Steamed Chicken Wantan: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Wantan, those delightful little dumplings, are a culinary staple across many Asian cuisines. Today, we'll explore a simple yet incredibly flavourful recipe for steamed chicken wantan. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks! Let's dive in!
What You'll Need:
This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavour and ease. You'll need these readily available ingredients:
For the Wantan Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for a lighter dish.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms: These add a rich umami flavour. (You can substitute with button mushrooms if needed).
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions: Provides a fresh, slightly oniony flavour.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth of flavour.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavour.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper: For a subtle spicy kick (adjust to your preference).
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps to bind the filling and achieve a desirable texture.
For the Wantan Wrappers and Steaming:
- 20-25 wantan wrappers: These are readily available in most Asian grocery stores.
- Water: For sealing the wantan.
- Steamer basket and pot: Essential for steaming the wantan.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create perfect steamed chicken wantan:
Preparing the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be slightly moist but not overly wet.
Assembling the Wantan:
- Lay a wantan wrapper on a clean, flat surface.
- Place a teaspoon of the chicken filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water.
- Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can get creative with the pleats, but a simple fold is perfectly fine.
Steaming the Wantan:
- Fill the pot with enough water to reach just below the steamer basket.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Place the assembled wantan in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the wantan are cooked through and the filling is heated.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious steamed chicken wantan hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. A simple soy sauce and rice vinegar mixture works wonderfully, or you can get creative with chili oil, sweet chili sauce, or even a ginger-garlic sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overfill the wantan wrappers, as they may burst during steaming.
- If the filling is too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- For a richer flavour, you can add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or fish sauce to the filling.
Enjoy your homemade steamed chicken wantan! This recipe is versatile and delicious – perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Remember to share your creations with us! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy cooking!
