Crispy Shrimp and Perilla Leaf Dumplings
Irresistibly Crispy Shrimp Dumplings with a Fragrant Twist
Experience the delightful crunch of homemade dumplings, elevated with fresh shrimp and aromatic perilla leaves. These dumplings boast a wonderfully crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful filling that’s sure to impress. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.
Dumpling Ingredients- 10 fresh perilla leaves
- 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 green onion (scallion)
- 2 Tbsp potato starch
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- 10 dumpling wrappers
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the perilla leaves thoroughly under running water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures they add fragrance without making the filling watery.
Step 2
Finely mince the peeled and deveined shrimp. You can lightly press the shrimp with the back of a knife before mincing to help break them down, but aim for a texture that still has some bite, rather than a complete paste.
Step 3
Finely chop the green onion. Using both the white and green parts will add a nice balance of flavor.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the minced shrimp, chopped green onion, potato starch, salt, and cooking wine. Mix well, kneading the ingredients together until they become slightly sticky. The potato starch helps bind the filling and ensures a pleasant texture.
Step 5
Lay a dumpling wrapper flat. Place one or two perilla leaves on top of the wrapper, covering most of the surface. The perilla leaf will add a wonderful aromatic dimension to the dumpling.
Step 6
Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp filling onto the perilla leaf. Be careful not to overfill, as you’ll need enough space to seal the dumpling properly.
Step 7
Fold the dumpling wrapper over the filling and pleat or crimp the edges to seal it securely. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. You can create a half-moon shape or a more elaborate pleated design.
Step 8
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on one side. Flip and continue to cook the other side until equally golden and crispy. Cook until the wrappers are beautifully crisp and the filling is cooked through.
