Steamed Shrimp Dumplings with Rice Paper and Dipping Sauce

Tender, juicy, and packed with fresh flavor, these Steamed Shrimp Dumplings are the kind of recipe that feels impressive without being overly complicated.

Each dumpling is filled with hand-chopped shrimp, fresh ginger, garlic, chives, tamari, and black pepper, then wrapped in softened rice paper and gently steamed until perfectly cooked. Serve them with a sweet, savory, tangy dipping sauce made with rice vinegar, tamari, honey, garlic, ginger, herbs, and chili crisp.

They are light, flavorful, naturally gluten-free when prepared with certified gluten-free tamari, and perfect for appetizers, dinner, entertaining, or a hands-on cooking night at home.

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Why You’ll Love These Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

These homemade shrimp dumplings are fresh, satisfying, and easier to prepare than they look.

• Filled with juicy, flavorful shrimp

• Wrapped in naturally gluten-free rice paper

• Steamed instead of fried

• Served with a bold homemade dipping sauce

• Easy to customize

• Perfect for appetizers, dinner, or entertaining

• Ready in small batches for maximum freshness

The combination of tender rice paper, savory shrimp filling, and sweet-spicy dipping sauce makes every bite feel special.

Ingredients

Shrimp Filling

• 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup chives, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari

• Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper and salt

Soy Ginger Chili Crisp Dipping Sauce

• ⅓ cup rice vinegar

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chili crisp, plus more to taste

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

For Assembly

• 10–15 sheets rice paper

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil, plus more as needed

How to Make the Dipping Sauce

Step 1

Add the rice vinegar, tamari, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chili crisp to a small bowl.

Step 2

Whisk until the ingredients are completely combined.

Step 3

Stir in the chopped green onions and cilantro.

Set the dipping sauce aside while you prepare the dumplings. This gives the flavors time to blend together.

How to Make the Shrimp Filling

Step 1

Finely chop the shrimp by hand until it resembles a coarse mince.

Leave some small pieces intact rather than turning the shrimp into a smooth paste. This gives the filling a tender, juicy texture.

Step 2

Transfer the chopped shrimp to a medium bowl.

Add the ginger, garlic, chives, tamari, arrowroot starch or cornstarch, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 3

Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling begins to feel slightly sticky.

The starch helps bind the filling together while keeping it tender.

How to Assemble Shrimp Dumplings with Rice Paper

Step 1

Fill a large shallow bowl or plate with warm water.

Step 2

Working with one rice paper sheet at a time, dip the wrapper into the warm water for approximately 5–10 seconds.

The rice paper should begin to soften but should not become completely limp. It will continue to soften after it is removed from the water.

Step 3

Place the wrapper on a clean, lightly dampened work surface.

Spoon approximately 1½–2 tablespoons of shrimp filling into the center.

Step 4

Fold the bottom of the rice paper over the filling. Fold in both sides, then continue rolling until the filling is completely enclosed.

Keep the wrapper snug, but avoid pulling it so tightly that it tears.

Step 5

Repeat with the remaining shrimp filling and rice paper wrappers.

Keep the assembled dumplings separated because softened rice paper can stick together easily.

How to Steam Shrimp Dumplings

Step 1

Lightly brush the bottom of a steamer basket or sauté pan with avocado oil.

Step 2

Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, leaving space between each one.

Do not allow the wrappers to touch.

Step 3

Lightly brush the tops of the dumplings with avocado oil. This helps prevent sticking and tearing.

Step 4

Bring a few inches of water to a gentle simmer in a pot.

Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.

Step 5

Cover and steam the dumplings for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp filling is opaque and completely cooked through.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your dumplings.

Step 6

Steam the remaining dumplings in batches as needed, lightly oiling the steamer surface between each batch.

Step 7

Serve the steamed shrimp dumplings warm with the prepared dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

Don’t Oversoak the Rice Paper

The wrapper should still feel slightly firm when you remove it from the water. If it becomes too soft, it may stick, stretch, or tear while you assemble the dumpling.

Chop the Shrimp by Hand

Hand-chopping the shrimp gives you more control over the texture. Leaving small pieces intact creates a juicier, more satisfying filling.

Keep the Dumplings Separated

Rice paper becomes sticky as it softens. Leave space between the dumplings before and during steaming.

Oil the Steamer Surface

A light coating of avocado oil helps prevent the wrappers from attaching to the steamer and tearing when lifted.

Avoid Overfilling

Using too much filling makes the wrappers difficult to close and more likely to split during steaming.

Check That the Shrimp Is Cooked

The filling should be firm and opaque throughout before serving.

Are Rice Paper Shrimp Dumplings Gluten-Free?

Rice paper wrappers are generally made with rice flour and are naturally gluten-free. However, ingredients and manufacturing methods may vary, so check the package if you need to avoid gluten strictly.

Tamari is typically used as a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce, but you should choose a product labeled certified gluten-free when necessary.

Always verify individual ingredient labels based on your dietary needs.

Easy Shrimp Dumpling Variations

These dumplings are easy to customize with ingredients you already have.

Try adding:

• Finely shredded cabbage

• Grated carrots

• Chopped water chestnuts

• Fresh cilantro

• Thinly sliced green onions

• A small amount of sesame oil

• Finely chopped mushrooms

• Red pepper flakes

• Extra chili crisp

You can also replace some of the shrimp with finely chopped vegetables for a lighter filling.

What to Serve with Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

Serve these dumplings as an appetizer or turn them into a complete meal with:

• Steamed rice

• Cucumber salad

• Sesame noodles

• Stir-fried vegetables

• Edamame

• Miso soup

• Asian-inspired slaw

• Roasted broccoli

• A simple green salad

For gatherings, arrange the dumplings on a large serving platter with the dipping sauce in the center.

Storing and Reheating Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

These dumplings are best enjoyed immediately after steaming, while the rice paper wrappers are soft and tender.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place parchment paper between the dumplings to prevent them from sticking together.

To reheat, place the dumplings in a lightly oiled steamer and steam for a few minutes until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving them for too long, as the wrappers can become tough, chewy, or overly sticky.

A Fun Recipe for Sharing

Making homemade dumplings is a great way to turn dinner into an experience. Invite friends or family to help fill, fold, and roll the wrappers, then steam each batch and enjoy them together.

For another interactive food experience, explore our Cookie decorating kit or browse the full Cookie kit collection.

More Ways to Feed Your Soul

At Feed Your Soul, we believe food is one of the best ways to bring people together.

After serving these savory shrimp dumplings, finish the meal with a classic Cookie gift box or explore our beautifully packaged Cookie gift boxes.

For bite-sized snacking, try our crispy Mini cookies. Our signature Cookie assortment and freshly baked Assorted cookies are ideal for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers.

Planning a large celebration, office gathering, or special event? Our Bulk cookies make serving a crowd simple.

For birthdays, holidays, and meaningful milestones, browse our curated Dessert boxes or select a thoughtful Dessert box for someone special.

Shopping for plant-based treats? Our Vegan gifts offer another delicious way to celebrate.

For sweetness that arrives throughout the year, explore our Cookie of the month club or indulgent Brownie subscription box.

The Feed Your Soul Difference

As a feeling good bakery, we believe food should inspire joy, encourage connection, and make everyday moments more meaningful.

We take pride in our process, our facility, our team, our products, and our mission to give back. We bake integrity into everything we do.

Whether you’re folding homemade shrimp dumplings around the kitchen table or sending someone a box of fresh-baked treats, we hope every bite helps you feed your soul.

Enjoy!

Xo