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Ravioli Shao Mai

17/11/2023

Ravioli Shao Mai, also known as “Shumai” or “Siu Mai,” are a dish from Chinese cuisine that has spread in different regional variations. They are a kind of open-topped dumplings, prepared with a specific dough and usually filled with meat and/or shrimp with the addition of various vegetables and seasonings. Here is the basic recipe to prepare Shao Mai, with a small Italian touch that could consist of using a typical ingredient like prosciutto crudo to add flavor to the filling.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 200 g of 00 wheat flour
  • Water as needed

For the filling:

  • 150 g of minced pork
  • 100 g of peeled and chopped shrimp
  • 50 g of prosciutto crudo (Italian touch), finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of rice wine (Shaoxing) or dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar

For garnishing:

  • Fish roe or a small amount of grated carrot for decoration (optional)

Preparation

  1. Prepare the dough by mixing the flour with warm water gradually added until a smooth and homogeneous dough is formed. Let the dough rest, covered with a damp cloth, for at least 30 minutes.

  2. In the meantime, prepare the filling by mixing together the minced pork, chopped shrimp, prosciutto crudo (if used), green onions, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and the salt, pepper, and sugar. Make sure everything is well combined.

  3. Roll out the dough as thinly as possible and use a round pastry cutter to cut out circles of about 7-8 cm in diameter.

  4. Place a level tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle, then gather the edges towards the center pinching them lightly to leave the opening on top; make sure the filling is well compressed.

  5. If desired, you can add a little touch of fish roe or grated carrot to decorate the top of each Shao Mai.

  6. Steam the Ravioli Shao Mai for about 10-15 minutes, in a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

Ravioli Shao Mai are traditionally served in a bamboo steamer as part of a dim sum meal.

Curiosity: The Shao Mai originated in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia and have become a popular dish in kitchens throughout China. In the Cantonese version, water chestnuts are often added to the filling, providing a pleasant crunchy contrast.

Ravioli Shao Mai