25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (2024)

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We have rounded up 25 of the best and most popular Chinese dim sum recipes including potstickers and dumplings, steamed buns and spring rolls, and everything in between. So if you are wondering how to make dim sum at home this year, whether for a Chinese New Year dim sum party (even if it's virtual this year) or just because you are craving a delicious appetizer, you are in the right place.

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (1)

What is Dim Sum?

Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese meal enjoyed over brunch that consists of a variety of small dishes in bite-sized portions served with hot tea. Dim sum is often eaten family-style, which means that the small dishes are passed around and shared at the table so everyone gets to try a little bit of everything. The most popular items on a dim sum menu include dumplings and steamed buns.

Best Dim Sum Dishes

1

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (2)

Crispy Bottom Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork Buns

Crispy bottom Shanghai pan-fried pork buns are crunchy on the bottom and fluffy and airy inside with a juicy and flavourful pork and spring onions filling. They are one of the most popular dim sum recipes in Shanghai.

2

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (3)

Beef Potstickers (Dumplings)

Homemade Chinese beef potstickers (dumplings) are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside packed with a delicious beef filling.

3

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (4)

Spicy Chili Oil Wontons

Easy spicy chili oil wontons, a signature Sichuan dish ready in just 10 minutes, hits every sense of your palate — sour, spicy, sweet and nutty.

4

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (5)

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Better than takeout, light and crispy fried vegetarian spring rolls are packed with a tender mushroom and cabbage vegetarian filling in a crunchy skin.

5

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (6)

Shanghai Style Vegetarian Steamed Buns

Homemade Shanghai style vegetarian steamed buns is spongy with a juicy, flavourful bok choy and mushroom filling inside bursting with Asian flavours.

6

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (7)

Pork Dumplings

Homemade pork dumplings are quick and easy to make, with perfect crispy bottoms and a tender, juicy pork filling inside.​ Easy to meal prep and freeze well.

7

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (8)

Crispy Bottom Pan-Fried Vegetable Buns (No Yeast)

Crispy bottom pan-fried fried vegetable buns (no yeast) are crunchy outside yet tender inside with a mushroom, carrot and vermicelli vegetarian filling.

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (9)

Chicken and Cilantro Wontons

Learn how to make homemade chicken and cilantro wontons to celebrate Chinese new year with this easy to follow recipe and instructions on how to fold wontons.

9

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (10)

Savoury Chive Pancakes with Sourdough Starter

Don't let your sourdough starter go to waste, use your discard to make this easy one bowl recipe for crispy, light and fluffy, savoury chive pancakes.

10

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (11)

Pan-Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Better than takeout pan-fried pork and shrimp wontons are so crispy outside and tender and juicy inside with a savoury pork, shrimp and vegetable filling.

11

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (12)

Miso Garlic Chicken Wings

Baked miso garlic chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. They're marinated in a savoury Asian marinade, and cooked in the oven orair fryer.

12

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (13)

Pork and Sardine Dumplings (Potstickers)

Wrinkly crispy pork and sardine dumplings (potstickers) with vinegar dipping sauce, are filled with pork, canned sardines, green onions and Asian seasoning.

13

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (14)

Shrimp Egg Rolls

Better than takeout, shrimp egg rolls are a delicious, flavourful and easy appetizer to make. They can be deep fried, baked or air fried.

14

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (15)

Steamed Scallion Buns

Steamed scallion buns (hua juan 花卷) are delicious flower rolls made of a light and fluffy dough layered with green onions that is twisted and steamed.

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25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (16)

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The easy marinade ensures they're tender and juicy inside, while the air fryer makes them crispy.

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25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (17)

Egg and Chive Vegetarian Dumplings

Fragrant chives with fluffy scrambled eggs, and a dash of flavour come together to create the perfect appetizer — egg and chive vegetarian dumplings.

17

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (18)

Zongzi Sticky Rice Dumplings

Zongzi Chinese tamales (粽子) or sticky rice dumplings are stuffed with sticky rice, pork belly, and shiitake mushrooms, wrapped inside reed or bamboo leaves.

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25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (19)

Mini Meat Pies with Soy Sauce

Mini meat pies with soy sauce are flakey puff pastries stuffed with delicious and juicy meat inside marinated with Asian flavours.

