Colorful Shrimp Egg Dumplings
Easy & Pretty Air Fryer Egg Dumplings with a Special Shrimp Shaping Tip!
Today’s egg dumplings have a few delightful twists! First, I’ll show you how to make them even easier and prettier using an air fryer. Second, the star of the show – I’ll reveal the secret to perfectly shaping plump shrimp! Don’t miss out on these essential tips for making delicious egg dumplings!
Dumpling Ingredients
- 2 fresh eggs
- 10g carrot (about 1/5 small carrot), finely diced
- 10g green onion or white part of leek (about 1/4 stalk), thinly sliced
- 20g dried glass noodles
- 4 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Filling Seasoning
- 2 pinches salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Dipping Sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped chili pepper (e.g., Korean cheongyang chili or regular chili)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 pinches salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Dipping Sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped chili pepper (e.g., Korean cheongyang chili or regular chili)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the carrot thoroughly, peel it, and julienne it into thin strips. Then, finely mince the julienned carrot on a cutting board. This will make it easier to mix into the filling.
Step 2
For a vibrant color, use primarily the green parts of the green onions. Thinly slice them and then mince finely. This will blend well with the other vegetables.
Step 3
Boil the dried glass noodles in water for about 6-7 minutes until tender. Immediately rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch and drain well. Once drained, finely chop the noodles with a knife or scissors. This prevents clumping in the filling and ensures a smoother texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the finely diced carrot, green onion, and the cooked, chopped glass noodles. Crack in the 2 fresh eggs. Add all the ‘Filling Seasoning’ ingredients: salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly with chopsticks or a spatula until well combined.
Step 5
Here’s the secret to shaping the shrimp beautifully! Take a clean toothpick. Gently lift the shell on the back of the shrimp and carefully insert the toothpick. Slightly curl the shrimp’s body inward as you insert the toothpick. This technique will help create a naturally curved and attractive shrimp shape once cooked, resembling a curled shrimp tail.
Step 6
Blanch the prepared shrimp in boiling water for just 20 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the shrimp tough. The shrimp should just turn pinkish-red.
Step 7
Immediately transfer the blanched shrimp into a bowl of cold water or ice water. This rapid cooling helps maintain the shrimp’s firm texture and aids in setting the shape.
Step 8
Once the shrimp are completely cooled, remove them from the water. Carefully pull out the toothpick. You’ll see that the shrimp now have a lovely, curled shape, much like a decorative garnish!
Step 9
Prepare to cook the egg dumplings. Lightly spray the inside of a muffin tin with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Fill each cup with about 2/3 of the egg dumpling mixture. Avoid overfilling, as the mixture might expand during cooking.
Step 10
Place one of the beautifully shaped shrimp on top of the filling in each muffin cup. Centering the shrimp will make the final presentation even more appealing.
Step 11
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the muffin tin inside and cook for about 12 minutes. Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. They are ready when golden brown on top.
Step 12
While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, chopped chili, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sesame oil until well combined. Feel free to customize this sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or finely chopped onion, scallions, and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Step 13
Once cooked, carefully remove the egg dumplings from the air fryer and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If cooked through, gently remove them from the muffin tin and arrange them attractively on a serving plate.
Step 14
These egg dumplings are delicious on their own, but dipping them into the prepared sauce elevates the flavor even further! They make a wonderful side dish for kids or a charming addition to lunchboxes due to their appealing appearance. Enjoy making this delightful treat for your loved ones!
