If you're craving for a savory and satisfying snack, look no further than beef shumai. These little dumplings packed with flavor make a great appetizer or a quick meal on the go. And with only 270 calories per 10 pieces, you can indulge guilt-free!

Beef shumai is traditionally made with a mixture of ground beef, mushrooms, and aromatics wrapped in wonton wrappers. They're then steamed to perfection and served with a dipping sauce. This bite-sized delicacy originated from China and is now popular all over the world, loved for its simplicity and delicious taste.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about beef shumai - from its nutritional information to health benefits, cooking techniques, serving tips, and where to buy the best ones. Let's dive in!

What are Beef Shumai?

Beef shumai is a type of dumpling that originated from China. It's made with a ground beef filling mixed with other ingredients like mushrooms, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce. This mixture is then wrapped in a wonton wrapper and steamed until cooked. The result is a savory, juicy, and flavorful dumpling that's perfect as an appetizer or a quick snack. Beef shumai is often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. While beef is the most common filling, you can also find shumai made with other meats like pork, chicken, or shrimp. Vegetarian options are also available.

Ingredients of Beef Shumai

The ingredients for beef shumai include: - Ground beef - Wonton wrappers - Shiitake mushrooms - Scallions - Ginger - Soy sauce - Rice vinegar - Sugar - Cornstarch - Sesame oil - Baking powder - Water - Salt and pepper These ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores and can be put together quickly for a delicious and easy meal or appetizer.

Nutritional Information of Beef Shumai

The nutritional information for 10 pieces of beef shumai (approximately one serving) is as follows: - calories: 270 - Fat: 12 g - Saturated Fat: 4 g - Cholesterol: 45 mg - Sodium: 540 mg - Carbohydrates: 28 g - Fiber: 1 g - Sugar: 1 g - Protein: 14 g While beef shumai is not exactly low-calorie, it's a great source of protein and provides a balanced macronutrient ratio for a satisfying meal.

Types of Beef Shumai

While beef shumai is a classic dumpling dish, there are different variations depending on the filling and wrapper used. Here are some common types of beef shumai: - Chinese Beef Shumai: The original version made with ground beef, mushrooms, and other aromatics. - Japanese Beef Shumai: Often made with pork and shrimp in addition to beef and served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and citrus. - Filipino Beef Siomai: Similar to Chinese shumai but seasoned with more garlic and served with calamansi juice. - Korean Beef Mandu: A larger version of shumai that's pan-fried instead of steamed. Try different types of shumai to find the one that best suits your taste buds!

Health Benefits of Beef Shumai

Aside from being a satisfying snack, beef shumai has several health benefits worth noting. Here are some of them: - Protein: Beef shumai is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. - Iron: Beef is also rich in iron, a mineral that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. - Vitamin B12: Another nutrient found in beef, vitamin B12 is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and producing red blood cells. While beef shumai should not be your only source of protein or iron, it can be a tasty addition to a balanced diet.

How to Cook Beef Shumai

Cooking beef shumai is easy and can be done in a few simple steps: 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket on top. 2. Add the shumai to the steamer basket and cover with a lid. 3. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through. 4. Serve with a dipping sauce. You can also pan-fry shumai for a crispy texture by heating up some oil in a pan and cooking the shumai until they're golden brown on both sides.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Shumai

Beef shumai can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a meal on its own. Here are some serving suggestions: - Dipping sauce: Serve beef shumai with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. - Salad: Add shumai to a salad for an extra protein boost. - Soup: Drop shumai into a soup for a more filling meal. - Rice: Serve beef shumai with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Get creative with how you serve shumai and make it a part of your regular meal rotation.

Best Brands of Beef Shumai

If you're short on time or don't feel like making your own beef shumai, there are several ready-to-eat brands available in the market. Here are some of the best ones: - Bibigo Beef Mandu: Known for their Korean-style mandu, Bibigo's beef shumai is a crowd-pleaser. - Trader Joe's Beef Shu Mai: Affordable and available in most Trader Joe's stores, their beef shumai is a convenient option. - Wei Chuan Beef Shumai: A classic Chinese brand that's widely available in Asian grocery stores. - Annie Chun's Organic Chicken & Vegetable Potstickers: While not beef shumai, these organic potstickers are a delicious alternative. Try different brands to find the one that you like best!

Where to Buy Beef Shumai

Beef shumai can be found in most Asian grocery stores or supermarkets that carry ethnic food. You can also find them in the freezer section of Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or other health food stores. If you're looking for a more authentic and freshly made shumai, try visiting a local Chinese or Japanese restaurant that offers dim sum.

Other Varieties of Shumai

Aside from beef shumai, there are many other varieties of shumai worth trying. Here are some of them: - Pork Shumai: Made with ground pork and shrimp and often served in dim sum restaurants. - Shrimp Shumai: A classic dim sum dish made with a mixture of shrimp, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. - Scallop Shumai: A more luxurious version of shumai made with scallops and served with a XO sauce. - Vegetarian Shumai: Made with a filling of mushrooms, carrots, and water chestnuts. Try different types of shumai to find the one that you like best!