Har Gow Buying Guide: Choosing Frozen Shrimp Dumplings

A fan of shrimp dim sum? Do you dream of enjoying the authentic taste of restaurant-quality Har Gow without spending hours in the kitchen? This guide is for you.

This famous steamed shrimp dumpling, with its translucent wrapper and generous filling, is no longer just for dining out. The frozen food aisle is full of hidden gems just waiting for your steamer basket. To save you from disappointment, we've carefully reviewed the frozen har gow market to select only the very best: convenient and delicious options for a last-minute appetiser, an impressive starter, or a quick weeknight dinner.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Har Gow

Before we get to our top picks, here are a few key things to check on the packaging to ensure you make the right choice.

1. The Filling: It's All About the Shrimp!

The quality of a Har Gow comes down to its filling. Your first step: check the ingredient list. A high percentage of shrimp is the best indicator of quality. We also look for traditional ingredients like bamboo shoots for crunch, and simple, well-balanced seasonings (sesame oil, white pepper). As a rule of thumb, a short ingredient list is often a sign of authenticity.

2. The Wrapper: Thin and Translucent, or Nothing at All

The Har Gow wrapper is what makes it so unique. It should be thin, pliable, and become nearly transparent during steaming, revealing the pink filling inside. Made from a blend of wheat and tapioca starch, it should be neither too thick nor brittle. A wrapper that tears during cooking can ruin the whole experience.

3. The Size: For One, Two, or a Crowd?

Frozen har gow comes in various package sizes. Bags from 400g to 560g are perfect for a dinner for two or a small family. If you're a true enthusiast or planning a party, the XXL sizes (800g and up) are often more economical. One last common-sense tip: make sure the bag actually fits in your freezer (requires -18°C / 0°F)!

Frozen Har Gow Recommendations

After a thorough taste test, here are three frozen shrimp dumplings that stood out. Each one caters to a specific need, but all of them guarantee an excellent level of quality.

1. The Classic: Gyoza aux Crevettes (Ha Kao) SFPA - 20 Pieces, 560 g

Key Feature: Made in France by SFPA, these dumplings (despite the slightly confusing name) are inspired by the classic Cantonese recipe. The generous filling combines shrimp, crunchy bamboo shoots, and a hint of pork fat for flavour. It's all wrapped in a thin, pliable wrapper that stays pleasantly soft after cooking.

What we love:

• The traditional, crowd-pleasing recipe.
• The generous 20-piece (560g) size, perfect for sharing.
• A clear ingredient list and high-quality components.

Best for: Families or for a successful dinner party, offering a reliable shrimp dim sum choice.

2. The Most Shrimp-Rich: Raviolis aux Crevettes (Hakao) Foo Seng - 400 g

Key Feature: Foo Seng, a French specialist in Asian flavours, goes all-in on the star ingredient: the filling contains 37.2% shrimp! That's one of the highest percentages on the market. The recipe, rounded out with bamboo shoots and pork rind, delivers a satisfying texture and intense flavour.

What we love:

• The extremely high shrimp content (37.2%).
• Versatility: delicious steamed, but also great pan-fried or in a broth.
• Made in France by a recognised expert.

Best for: Those who are serious about their shrimp content and enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods.

3. The Family Pack: Raviolis aux Crevettes FRESHASIA - 880 g

Key Feature: FRESHASIA targets big appetites and families with this XXL 880g pack. The promise is a restaurant-quality experience: a juicy filling and a wrapper that turns perfectly translucent when cooked. With 33.15% shrimp, the quality is definitely there.

What we love:

• The jumbo 880g size, offering great value per kilogram.
• A well-stuffed filling with a high shrimp content (33.15%).
• Express steaming time (ready in just 5 to 7 minutes).

Best for: Ideal for large families, gatherings with friends, or simply for keeping a quality stash of Chinese shrimp dumplings in your freezer.

Want to Explore Other Flavours?

Our selection doesn't stop here! If you're curious to discover other steamed dumplings or different types of ravioli, explore our full range.

? Discover all our shrimp dumplings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you perfectly cook frozen Har Gow?

The gold standard is steaming. Place your Har Gow (still frozen) in a steamer basket (bamboo or stainless steel), lined with parchment paper or a cabbage leaf to prevent sticking. Steam over boiling water on high heat for 8 to 12 minutes (refer to the package instructions). They're ready when the wrapper becomes translucent and the filling is heated through.

2. Har Gow vs. Gyoza: What's the Difference?

Although they look similar, they are not the same dumpling. Har Gow is a specialty from Canton (China): it has a thin, starch-based wrapper and is only ever steamed. Gyoza is its Japanese cousin (inspired by the Chinese Jiaozi): it has a wheat-flour wrapper and uses a hybrid cooking method. It is pan-fried on one side and then steamed, which gives it its signature crispy-yet-tender texture.

3. What sauce should you serve with Har Gow?

Purists will tell you that a good Har Gow is best enjoyed on its own to fully appreciate the delicate shrimp flavour. However, there's nothing stopping you from dipping them in a bit of soy sauce (light is preferable), black rice vinegar, or a few drops of chilli oil to liven things up.