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25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (20)

Chinese Beef Dumplings with Celery

Easy-to-make Chinese beef dumplings with celery can be made in advance for a stress-free meal. Enjoy these steamed, boiled or pan-fried!

20

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (21)

Chicken and Shrimp Dumplings

Easy to make chicken and shrimp dumplings can be steamed, boiled or fried and served with a side of soy sauce for dipping.

21

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (22)

Cranberry Pumpkin Steamed Buns

Cranberry pumpkin steamed buns (baozi) are light, spongy, and fluffy Chinese buns packed with colourful cranberries and pumpkin puree for the best flavour.

22

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (23)

Crispy Baked Asian Chicken Wings

You will be amazed by how crispy these baked Asian chicken wings turn out! We add sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, and ginger to balance the flavours.

23

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (24)

Vegetarian Lumpia (Spring Rolls)

Vegetarian lumpia recipe are delicious, crispy spring rolls packed with a flavourful savoury filling. They can be fried, baked or air fried.

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Mini Egg Tarts

Mini egg tarts with a flaky buttery crust and silky smooth rich egg custard filling are a delicious Hong Kong pastry served as dessert with dim sum.

Storing Instructions

  1. How to store: Dim sum is best served fresh. Store any leftover dim sum in anairtight containerand place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a steamer or air fryer (depending on the recipe).
  2. How to freeze: Most of these recipes are freezer-friendly (either before cooking or after according to recipe instructions) and can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For instance, you can make a big batch of dumplings and wontons, store in the freezer, and cook directly from frozen when ready to use.

More Chinese Recipes

  • Healthy Lemon Chicken
  • 10-Minute Vegetarian Fried Rice
  • Shanghai Style Fried Noodles
  • Tigers Prawns in Garlic Ginger Soy Sauce
  • Stir-Fried Rice Cakes with Shrimp
  • Baked Sesame Chicken
  • Hand-Pulled Noodles
  • Air Fryer Black Cod with Black Bean Sauce
  • Spicy Dan Dan Noodles
  • Scallion Oil Noodles
  • Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles
  • 10-Minute Seafood Fried Rice
25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (26)

Did You Make Any of These Popular Chinese Dim Sum Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of Chinese dim sum recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram@aheadofthymeor share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don't forget to sign up for myemail newsletterso that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along onInstagramandPinterestfor more recipe updates.

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25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (27)

25 Best Dim Sum

★★★★★5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
Print Recipe

Description

Roundup of the most popular 25 best Chinese dim sum recipes including potstickers, dumplings, steamed buns, spring rolls and more appetizers.

Ingredients

Check each recipe to get full ingredient list. You may need some of the following, depending on what you are making:

  • dumpling or wonton wrappers
  • ground meat
  • vegetables
  • soy sauce
  • rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. How to store: Dim sum is best served fresh. Store any leftover dim sum in anairtight containerand place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a steamer or air fryer (depending on the recipe).
  2. How to freeze: Most of these recipes are freezer-friendly (either before cooking or after according to recipe instructions) and can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For instance, you can make a big batch of dumplings and wontons, store in the freezer, and cook directly from frozen when ready to use.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dim Sum
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Calories: 150

Keywords: 25 best dim sum recipes, best dim sum recipes, chinese dim sum recipes, chinese appetizers, asian appetizers, asian dim sum

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie says

    I absolutely love dim sum. I can't wait to try out these recipes!

    Reply

    • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

      Enjoy!

      Reply

  2. Beth says

    Wow, what a delicious roundup! Guess I'll have to start eating these recipes for breakfast lunch and dinner - not a bad idea tho!

    Reply

    • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

      Thanks Beth! Hehee not a bad idea at all!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

25 Best Dim Sum Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the most popular dim sum? ›

Shu Mai. Shu mai just might be the most famous dish in the dim sum canon and it is a mandatory order. Generally, the steamed dumpling is filled with a blend of pork and shrimp alongside mushrooms, ginger, scallions. Some variations even include water chestnuts or crab if they are feeling extra fancy.

What is the best drink for dim sum? ›

A common beverage to have with dim sum is tea. Traditionally, Chinese tea is served with dim sum dishes. Popular choices include jasmine tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea. Drinking tea with dim sum is a cultural tradition and is often referred to as "yum cha" in Cantonese, which means "drinking tea."

