RP
RecipePoolDiscover your next favorite recipe
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About
Search
Browse
IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion

Main Navigation

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About

Browse Faster

IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion
Follow RecipePool on Pinterest
RecipePool

1,784+ tested recipes

Thoughtfully tested recipes, seasonal inspiration, and cooking guides to help you make something delicious every day.

Get weekly recipe inspiration

Explore

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Seasonal
  • Products
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • Ingredients

Browse By

  • Cuisine
  • Diet
  • Method
  • Occasion

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Policy
  • Recipe Testing
  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 RecipePool. All rights reserved.

HomeSearchCollectionsSaved
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Dim Sum Har Gow
Close-up of steamed dim sum dumplings in a traditional bamboo basket, perfect for Asian cuisine themes.

Translucent crystal shrimp dumplings

Dim Sum Har Gow

Dim Sum Har Gow

48 minHard

Prep Time

40 min

Cook Time

8 min

Total Time

48 min

Servings

4

20 dumplings

Difficulty

Advanced

Cost

Moderate

$$

Be the first to rate this recipe
Share

Dim Sum Har Gow

Translucent crystal shrimp dumplings

Plump shrimp encased in a delicate, translucent wheat starch wrapper. Har gow is the gold standard of dim sum, testing a chef skill with its pleated, see-through skin and juicy filling.

40m

Prep Time

8m

Cook Time

48m

Total Time

4

Servings

Hard

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Chinese CuisineAppetizerSnackDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

September 11, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

Har gow is considered one of the most technically demanding dim sum items. The wrapper must be thin enough to be translucent yet strong enough to hold the bouncy shrimp filling without tearing.

Why This Recipe Works

Using wheat starch instead of regular flour creates the signature translucent wrapper. Adding a small amount of tapioca starch gives the dough elasticity and a pleasant chewiness.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp bamboo shoots, finely diced
  • 1 cup wheat starch
  • 1/4 cup tapioca starch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix chopped shrimp with bamboo shoots, sesame oil, white pepper, 1 tsp cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and sugar.

  2. 2

    Pour 3/4 cup boiling water into combined wheat and tapioca starches. Mix quickly with chopsticks, then knead into a smooth dough.

  3. 3

    Divide dough into 20 pieces. Roll each into a thin round using an oiled cleaver or rolling pin.

  4. 4

    Place a spoonful of filling in each wrapper. Pleat one side to seal into a crescent shape with 7 to 10 pleats.

  5. 5

    Steam dumplings in a lined bamboo steamer over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until wrappers are translucent.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice

  • Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi

  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

Substitutions

Bamboo shootsWater chestnuts, finely diced

Adds similar crunch with a slightly sweeter flavor

ShrimpLobster meat, chopped

Luxurious upgrade with similar texture

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Sesame Oil

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the sesame oil matters

A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.

This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.

  • Adds nutty depth with very little effort
  • Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades

Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.

Shop sesame oil for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Keep the dough covered at all times as wheat starch dough dries out extremely quickly.

  • Use the flat side of a cleaver to press and roll the dough rounds for thin, even wrappers.

Storage

Steam fresh for best results. Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Steam frozen dumplings for 10 minutes without thawing.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (90mg) · 4 servings

Calories160
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein12g
Carbohydrates2g
Fat22g
Fiber340mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my wrapper not translucent?
The dough may be too thick. Roll thinner and ensure you are using wheat starch, not wheat flour.
Can I use regular flour?
No, regular flour will not become translucent. Wheat starch is essential for har gow.

Explore More

More Chinese RecipesMore AppetizerMore SnackDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.

Related Recipes

Siu mai dumplings in a bamboo steamer with fish roe on top

Siu Mai

40 min

Close-up of a delicious gua bao with savory filling, sesame seeds, and spring onion garnish in a cardboard tray.

Char Siu Bao

115 min

Dim sum pieces in a bamboo steamer

Chinese Turnip Cake

85 min

Glossy red braised pork belly cubes in a dark caramel sauce

Red Braised Pork Belly

100 min

Cracked egg boiling in tea-infused water

Chinese Tea Eggs

280 min

Warm rice porridge congee with scallions in a ceramic bowl

Century Egg Congee

70 min

You Might Also Like

Siu mai dumplings in a bamboo steamer with fish roe on top
Dairy-Free
Medium

Chinese

Siu Mai

40 min6 servings
View Recipe

Siu Mai

40 min•Medium
Close-up of a delicious gua bao with savory filling, sesame seeds, and spring onion garnish in a cardboard tray.
Dairy-Free
Hard

Chinese

Char Siu Bao

1h 55m6 servings
View Recipe

Char Siu Bao

1h 55m•Hard
Dim sum pieces in a bamboo steamer
Dairy-Free
Medium

Chinese

Chinese Turnip Cake

1h 25m8 servings
View Recipe

Chinese Turnip Cake

1h 25m•Medium
Glossy red braised pork belly cubes in a dark caramel sauce
Dairy-Free
Medium

Chinese

Red Braised Pork Belly

1h 40m6 servings
View Recipe

Red Braised Pork Belly

1h 40m•Medium
Cracked egg boiling in tea-infused water
Gluten-FreeDairy-Free
Easy

Chinese

Chinese Tea Eggs

4h 40m8 servings
View Recipe

Chinese Tea Eggs

4h 40m•Easy
Warm rice porridge congee with scallions in a ceramic bowl
Gluten-FreeDairy-Free
Easy

Chinese

Century Egg Congee

1h 10m4 servings
View Recipe

Century Egg Congee

1h 10m•Easy
See more Chinese recipes →