional)
- Damp Cloth
- Pot
- Saucepan
- Teapot
- Infuser Filter
- Measuring Spoons
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking rice paper correctly (both for pancakes and dumplings)
- Achieving a fine, sticky dumpling filling texture
- Sealing the dumpling pouch without tearing the paper
- Steaming for exactly 7 minutes to keep the rice paper tender yet elastic
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh spring onions for a brighter flavor; add them at the end of the filling mix.
- A food processor makes the shrimp‑chicken mixture ultra‑smooth, giving the classic bouncy texture.
- For extra aroma, toast the sesame oil briefly before adding it to the filling.
Troubleshooting
Rice paper tears during folding.
Do not over‑soak; keep the water temperature around 140°F and work quickly. Use a fresh damp cloth for each sheet.
Filling is too wet and the dumplings fall apart.
Add an extra ½ tbsp corn starch and ensure the egg white is fully incorporated. Drain any excess liquid from the bamboo shoots thoroughly.
Dumplings stick to the steamer basket.
Lightly oil the basket with vegetable oil or line it with a parchment sheet cut to fit.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked dumplings and pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 1 month. Reheat by steaming for 5 minutes.
Room temperature: Not recommended; dim sum should be kept refrigerated after cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dumpling filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated; the flavors meld nicely.
- Soak rice paper sheets just before assembly; they can be pre‑soaked and kept covered with a damp cloth for up to 10 minutes.
- Steamed dumplings and pancakes reheat well in a steamer for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Haka dumplings in Cantonese dim sum cuisine?
Haka dumplings, also known as "har gow," are a classic Cantonese dim sum item that originated in Guangdong province. Their translucent, chewy skin and delicate shrimp filling represent the skill of the dim sum chef and are traditionally enjoyed during yum cha, a tea‑time gathering.
What are the traditional regional variations of Haka dumplings in Chinese cuisine?
In Guangdong, the skin is made from wheat starch and tapioca, giving a glossy translucence. In Hong Kong, chefs may add a touch of rice flour for extra softness. Some northern Chinese versions substitute wheat flour entirely, resulting in a firmer texture.
How is Haka dumplings authentically served in Cantonese tea houses?
Authentic Haka dumplings are served hot, steamed in bamboo baskets, and accompanied by a light soy‑sesame dipping sauce. They are eaten with a sip of hot oolong or pu‑er tea, allowing the subtle flavors of the dumpling to shine.
What occasions or celebrations is Haka dumplings traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
Haka dumplings are a staple of yum cha brunches, birthday celebrations, and Lunar New Year feasts. Their delicate shape and refined taste symbolize prosperity and togetherness.
How does Haka dumplings fit into the broader Cantonese dim sum tradition?
They are one of the eight essential dim sum items, representing the mastery of texture. Their light, bouncy bite balances richer dishes like char siu bao and pork ribs, creating a harmonious tea‑time spread.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Haka dumplings versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the skin uses wheat starch, tapioca starch, and a pinch of rice flour. In this recipe we substitute with readily available rice paper, which provides a similar chewy texture. The filling traditionally uses fresh shrimp, pork fat, and bamboo shoots; we use chicken thigh for added elasticity and corn starch as a binder.
What other Cantonese dishes pair well with Haka dumplings and shrimp pancakes?
Pair them with steamed pork buns (char siu bao), rice noodle rolls (cheong fun), and a side of soy‑ginger glazed bok choy. A pot of hot oolong tea completes the classic dim sum experience.
What makes Haka dumplings special or unique in Cantonese cuisine?
The hallmark of a great Haka dumpling is its translucent, slightly chewy skin that reveals the plump shrimp filling. Achieving that delicate balance of elasticity and translucence is a hallmark of a skilled dim sum chef.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Haka dumplings at home?
Common errors include over‑soaking the rice paper, which makes it tear; under‑mixing the filling, resulting in a gritty texture; and steaming for too long, which turns the skin gummy. Follow the precise soaking time and steam for exactly 7 minutes.
Why does this Haka dumplings recipe use rice paper instead of traditional wheat starch dough?
Rice paper is widely available, stores long‑term, and provides a similar chewy, translucent texture when steamed. Wheat starch can be hard to find outside specialty Asian markets, making rice paper a practical, affordable alternative.
Can I make Haka dumplings ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings a day ahead, cover them with a damp cloth, and refrigerate. Steam them directly from the fridge for 5‑7 minutes before serving. They also freeze well for up to one month.
What does the YouTube channel Morgane Recipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Morgane Recipes specializes in approachable Asian-inspired home cooking, focusing on dim sum, noodle dishes, and quick weeknight meals with clear step‑by‑step demonstrations.
How does the YouTube channel Morgane Recipes' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
Morgane Recipes emphasizes using pantry‑friendly ingredients like rice paper and readily available sauces, reducing reliance on hard‑to‑find specialty starches. The channel also highlights time‑saving techniques such as pre‑soaking and batch steaming.
Last updated: August 15, 2026







