Crab Dumplings are a beautiful Chinese dish that are simple to make and a pleasure to eat. I make the contents in advance and steam it when its time to eat. The wontons only take 10 minutes to cook and are to be served immediately. Also while this recipe uses crab meat, I have used other seafood including prawns and shrimp.
Crab dumplings are a sophisticated and flavourful dish that brings together the freshness of seafood with the delicate balance of aromatic herbs and crunchy textures. This dish is a delightful representation of how a few carefully selected ingredients can create a gourmet experience.
The foundation of crab dumplings lies in the quality of the crab meat. Sweet, succulent crab is the star of the filling, providing a rich seafood flavour that is both light and indulgent. Crab meat’s natural sweetness is perfectly complemented by the freshness of coriander, an herb that adds a subtle citrusy note, elevating the overall flavour profile without overpowering the delicate taste of the crab.
Water chestnuts are another key ingredient that adds a delightful crunch to the dumplings. These mild-flavoured, crisp vegetables bring a textural contrast that enhances the softness of the crab meat, making each bite an interesting combination of soft and crunchy elements. The water chestnuts also add a subtle earthiness, grounding the flavours and providing a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the crab.
The dumpling filling is bound together with eggs, which provide a creamy texture and help hold the mixture together. A touch of rice wine vinegar adds a gentle acidity, brightening the flavours and cutting through the richness of the crab, while a pinch of salt enhances the overall seasoning, ensuring each bite is full of flavour.
Wonton wrappers encase the filling, offering a delicate and slightly chewy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the rich, textured filling. When steamed or lightly fried, these wrappers become translucent, allowing glimpses of the vibrant filling within, making the dumplings as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Crab dumplings are versatile and can be served as an elegant appetiser or as part of a larger meal. They pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of rice wine vinegar, which enhances the dumplings’ flavours without overshadowing them. Alternatively, they can be served in a light broth, where the subtle flavours of the crab and coriander can truly shine.
Crab dumplings offer a delightful culinary experience. Their combination of fresh seafood, crunchy textures, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that is both sophisticated and comforting, making them a must-try for any food lover.
Crab Dumplings
A simple dish that is so full of flavour.
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Servings: 8 People
Calories: 111kcal
Ingredients
- 24 large wonton wrappers 9cm square,
- 225 g crab meat cooked
- 5 g coriander chop
- 30 g water chestnuts chop
- 15 ml rice wine vinegar plus more for wontons
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a glass mixing bowl, add the crab meat, egg white, water chestnuts, vinegar, coriander and salt.225 g crab meat, 5 g coriander, 30 g water chestnuts, 15 ml rice wine vinegar, 2 large eggs, ¼ tsp salt
- Mix well.
- I use the 9 cm round pre cut wonton wrappers as the hold the contents and are a manageable size.24 large wonton wrappers
- Lay the wonton onto a cool surface and lightly brush with a little more vinegar( this is in addition to the vinegar you add to the mixture).
- Scoop about a level tablespoon of the crab mixture and place in the centre of each wonton.
- Carefully pull the wonton edges up into a ball shape with the join at the top and the base flat (so it doesn’t roll).
- Use all of the filling in one go.
- Using a bamboo steamer, place the wonton with a small gap between each other.
- In a small dish, crack open an egg and add the yolk from earlier and whisk.
- Using a pastry brush or similar, egg wash the wonton lightly.
- Add enough water into a pan or wok so it just reaches the bottom of the steamer rack and bring to the boil.
- Add the steamers to the pan and cover.
- Steam for about 10 minutes until they look gorgeous and the filling has set.
- Serve in the steamer rack immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg