As a chef at Food And Meal, I’m always looking for new and creative ways to put a spin on classic dishes. Crab dumplings are a favorite of mine, but I wanted to try making them a little lighter and healthier. That’s how I came up with my Slim Crab Dumplings recipe.
I grew up in a family that loved rich, hearty comfort foods. As I got older and more health conscious, I started playing around with making some of those dishes in lighter versions without sacrificing flavor. My goal with these dumplings was to create all the delicious crab flavor of a traditional dumpling, but with way less calories and fat.
The key was using wonton wrappers instead of a heavy dumpling dough. This allowed me to stuff the dumplings full of crab and veggies without weighing them down. I also used just a touch of cream cheese and mayo to bind them instead of loading them up with fatty fillings. The result is a dumpling that’s tender, stuffed with sweet crab flavor, and easy to make.
Best Crab Dumplings Recipes
These are the perfect Slim Crab Dumplings to serve up during the Chinese New Year when you are trying to please a house full of people. Low in calories this is a dish that you can make and enjoy without feeling guilty in the process.
Steamed Slim Crab Dumplings with Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients for Your Carrot Salad:
- 1 Tablespoon Oil Vegetable Variety
- ¼ to ½ Jalapeno Minced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar White in Color
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Coriander Leaves Fresh and Roughly Chopped
- ½ Tablespoon Lime Juice Freshly Squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce Asian Variety
- 1 Scallion Finely Chopped and Green and White Separated
- 1 Cup Carrots Freshly Grated
Instructions
- The first thing that you will want to do is make your salad. To do this use a small sized skillet and add in your vegetable style oil, minced jalapeno and minced garlic. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat. Cook for at least 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add in your sugar. Stir to thoroughly incorporate.
- Transfer this mixture into a medium sized bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add in your fresh carrot, ground coriander, fresh lime juice, Asian style fish sauce and scallion. Stir thoroughly to combine and set this mixture aside.
- Next make your dumplings. To do this use a medium sized bowl and add in your lumpy crabmeat, chestnuts, large egg white, vinegar, ground coriander and dash of salt. Stir to combine.
- Place your wonton wrapper onto a flat surface. Lightly brush the surface of these wrappers with a touch of vinegar. Place a spoonful of your crab mixture into the center of each wrapper and fold the wrapper over your filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Using 2 lettuce lined bamboo steamers, add in your dumplings. Fill a wok with a generous amount of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Place your bamboo steamer over your water in your wok.
- Steam your dumplings for the next 10 minutes or until your filling is completely set.
- After this time remove your dumplings and top off with your carrot salad. Serve right away and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
How to make Slim Crab Dumplings Stir Fry
Steam the dumplings first until they are just cooked through. Then, heat a non-stick pan or wok to a moderate temperature, adding a whisper of oil — just enough for a glaze over the surface.
Stir-frying requires attentiveness and a swift hand. Add the aromatics to the pan first, allowing their fragrant notes to release. Then introduce the vegetables, cooking them until they reach that perfect state of tender-crisp vibrancy. The colors should remain vivid, a visual feast that promises a treat for the palate.
Incorporate the steamed dumplings into the pan, tossing them gently with the vegetables. The process should be more of a dance than a rigorous activity; you want to coat the dumplings in the mingling flavors without compromising their structure.
For the sauce, a balanced concoction of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a hint of sugar, and a splash of water is sufficient. The sauce should merely cling to the ingredients, not drown them. Pour it over the stir-fry, allowing everything to heat through and the flavors to marry harmoniously.
Cream crab dumplings ( Trending )
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 pkg wonton wrappers
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean work surface and spoon about 1 tbsp of the filling into the center.
- Wet the edges with water and fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a medium pot or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F.
- Working in batches, fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Tips:
- For a lighter version, steam or pan fry instead of deep frying.
- Garnish with extra green onions, lemon wedges or diced chilies.
- The filling can be prepared a day in advance for quicker assembly. Keep refrigerated.
