I remember the first time I tried making dim sum at home. I was a bit intimidated by the whole process. It seemed like such a complicated dish to master-small, delicate parcels of dough with perfectly balanced fillings. But then, I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s take on barbecue chicken dim sum, and it was a game-changer. His recipe made me realize that dim sum doesn’t have to be a restaurant-only experience. It can be simple, flavorful, and fun to make in your own kitchen.
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at dim sum but were unsure where to start, this recipe is the perfect introduction. It blends the comfort of barbecue chicken with the exciting, bite-sized nature of dim sum.
Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum Recipe
Jamie’s twist on classic dim sum takes a familiar, comforting flavor (barbecue chicken) and pairs it with a fun and traditional Chinese dumpling technique. His recipe uses store-bought wrappers, cutting down on prep time but still delivering a satisfying dish with rich flavors.
The best part? The filling is sweet, savory, and smoky, with the tangy barbecue sauce coming through in every bite. These dumplings are perfect for an appetizer, party snack, or even a weekend treat.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need for Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum:
- Chicken breast: I prefer using chicken breast because it’s lean and takes on the barbecue sauce really well. It keeps the dumplings tender.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the barbecue chicken mix.
- Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that balances out the flavors of the chicken.
- Barbecue sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade. Either way, it adds a smoky sweetness to the dish.
- Ginger: A little fresh ginger gives the filling an aromatic bite.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the savory profile of the dumplings.
- Spring onions: Fresh, crisp spring onions provide a burst of flavor and color.
- Sesame oil: Adds richness and a hint of nuttiness to the filling.
- Wonton wrappers: These are the foundation of the dim sum. You can easily find these at most grocery stores or Asian supermarkets.
- Cornstarch: To help seal the dumplings and give them a firm texture.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum
Making this dim sum at home is easier than you think. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by chopping the chicken into small pieces. You want the chicken to be finely chopped, almost minced, so it fits nicely in the wrappers.
- Season with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).
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Assemble The Dumplings
- Lay the wonton wrappers flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each wrapper (about a teaspoon).
- Wet the edges with a bit of water and fold the wrappers into your desired shape. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look or just fold them in half into a half-moon shape.
- Press gently to seal.
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Steam The Dumplings
- Fill a pot with a little water and bring it to a simmer. Place the dumplings in a bamboo steamer or on a steamer rack, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
- Cover and steam for about 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Once they’re done, serve immediately with a side of extra barbecue sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down some of the key ingredients in this recipe:
- Chicken Breast: This is a lean protein that soaks up marinades really well. It’s great because it absorbs all the flavors from the barbecue sauce and soy sauce. You can also sub it with ground chicken for a more traditional filling.
- Soy Sauce: This classic ingredient is full of umami-the savory, satisfying flavor that makes food so delicious. It’s salty, so it helps balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: Often referred to as “Chinese ketchup”, hoisin sauce is made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It provides a sweet, slightly tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the barbecue sauce.
- Barbecue Sauce: The barbecue sauce provides that iconic smoky-sweet flavor we crave. The sugars in it caramelize when steaming, giving the dim sum its golden finish and rich taste.
- Wonton Wrappers: These are usually made from flour, water, and egg, making them pliable enough to fold without tearing. They’re also perfect for steaming, keeping their structure while allowing the filling to shine.
Expert Tips
- Keep your filling moist: If the filling seems dry, add a splash of water or a bit more barbecue sauce. You want the chicken mixture to be juicy enough so that the dumplings don’t dry out during steaming.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these dim sum ahead of time. Simply assemble them, freeze them, and steam them directly from frozen when you’re ready. No need to thaw them!
- Experiment with Shapes: Traditional dim sum has a variety of folding techniques. Try making different shapes to mix things up. You could do pleated parcels, or even simple half-moon shapes.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a mixture of soy sauce and a dash of rice vinegar for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dumplings.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Spicy Kick: Add some chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to the chicken mixture for a spicy version.
- Smoked Chicken: For a deeper, smokier flavor, try using smoked chicken breast in place of regular chicken.
- Different Sauces: You can also experiment with different barbecue sauces-go for a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a more robust, sweet sauce, depending on your preference.
Final Words
What I love about Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum is that it’s not just delicious-it’s fun to make. The process of folding each dumpling, the sizzling smell of the barbecue sauce, and then the reward of that first bite are all part of the experience. Plus, it’s a dish you can easily tweak and personalize. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own twist, you’re bound to impress your friends and family with these bite-sized treasures.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s BBQ Chicken Dim Sum?
You’ll need chicken, barbecue sauce, dim sum wrappers, and a mix of fresh herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, and spring onions.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s BBQ Chicken Dim Sum Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and wrap the dim sum in advance. Just store them in the fridge and steam or fry them when ready to serve.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s BBQ Chicken Dim Sum?
The cooking time is around 15-20 minutes, depending on whether you’re steaming or frying them.