What gets served first at a dim sum meal? ›

First, pick a tea, as it will be a central part of the meal — dim sum did originate in tea houses after all. If you want to follow traditional etiquette, the person closest to the teapot should pour tea for guests first before pouring his or her own cup.

Is dim sum good or bad for you? ›

Some popular dim sum dishes may be high in sodium, sugar, or fat, which can contribute to health issues if consumed in excess. It is not necessarily bad to eat dim sum for breakfast, but it may not be the healthiest choice depending on the specific dishes you choose.

What tea is most common at dim sum? ›

Traditionally, Chinese tea is served with dim sum dishes. Popular choices include jasmine tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea. Drinking tea with dim sum is a cultural tradition and is often referred to as "yum cha" in Cantonese, which means "drinking tea."

What is the healthiest dim sum dish? ›

Generally, in Dim Sum dishes, the healthiest are the dumpling dishes or (gao zi) as they have skins of dough, filled with meat and are steamed (though some are fried as well) The suimai, xiaolongbao and har gow are my favorites and seem to be the healthiest.

What is dim sum etiquette? ›

As a sign of respect, always pour tea for your companions first. Always move an item from the communal dish to your own before eating using a serving utensil or the top ends of your chopsticks. Do not eat directly from the steamer basket or shared plate. Dim sum is for sharing! Never lay claim to any one dish.

What is the difference between dumpling and dim sum? ›

Dumplings are balls of flour filled with a stuffing. Momos are also dumplings that contain some form of filling, be it vegetarian or meat. Dim sums are small snacks in Chinese cuisine that are eaten for lunch. They too have fillings covered with dough, but the dough is semi- or completely transparent.

Why does dim sum make you sleepy? ›

When we eat, our body releases insulin to help regulate our blood sugar levels. This can lead to a dip in our blood sugar levels after a meal, which can cause feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. Additionally, digestion requires a lot of energy from the body, which can also contribute to feelings of sleepiness.

Should dim sum be eaten hot or cold? ›

As the tea freshens your palate diners can mix sweet and savoury dishes. Don't eat dim sum cold, it needs to be eaten hot. It should not be left to cool and it should be eaten within 15 minutes of being served. Start with fried dim sum then steamed as the fried dim sum cools quicker.

What alcohol pairs with dim sum? ›

Fiona Beckett also recommends Blanc de Blancs Champagne or a fino Sherry with dim sum, in her guide to wine and Chinese food pairing. Avoid big, heavy red wines as they would most certainly overpower the flavours, and tannins don't tend to work well with the soft and sticky doughy skin.

Why is dim sum eaten in the morning? ›

Morning tea is a Cantonese tradition of morning activity, originated in the Qing dynasty. After years of change, it has evolved to the current form, serving an assortment of small dishes (dim sum) alongside Chinese tea.

What time should you eat dim sum? ›

There's debate about the "best" time of day for dim sum: In China, dim sum is served as early as 5 a.m., whereas here in the States, it tends to be more of a brunch-type affair, although some restaurants offer dim sum through the dinner hours.

Why is dim sum not served for dinner? ›

Dim Sum is something like snacks so it is not as filling as rice or noodles. Therefore, dim sum is only eaten at breakfast or lunch, but not dinner.

What is the healthiest option at dim sum? ›

Steamed dishes: Steamed dishes are generally healthier than fried or deep-fried options. You can try steamed vegetable dumplings, steamed shrimp dumplings, steamed tofu, and vegetable rolls.

What is the difference between dumplings and dim sum? ›

Dumplings are balls of flour filled with a stuffing. Momos are also dumplings that contain some form of filling, be it vegetarian or meat. Dim sums are small snacks in Chinese cuisine that are eaten for lunch. They too have fillings covered with dough, but the dough is semi- or completely transparent.

What style of Chinese is dim sum? ›

In Cantonese cuisine, dim sum are snacklike foods traditionally served for breakfast and lunch in restaurants. In modern establishments they might be served from rolling trolleys that pass by diners in a constant procession to be served up when ordered, or diners might select them as they move past on conveyor belts.

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