Description
Delicate and translucent, Har Gow (Crystal Prawn Dumplings) are a beloved dim sum classic featuring juicy prawn filling wrapped in a chewy wheat and tapioca starch dough. Steamed to a crystal-clear finish, they’re perfect for special occasions or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
3/4 cup wheat starch
1/4 cup tapioca starch
1/4 tsp salt (for dough)
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp vegetable oil
200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp salt (for filling)
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp finely chopped bamboo shoots (optional)
1 tsp rice wine or dry sherry
Instructions
- Finely chop or pulse the prawns in a food processor until coarsely minced. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add white pepper, salt, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, bamboo shoots (if using), and rice wine. Mix until the filling becomes sticky and well combined. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine wheat starch, tapioca starch, and salt. Carefully pour in boiling water and stir quickly to form a rough dough.
- Add vegetable oil and knead the dough for 3–5 minutes until smooth and pliable. Cover with a damp cloth.
- Divide the dough into about 20 small balls. Roll each into a thin, round wrapper using parchment paper or a small rolling pin.
- Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold into a half-moon and pleat the edges to seal.
- Line a steamer with parchment paper or greased cabbage leaves. Steam the dumplings over high heat for 6–7 minutes until translucent and cooked through.
Notes
You can substitute bamboo shoots with water chestnuts or mushrooms for texture variation.
Keep dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while working.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze before steaming for longer storage.
Reheat by steaming; avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Serve with dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 38
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
