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I’ve been on my own adventure marked by triumphs and learning curves in the pursuit of creating gluten-free dishes that don’t just suffice but shine. Through this expedition, I’ve discovered that with a touch of creativity and the right ingredients, it’s entirely possible to make a gluten-free dim sum recipe that stands toe-to-toe with its traditional counterparts.
How to make Gluten Free Dim Sum
Gluten-free dim sum is a variation of traditional dim sum that caters to people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Traditional dim sum is often made with wheat-based ingredients, like dumpling wrappers and steamed buns, which contain gluten.
Ingredients
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (look for one that includes xanthan gum)
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp hot boiling water
- 1-2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp bamboo shoots, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, bamboo shoots (if using), green onion, and ginger.
- Season: Add the gluten-free soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch to the shrimp mixture, mixing well to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Marinate: Let the mixture sit for about 10-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Make the Dough:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, tapioca starch, and salt.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour in the hot boiling water and stir quickly with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough will start to come together in clumps.
- Knead the Dough: Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, use your hands to knead it into a firm dough. If the dough is too dry, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth and pliable consistency.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Assemble the Dumplings:
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Using a gluten-free floured rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin circle around 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Fill Dumplings: Place a spoonful of the shrimp filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the dough over in half to create a crescent moon shape, pinching the edges to seal tightly and making pleats if desired.
- Prepare Steamer: Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment paper (pierced with holes) or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Steam: Arrange the dumplings in the steamer without touching each other. Steam over boiling water for about 6-8 minutes or until the dough becomes translucent and the shrimp filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully remove the dumplings and serve immediately with additional gluten-free soy sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for Gluten-Free Dim Sum:
- Flour Consistency: Since gluten-free flours lack the elasticity of wheat, your dough might behave differently. Be patient and adjust the moisture as needed.
- Translucency: Achieving the classic translucent look of dim sum wrappers can be difficult with gluten-free flours, so focus more on the texture rather than appearance.
- Pleating: Gluten-free dough can be fragile, so pleat gently or simply fold over and press to seal if that’s easier.
- Keep Moist: Work with a small portion of dough at a time, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying out.
- Serving: Gluten-free dumplings can become firm once cooled, so they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the steamer.
what to serve with
Serving gluten-free dim sum can transform an ordinary meal into a delightful experience, particularly when paired with a variety of complementary sides, sauces, and beverages.
Sauces for Dipping
Dim sum is often accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces that enhance the flavors of the dumplings and other dishes.
- Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: A must-have for any dim sum table. Ensure it’s specifically labeled gluten-free.
- Chili Oil or Sauce: Perfect for adding a spicy kick. Many brands are naturally gluten-free but always check the label.
- Rice Vinegar: Offers a tangy contrast to richer dumplings. Mix with a little shredded ginger for an extra zing.
- Sesame Oil: Just a few drops mixed into another sauce can add depth of flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: Use a gluten-free version. This sauce pairs well with savory dumplings.
Side Dishes
Beyond the main array of dim sum, several side dishes can elevate the meal:
- Rice Congee: A comforting rice porridge that pairs excellently with the richer, more flavorful dim sum items. Keep it simple, or add gluten-free seasonings for extra flavor.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Select seasonal greens like bok choy, broccoli, or spinach and stir-fry them with gluten-free soy sauce and garlic for a simple, healthy side dish.
- Steamed Rice: A bowl of fragrant jasmine or basmati rice can be a welcome addition, especially for guests who prefer mixing their dim sum fillings with rice.
- Gluten-Free Noodle Dishes: Consider stir-fried rice noodles with vegetables and a gluten-free sauce for a more substantial side.
Salads
Introduce a refreshing component to your meal with these ideas:
- Cucumber Salad: A simple salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of chili flakes for heat.
- Carrot and Daikon Radish Salad: Julienned carrot and daikon radish in a light, sweet vinegar dressing can provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast.
Tea
No dim sum meal is complete without tea. It not only complements the food but also aids digestion.
- Jasmine Tea: A fragrant choice that pairs well with the rich flavors of dim sum.
- Oolong Tea offers a more robust flavor that is well-suited to the variety of tastes in dim sum.
- Pu’erh Tea: Known for its ability to help digest the often greasy and rich dim sum dishes.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: A caffeine-free option, light and sweet, it soothes and cleanses the palate.
