Craving authentic dim sum but don't feel like going out or spending hours in the kitchen? Frozen siu mai is the perfect solution for enjoying these delicious Chinese steamed dumplings at home. But with a booming online market, navigating the endless variety of flavours, brands, and sizes can be a challenge.
This guide is here to help you sort through the options. Our mission is to give you all the tips you need to find the perfect siu mai, whether you're a dim sum connoisseur or a curious foodie looking for a tasty treat.
How to Choose the Best Frozen Siu Mai
To find the Chinese steamed dumpling that's guaranteed to delight your taste buds, just keep a few key criteria in mind.
1. The Filling: The Heart of the Flavour
Siu mai comes in a multitude of recipes, from the most traditional to the most creative. The first criterion, of course, is the flavour:
- Shrimp Siu Mai: A timeless classic, loved for its firm yet juicy texture. The quality depends on the percentage of shrimp and the freshness of the other ingredients.
- Pork Shaomai: The other cornerstone of dim sum. A flavourful filling made from minced pork, often enhanced with mushrooms, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a reliable choice for experiencing the authentic taste of Cantonese restaurants.
- Original Flavours: Some online Asian food purveyors offer more adventurous variations, such as siu mai with truffle, salted egg yolk, or sticky rice. A great way to step off the beaten path.
2. The Format: For Every Appetite and Occasion
Package size is a practical criterion that shouldn't be overlooked.
- Small formats (150-300 g): Perfect for a solo tasting or for trying a new flavour without overstuffing your freezer.
- Family sizes (500 g-1 kg): More cost-effective, they are ideal if you're planning a meal with family and friends, a frozen Asian appetiser for a group, or if you simply want to keep a strategic stash in your freezer.
3. Preparation: Simplicity First
The main advantage of frozen dim sum is its ease of preparation. The most common and recommended method is steaming. Check the package instructions, but generally, you just need to place the still-frozen siu mai in a steamer basket over simmering water for 8 to 12 minutes. It's as simple as making a steamed Chinese dumpling, and the result is often surprisingly fresh.
Our Selection of Frozen Siu Mai
To help you choose, we've uncovered some gems that stand out for their unique recipes or formats.
Freshasia Shrimp Siu Mai 500 g
- Why it stands out: A classic recipe that highlights marine flavours, with a generous filling of shrimp and fish paste.
- Highlights:
- Filling made with 19.7% farmed shrimp and 32.2% fish paste.
- Aromatic recipe with sesame oil, garlic, and white pepper.
- Quick to steam in just 8-9 minutes.
- Convenient 500 g size, suitable for several people.
- Who is it for? For shrimp siu mai purists looking for a flavourful, quick-to-prepare product that's perfect for an appetiser or a quick meal.
Lee's International Hong Kong-Style Siu Mai (Pork), 48 pieces, 960 g
- Why it stands out: Its bulk size and authentic pork shaomai recipe make it the ideal choice for large gatherings.
- Highlights:
- Generous filling (65%) made with pork, onions, and soy sauce.
- Economical 960 g package containing 48 pieces.
- Typical Hong Kong-style flavour, both juicy and aromatic.
- Ideal for always having a supply of dim sum on hand.
- Who is it for? For families, flatmates, or anyone who regularly hosts meals with friends and appreciates the classic flavour of pork siu mai.
Guanhua Yipin Fish and Black Truffle Siu Mai 168 g
- Why it stands out: A touch of luxury with the addition of black truffle, which elevates the fish and crab-based filling.
- Highlights:
- Refined flavour thanks to the black truffle sauce.
- Original filling composed of fish meat, crab meat, and crab roe.
- Small 168 g package, perfect for a tasting or a sophisticated starter.
- An interesting option to surprise your guests.
- Who is it for? For curious gourmets eager to try a sophisticated, modern twist on the traditional steamed dumpling.
FRESHASIA Handmade Siu Mai with Salted Duck Egg Yolk & Sticky Rice 300 g
- Why it stands out: Its unique recipe combines the richness of salted duck egg yolk with the soft texture of sticky rice and pork.
- Highlights:
- Complex and savoury filling with salted duck egg yolk and sticky rice.
- Handmade-style wrapper for a delicate texture.
- An authentic and truly original flavour.
- Steams in 8-10 minutes.
- Who is it for? For culinary adventurers and those who know and appreciate the rich, distinctive flavours of salted egg yolk, a prized ingredient in many Asian specialities.
Ready to Explore the World of Dim Sum?
Siu mai is just the beginning of your journey into the fascinating world of dim sum. If you're curious to discover other specialities, from shrimp dumplings (har gow) to steamed buns (baozi), our complete selection is sure to inspire you. Explore our dedicated category to add more variety to your table.
Discover More Asian Dumplings
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Siu Mai
1. How do I cook frozen siu mai without a steamer basket?
If you don't have a steamer basket, you can easily improvise. Place a small wire rack or three balls of aluminium foil in the bottom of a large pot. Add a little water (making sure it doesn't touch the rack), place the siu mai on a heatproof plate, set the plate on the rack, cover, and bring to a boil. The steam will do the rest.
2. What's the difference between siu mai and shaomai?
There is no difference. 'Siu mai' is the Cantonese pronunciation, while 'shaomai' is the Mandarin romanisation of the same Chinese word (烧卖). Both terms refer to the same delicious steamed dumpling.
3. What should I serve with siu mai?
Siu mai are excellent on their own, but they are traditionally served with light soy sauce, chilli oil, or Chinese black vinegar for dipping. They fit perfectly into a meal featuring other frozen dim sum like har gow, baozi, or chicken feet in black bean sauce.
