Frozen Dim Sum Guide: Authentic Cantonese Bites at Home

Craving the authentic flavours of a dim sum restaurant without having to leave your home? The desire to enjoy high-quality steamed dumplings at home is a familiar feeling for many fans of Asian cuisine. However, finding frozen dim sum that tastes truly authentic can be a challenge.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you make the right choices. In this article, I'll provide practical tips and present a selection of products that make it easy to create an authentic dim sum at home experience.

Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying Frozen Dim Sum?

Before you make a purchase, here are a few key points to help you find products that suit your taste.

1. Know Your Classics: Filling and Dough

Not all Cantonese dumplings are the same. The two most famous varieties are har gow and siu mai.

• Har Gow: This dumpling has a distinctive translucent, almost crystal-like dough made from wheat starch. The filling traditionally consists of whole or chopped shrimp.
• Siu Mai: An open-topped dumpling, usually made with a thinner, yellower dough of wheat flour. The filling is often a mix of pork and shrimp, sometimes garnished with fish roe or a small piece of carrot.

When buying siu mai or choosing har gow, pay attention to the percentage of meat or shrimp in the ingredients list. This provides a good indication of the filling's quality.

2. Choose the Right Format: Assortment or Single-Pack?

Consider the occasion for which you're buying the dim sum. Do you want a quick, flavourful lunch for yourself? Then a package with a single type, like siu mai or har gow, is an excellent choice. Are you hosting a dinner party or simply want some variety? A dim sum assortment offers multiple types in one package. This is a convenient way to try different frozen Asian appetisers without having to buy multiple separate packs.

3. Check the Preparation Method

Most frozen dim sum is designed for steaming. This is a quick and healthy cooking method that best preserves the delicate flavours and textures. The dumplings are usually ready within 10 to 15 minutes. Check the packaging for precise instructions. A bamboo steamer basket works well traditionally, but a metal colander in a pot with a lid is an excellent alternative.

Recommended Frozen Dim Sum Picks

Based on product specifications and ingredients, we've curated a selection of popular choices that you can order directly online.

1. Zhen Wei Xiang Shrimp ShiuMai 240g

Why It Stands Out This siu mai from Zhen Wei Xiang focuses on the classic combination of shrimp and pork, with a high percentage of shrimp. The traditional garnish of fish roe or carrot gives it an authentic, restaurant-quality appearance.

• Pros:
  • Generous filling with 40% shrimp.
  • Authentic flavour from the addition of ginger and sesame oil.
  • Quick to prepare: steam from frozen in 10-12 minutes.
• Who Is It For? For the classic siu mai enthusiast looking for a product with a clear focus on a high-quality shrimp filling.

View Zhen Wei Xiang Shrimp ShiuMai 240g

2. delico Dim Sum Assortment 360g

Why It Stands Out This dim sum assortment from delico offers a complete experience in one box. With four different classics—Har Gow, Beef Siu Mai, Pork Siu Mai, and Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)—you don't have to choose.

• Pros:
  • Four different types for a varied meal.
  • High meat and shrimp percentages: 36% shrimp in the Har Gow, 48% beef in the Beef Siu Mai, and 55% pork in the Pork Siu Mai.
  • Individually frozen, making them easy to portion.
• Who Is It For? Ideal for those who enjoy variety or want to serve a complete dim sum platter to guests. Also a great choice if you're not yet sure which type is your favourite.

View delico Dim Sum Assortment 360g

3. FRESHASIA Shrimp Ha Kao 500g

Why It Stands Out This product from FRESHASIA focuses entirely on har gow, the iconic crystal-clear shrimp dumpling. The larger 500g package makes this a practical choice for families or for those who want to stock up.

• Pros:
  • Classic har gow with a translucent dough made from wheat and tapioca starch.
  • Well-filled with 37.13% shrimp.
  • Larger package (500g) offers great value for money.
• Who Is It For? An excellent choice for the true har gow fan. Perfect if you're specifically looking for this delicate shrimp dumpling and want to keep a larger quantity in your freezer.

View FRESHASIA Shrimp Ha Kao 500g

Looking for Something Else?

An authentic meal deserves a beautiful presentation. While our focus here is on dim sum, how you serve it is also important. For serving your Asian appetisers or other dishes, you can browse our range of serving platters and cake stands for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I steam frozen dim sum without a steamer basket? No problem. Place a metal colander or sieve inside a large pot. Fill the pot with a layer of water that doesn't touch the bottom of the colander. Bring the water to a boil, place the dumplings in the colander (on a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking, if you like), and cover the pot with a lid. Steam according to the package instructions.

2. What is the difference between siu mai and har gow? The main difference lies in the dough and the filling. Har gow has a translucent, chewy dough made from starch and a filling of primarily shrimp. Siu mai has a thin, yellow dough made from wheat flour, is open at the top, and typically has a filling of pork and shrimp.

3. What sauces pair well with dim sum? A simple dipping sauce made from light soy sauce is the most classic choice. For a bit more heat, you can add some chilli oil. Black rice vinegar (Chinkiang) is also a popular option, especially with soup dumplings. Experiment and discover what you like best.