There are many different techniques that can be used to prepare dim sum. The technique used here is great for families, as the ingredients can be measured with a small dish and frozen in muffin cups and placed in the traditional bamboo steamer so that it is easy to steam them up without dirtying many dishes.
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What is Dim Sum?
Dim sum is a term synonymous with an expandable pot and has its roots in Beijing, where it’s believed to have started. The common misconception is that dim sum is a dish, but it actually refers to all soups, dumplings and other dishes served in this type of restaurant. You will find Frozen Dim Sum served at both Chinese restaurants and Americanized Chinese restaurants. In Chinese cuisine, Dim Sum dishes are much like those found on the American brunch menu.
The History of Dim Sum
When someone mentions dim sum, most people link it with Chinese cuisine, but the concept has roots in ancient Egyptian and Persian food. The first account of dim sum can be found in the book Siheyuan written during the 3rd Century. This text describes a meal that is served without utensils and uses one's fingers to pick up dishes such as wontons, dumplings, and pottery bowls. Once Europeans introduced themselves to Asian cooking, there really wasn't anything left for them to do but eat. Dim sum is a staple of Chinese cuisine in which small bite-sized pieces of food are served in an assortment of individual plates contained within a steamer basket. The dishes vary to fit the meal they accompany, such as congee (rice porridge), rice noodle rolls, or steamed meat buns.
The Origins of Frozen Dim Sum
One of the first frozen dim sum restaurants was Metro Dim Sum in Chicago, which opened its doors on January 1,1984. The concept soon spread to New York City, with more new locations opening every year. Today there are over 500 locations in the United States alone. Most people don't even realize that their favorite fast food takeout has grown roots in San Francisco and Beijing.
Types of Dim Sum Dishes
You are likely familiar with dim sum. You may have made your own version of it or eaten too many versions of it while they were being made, but you probably know the basics. There are five primary types of dim sum dishes found in Chinese cuisine. These include the Har Gow, Steamed Dumplings, Steamed Buns or Rice Wheels, Beef Ball Soup and Octopus Balls.
Where to Buy Frozen Dim Sum for Delivery
You don't need to know the best places to order from - like an authentic dim sum restaurant. Just search for your favorite frozen restaurant and scroll through their delivery options. But the product should be fresh. Looking for a quick, easy and convenient way to order frozen dim sum? There are many websites offering this type of meal delivery service. Be sure to find one that has available hours of operation and is close to you if you don't want to spend a lot on shipping fees.
Conclusion
As you are about to see, there are a lot of options for dim sum ingredients and preparations as well. This list is not complete. To learn more about particular cooking styles or recipes from different provinces in China, try browsing through one of the many cookbooks available on Amazon or flipping through one of your favorite Asian restaurant magazines.
