Delicate Har Gow: Lunar New Year Prawn Dumplings Recipe

Preparation Time: 30m
Cook Time: 8m
Total Time: 38m
Servings: 4

January 27, 2025 4.8

Har Gow, or prawn dumplings, is a quintessential dish in Cantonese dim sum. These translucent dumplings are filled with a succulent prawn mixture, delivering a delightful combination of delicate texture and bold flavour. Perfect for Lunar New Year or any special occasion, they represent prosperity and joy.

Ingredients:

1 cup wheat starch
1/4 cup tapioca starch
1/2 cup boiling water
2 tsp vegetable oil
250 g raw prawns, peeled and finely chopped
2 tbsp bamboo shoots, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
Pinch of white pepper
1 tsp cornstarch
3 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1 Prepare the Dough and Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine wheat starch and tapioca starch. Gradually add boiling water while stirring, forming a dough. Knead until smooth, then cover with a damp cloth. In another bowl, mix the prawns, bamboo shoots, ginger, sesame oil, salt, sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch to create the filling.
2 Assemble the Dumplings
Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a thin, round wrapper. Place a teaspoon of filling in the centre of each wrapper, fold it in half, and pleat the edges to seal.
3 Steam and Serve
Line a steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they don’t touch. Steam over boiling water for 7–8 minutes, or until the wrappers turn translucent. Serve immediately with a side of soy dipping sauce.