Crystal Dumpling Chai Kueh (Steamed Dumplings)
Chai Kueh is a traditional Chinese steamed dumpling filled with a savory mixture of jicama, carrots, and dried shrimps, seasoned with oyster sauce and white pepper.
Ingredients
Filling
- 500gjicama, peeled and shredded
- 1/2carrot, shredded
- 50gdried shrimps, minced
- 2tbspminced garlic
Seasoning
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspsugar
- 1tbspoyster sauce
- 1tspwhite pepper
- 1/2cupwater
Dumpling Skin
- 100gwheat starch
- 60gtapioca flour
- 1/2tspsalt
- 1tbspcooking oil
- 220mLhot boiling water
How to make Crystal Dumpling Chai Kueh (Steamed Dumplings)
Filling Preparation
Heat some cooking oil in a wok, sauté minced garlic and dried shrimps until fragrant. Add shredded jicama and carrots, stir fry until soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Dumpling Skin Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except boiling water. Mix well. Pour in boiling water, mix with a spatula or dough cutter, knead into a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough into 25–30g-sized balls, flatten and roll out each one. Fill with the prepared filling and seal, avoiding overfilling.
Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper, place the filled dumplings inside. Steam over high heat for seven minutes.
After steaming, brush each chai kueh with scallion oil while hot. Serve with red chili oil or garnish with crispy fried onions and chopped spring onions. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Add boiling hot water to the flour mixture when making the dough.
FAQS
What is the best way to store leftover Crystal Dumpling Chai Kueh?
To store leftover Crystal Dumpling Chai Kueh, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to separate each dumpling with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, steam them directly from frozen for about 10-12 minutes.
Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in Chai Kueh?
Yes, you can make several substitutions in Chai Kueh. If you don't have jicama, you can use daikon radish or even finely chopped cabbage. For a vegetarian option, omit the dried shrimps and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce. Additionally, tapioca flour can be substituted with cornstarch if needed.
How can I ensure my Chai Kueh dumplings are gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chai Kueh, you can replace the wheat starch with a gluten-free flour blend that includes tapioca flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially sauces, are gluten-free. Always check labels to confirm that there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
What are some good dipping sauces to serve with Chai Kueh?
Chai Kueh pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. A popular choice is red chili oil for a spicy kick. You can also serve them with soy sauce mixed with vinegar for a tangy flavor or a sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness. Garnishing with crispy fried onions and chopped spring onions adds extra flavor and texture.
How long does it take to prepare and cook Chai Kueh?
While the prep time isn't specified, preparing the filling and dough for Chai Kueh typically takes about 30-40 minutes. Steaming the dumplings takes an additional 7 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take around 1 hour, depending on your experience and efficiency in the kitchen.
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Tham Jessica
(@jessieinthekitchen)
I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I cook. Some days it isn’t even fancy or a hard recipe. Some days it’s a classic, but something that I’ve created. Cooking is my time to be me. I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...
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