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with traditional and modern gluten-free options:
- Mango Pudding: A popular choice in dim sum restaurants, ensure it’s made with gluten-free ingredients.
- Sesame Balls: Made with glutinous rice flour (naturally gluten-free), filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Coconut Rice Cakes: Steamed rice cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk offer a subtle sweetness.
Ingredients Substitutes

Creating gluten-free dim sum involves substituting several key ingredients found in traditional recipes with safe alternatives that maintain the dish’s integrity and flavor. Here’s a look at how to modify classic dim sum ingredients:
Wheat Flour Substitutes
The biggest challenge in making gluten-free dim sum is replacing traditional wheat flour used in wrappers and dough.
- Rice Flour: A fine flour that’s naturally gluten-free and can be used for making dumplings. It offers a slightly grainy texture.
- Tapioca Starch: Adds elasticity to gluten-free dough, mimicking the chewy texture of gluten-containing counterparts. It is often mixed with other flours for the best results.
- Potato Starch: Similar to tapioca starch, it provides elasticity and moisture to dumplings and buns. It’s lighter than tapioca starch and can be used in combination.
- Cornstarch: Used in smaller quantities to provide lightness to dough. It can also help to bind the ingredients.
- Xanthan Gum: Often added in small amounts to gluten-free flour mixes to add the stickiness and elasticity that gluten would usually provide.
Soy Sauce Replacement
Many traditional dim sum recipes call for soy sauce, which typically contains wheat.
- Tamari: A Japanese sauce similar to traditional soy sauce but usually made without wheat, making it gluten-free. It’s an excellent 1:1 substitute.
- Coconut Aminos: A soy-free and gluten-free alternative that’s less salty than traditional soy sauce, with a slightly sweet flavor profile.
Oyster Sauce Alternatives
Oyster sauce is another common ingredient that often contains gluten.
- Gluten-Free Oyster Sauce: Some brands offer a gluten-free version made without wheat. Be sure to check the label.
- Hoisin Sauce (Gluten-Free Version): While traditional hoisin sauce contains wheat, gluten-free versions are available that can provide a similar depth of flavor.
Noodles
Many dim sum dishes include or are served with noodles, which are traditionally made from wheat.
- Rice Noodles: A versatile alternative that comes in various thicknesses. They’re naturally gluten-free and can be used in soups or fried.
- Mung Bean Noodles (Glass Noodles): Transparent noodles that become soft and slippery when cooked, perfect for salads or as a filling in spring rolls.
Breadcrumbs or Batter
For dishes that require a crunchy exterior or binding ingredient.
- Almond Meal: Provides a nutty, crunchy exterior for fried items.
- Cornmeal or Polenta: Offers a crunchy texture for frying. Ensure it’s labeled gluten-free, as cross-contamination is a risk.
- Gluten-Free Panko Crumbs: Available in some markets, they mimic the light, airy texture of traditional panko for coating or filling.
Final Thoughts
Combining these delicious pairings and tips will make your gluten-free dim sum experience both rewarding and enjoyable for all your guests, ensuring everyone can partake in the flavors and joys of this traditional Chinese dish

Ingredients
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (look for one that includes xanthan gum)
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp hot boiling water
- 1-2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp bamboo shoots, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, bamboo shoots (if using), green onion, and ginger.
- Season: Add the gluten-free soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch to the shrimp mixture, mixing well to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Marinate: Let the mixture sit for about 10-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Make the Dough:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, tapioca starch, and salt.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour in the hot boiling water and stir quickly with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough will start to come together in clumps.
- Knead the Dough: Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, use your hands to knead it into a firm dough. If the dough is too dry, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth and pliable consistency.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Assemble the Dumplings:
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Using a gluten-free floured rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin circle around 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Fill Dumplings: Place a spoonful of the shrimp filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the dough over in half to create a crescent moon shape, pinching the edges to seal tightly and making pleats if desired.
- Prepare Steamer: Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment paper (pierced with holes) or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Steam: Arrange the dumplings in the steamer without touching each other. Steam over boiling water for about 6-8 minutes or until the dough becomes translucent and the shrimp filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully remove the dumplings and serve immediately with additional gluten-free soy sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice.