siu mai

 Siu Mai, also spelled Shumai, is a popular and delicious Dim Sum dish in Cantonese cuisine. Siu Mai are open-topped dumplings typically filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and a variety of seasonings. They are traditionally steamed and served in bamboo steamer baskets. Here's a recipe to make Siu Mai at home:

**Ingredients**:

**For the Filling**:

- 1/2 pound (about 225g) ground pork

- 1/2 pound (about 225g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup green peas, finely chopped (optional)

- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1/2 teaspoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- Wonton or Siu Mai wrappers (round or square, usually available at Asian grocery stores)

**For Garnish**:

- Green peas or a small piece of carrot (for decoration)

**Instructions**:

**1. Prepare the Filling**:

- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp, water chestnuts, green peas (if using), chopped green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

**2. Assemble the Siu Mai**:

- Place a wonton or Siu Mai wrapper on a clean surface. You can use either round or square wrappers.

- Place about a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.

- Gather the edges of the wrapper around the filling, forming a basket shape while leaving the top open. The filling should be visible at the top.

- Press the filling down slightly to create a flat top.

- Garnish the top with a green pea or a small piece of carrot to add color.

**3. Steam the Siu Mai**:

- Arrange the Siu Mai on a parchment paper-lined bamboo steamer basket, ensuring they are not too close together.

- Steam the Siu Mai over boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the wrappers become translucent.

**4. Serve**:

- Carefully remove the Siu Mai from the steamer, and transfer them to a serving plate.

- Serve your homemade Siu Mai hot, typically with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of chili oil.

Siu Mai are not only delicious but also fun to make. You can adjust the filling ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy these delightful bite-sized dumplings as a part of your Dim Sum spread or as a snack.