Tips for making Slim Crab Dumplings
Cooking Tips
I would gently suggest focusing first on savoring the delicate flavor of the crab rather than obsessing over calories. Approaching cooking mindfully, with care and appreciation for the ingredients, can be far more rewarding.
I find steaming the dumplings quite soothing. Watching them puff up, perfectly tender and translucent, fills me with a sense of nurturing my own health and wellness. I prefer to use just a touch of vegetable or olive oil rather than butter in my filling. And a sprinkle of herbs balances the sweetness wonderfully.
Crafting dumplings can be a peaceful, centering act. The pacing of preparing the filling, scooping careful spoonfuls, crimping each little purse with intention. Then once they’ve steamed, I think it’s nice to let them cool just slightly before eating, to avoid burning one’s mouth.
Serving Suggestions
- Gyoza: While gyoza are also dumplings, they can be served alongside crab dumplings as part of a varied dumpling platter. The key is to choose a vegetable gyoza to maintain the lightness of the meal and provide a vegetarian contrast to the seafood filling of the crab dumplings.
- Miso Soup: A classic Japanese soup that is both light and flavorful. The umami from the miso paste complements the seafood taste of the crab dumplings without overwhelming it, and the warm broth can be soothing and comforting.
- Sashimi: Offering a selection of sashimi provides a fresh, clean taste that pairs well with the delicate flavors of the crab dumplings. This combination would be particularly appealing for a seafood-themed meal.
- Daifuku: As a dessert option, daifuku—a sweet mochi stuffed with red bean paste—provides a lovely contrast to the savory crab dumplings. The sweetness of the daifuku rounds off the meal on a different note.
- Oyakodon: For a more substantial meal, oyakodon (a chicken and egg rice bowl) could be a heartier dish that still maintains a balance with the lighter crab dumplings. The savory flavors of the oyakodon complement the subtle taste of the dumplings.
- Mentsuyu: This is a versatile noodle soup base that can be used to create a light noodle dish to serve with the crab dumplings. A simple cold soba noodle salad dressed with mentsuyu could provide a refreshing and satisfying accompaniment.
- Yakisoba: If a more filling side dish is desired, yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and a tangy sauce) can be a flavorful option that adds a different texture to the meal.
- Negi Oil: Drizzling a bit of negi oil (scallion oil) over the crab dumplings can add a burst of flavor without adding heaviness.
- Shio Tare: A light dipping sauce made from this salty seasoning can enhance the natural flavors of the crab dumplings without masking them.
- Miso Salmon: For those who prefer a more robust pairing, miso salmon offers a rich flavor that can stand up next to the crab dumplings while still being within the realm of seafood harmony.
FAQs about Crab Stuffed Dumplings
- Can I Freeze Slim Crab Dumplings? Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, steam them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How Do I Store Leftover Cooked Dumplings? If you have cooked dumplings left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat by steaming or pan-frying for a crispy texture.
- Can I Make Dumplings in Advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the dumplings in advance, refrigerate them for a few hours, and then steam them just before serving. This makes entertaining a breeze.
- Why Do My Dumplings Stick to the Steamer? Dumplings may stick if the steamer is not adequately lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Ensure proper lining to prevent sticking.
- How Can I Achieve a Perfectly Smooth Dough? Achieving the right dough consistency is crucial. Adjust the ratio of wheat starch and potato starch and knead until smooth. The dough should be soft and pliable, not too sticky or dry.
Conclution
In conclusion, slim crab dumplings offer an exquisite fusion of delicate flavors and textures that can delight the palate while aligning with a desire for lighter, more health-conscious cuisine. The careful balance of succulent crab meat with the gentle wrap of the thin dumpling skin creates a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and uplifting. Each bite is a testament to the artistry and thoughtfulness that goes into crafting such a dish, providing a culinary experience that is as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.
The joy of savoring these dumplings is akin to uncovering a hidden gem within the vast treasure trove of culinary delights – it’s a reminder of how simplicity, when executed with precision and care, can yield truly remarkable results. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or as part of a larger feast, slim crab dumplings have the power to bring a moment of serene pleasure to the day. They stand as a celebration of what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation, and when the focus is on enhancing natural flavors rather than overwhelming them.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.