Chicken Siu Mai
Juicy chicken and fish cake dumplings, filled with savory water chestnuts and mushrooms, steamed to perfection—ideal for dim sum lovers and those craving flavorful bite-sized treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix fish cake and ground chicken in a bowl.
- Add finely diced water chestnuts, mushrooms, and green onions to the mixture.
- Add oyster sauce, sugar, egg, salt, and cornstarch with warm water to the mixture.
- Mix the filling well until evenly combined.
- Place a spoonful of filling onto each won ton wrapper.
- Squeeze up the sides of the wrapper, shaping the siu mai in your hand.
- Arrange the siu mai upright in a steamer.
- Steam for 30 minutes until cooked thoroughly.
- Enjoy hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using shrimp or pork instead of chicken for your siu mai filling. You can also add finely chopped carrots for extra texture and color. If black mushrooms are hard to find, shiitake mushrooms make an excellent substitute. Ensure the filling is well mixed to prevent any ingredients from clumping, which can affect the shape of the siu mai.
Serving Suggestions
Siu mai is best enjoyed hot, served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce mixed with a dash of rice vinegar and sesame oil. Pair with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These dumplings also complement other Chinese recipes, making them a great addition to your dim sum platter or a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, steam the siu mai for about 10 minutes until heated through, ensuring they retain their moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them with a damp paper towel for about 1-2 minutes on medium heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Siu Mai contains roughly 389 calories, with 9g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1671mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the siu mai before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked siu mai! Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the steaming time.
What can I use instead of won ton wrappers?
If you can't find won ton wrappers, you can use gyoza wrappers or even make your own dough from flour and water. Keep in mind that different wrappers may alter the texture slightly but will still yield delicious results.
How do I know when the siu mai are done steaming?
Siu mai are done when they are firm to the touch and the filling is opaque. If you're unsure, you can cut one open to check that the chicken is fully cooked and no pink remains. Steaming for 30 minutes should typically ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).