Ha gao, also known as har gow, is a traditional Chinese dim sum dish that has gained popularity all over the world. These delicate and flavorful shrimp dumplings are a staple in Cantonese cuisine and are often served as part of a dim sum spread. While ha gao may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate this classic dish in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to making authentic Chinese ha gao, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Milk, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Brown
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Chinese Rice Cake—Bai Tang Gao
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Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Cake (Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Water, Ginger, Dark Brown Sugar
Sweet Rice Cake, or Nian Gao, is a must-have dish during the Chinese New Year. This sweet and sticky cake is made with glutinous rice flour and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. It's also a delicious and festive way to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones.
Ingredients for Ha Gao
1. Shrimp
The star of this dish is, of course, the shrimp. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best results. The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces.
2. Starch
To achieve the signature translucent and chewy texture of ha gao, you will need to use a combination of wheat and tapioca starch. This can be found at most Asian grocery stores.
3. Seasonings
The seasoning for ha gao is simple but crucial for bringing out the flavors of the shrimp. You will need sesame oil, salt, sugar, white pepper, and a small amount of chicken bouillon.
4. Wrappers
Ha gao wrappers, also known as dumpling wrappers, can be found in the freezer section of most Asian grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make your own wrappers using a mixture of wheat and tapioca starch.
Instructions
1. Make the filling
In a bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, seasonings, and a small amount of water. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the wrappers
If using frozen wrappers, thaw them out according to the package instructions. If making your own wrappers, mix together the starches and water until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
3. Assemble the dumplings
Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal the dumpling. Then, use your fingers to crimp the edges of the dumpling, creating the signature pleats.
4. Steam the dumplings
Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the wrappers turn translucent and the filling is cooked through.
5. Serve and enjoy
Once cooked, remove the ha gao from the steamer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili oil. Enjoy the delicious flavors and delicate texture of these authentic Chinese ha gao.
With this recipe, you can now make your own ha gao at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Don't be intimidated by the process, as it may take a few tries to perfect the technique of folding the dumplings. Just remember to use fresh ingredients and follow the instructions carefully for a delicious and authentic taste. So next time you're craving dim sum, skip the restaurant and make your own ha gao right in your own kitchen.
