Chinese Dinner Menu with Variations

Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) with Shrimp and Chicken Fillings

Ingredients for Gelatinized Broth

  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin

Ingredients for Shrimp Filling

  • 1/2 pound shrimp, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Chicken Filling

  • 1/2 pound ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Dumpling Wrappers

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the gelatinized broth and set it in the refrigerator.
  2. Make the dough for wrappers and let it rest.
  3. Prepare both shrimp and chicken fillings in separate bowls.
  4. Roll out the wrappers and assemble the dumplings with either shrimp or chicken filling, adding cubes of gelatinized broth.
  5. Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes.

Sticky Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse and soak the rice in water for 1 hour. Drain.
  2. Combine rice, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the cucumber slices and toss to coat.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.