Save to Pinterest Delicate dumplings filled with juicy shrimp, creamy cheese, and fresh scallions, steamed to perfection for a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main.
I first made these for a family dinner after discovering how well fresh scallions and creamy cheese complement tender shrimp in dumplings. The combination impressed everyone and soon became one of our favorite dishes to share during celebrations.
Ingredients
- Raw shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- Scallions: 90 g (1 cup), finely sliced
- Cream cheese: 60 g (2 oz, about ½ cup), softened
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 60 g (½ cup)
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Toasted sesame oil: 1 tsp
- Freshly grated ginger: ½ tsp
- Garlic clove: 1 small, minced
- Ground white pepper: ¼ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Dumpling wrappers: 24 round, store-bought or homemade
- Neutral oil: 1 tbsp, for pan-frying, optional
- Water: for steaming or pan-frying
- Soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar: for serving, optional
Instructions
- Mix Filling:
- In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, scallions, cream cheese, mozzarella, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, white pepper, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare Dumplings:
- Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Add about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
- Seal:
- Moisten the edge of the wrapper with water. Fold in half, pleat or pinch edges to seal tightly, making sure no air remains. Repeat for all wrappers and filling.
- Steam or Pan-Fry:
- For steaming: Arrange dumplings in a parchment-lined or greased steamer basket, spaced apart. Steam over simmering water for 6–8 minutes, until translucent and cooked through. For pan-frying: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high. Place dumplings flat-side down, cook 2 minutes until golden. Add 3 tablespoons water, cover, and steam 4–5 minutes until cooked and water is evaporated.
- Serve:
- Enjoy hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar on the side.
Save to Pinterest Making these dumplings has become a Sunday ritual in our home, bringing everyone together in the kitchen to help fold and steam while sharing stories.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, knife, cutting board, steamer basket or non-stick skillet with lid, measuring spoons, small spoon
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (cream cheese, mozzarella), gluten (dumpling wrappers, soy sauce). Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (6 dumplings): Calories: 210, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 13 g
Save to Pinterest Serve these cheesy shrimp scallion dumplings straight from the steamer for best texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with crisp white wine or a chilled lager.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
Yes, mozzarella can be swapped for cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor twist in each dumpling.
- → What’s the best method for cooking dumplings: steaming or pan-frying?
Steaming results in delicate, translucent wrappers, while pan-frying gives a crispy base and juicy filling. Both are delicious!
- → Are these dumplings suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely—use gluten-free wrappers and tamari as a soy sauce alternative to keep them gluten-free.
- → Which dipping sauces pair well?
Soy sauce, chili oil, and a splash of vinegar all complement the dumplings’ savory and cheesy notes.
- → How do I prevent dumplings from falling apart during cooking?
Seal edges tightly, ensure no air pockets remain, and avoid overcrowding your steamer or pan so the wrappers keep their shape.
- → Can I prepare dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate or freeze; steam or pan-fry just before serving for best texture and flavor.