The humble Dim Sim is an Australian staple and national treasure. They can be found in almost every school canteen, service station, or corner store around the country. But surprisingly, not many people know what exactly is in these treats and where they originate.
This blog post will give you the most comprehensive overview of the famous snack, including some background and common questions. Whether you’re a connoisseur of the dim sim or just curious about the cuisine, you’re bound to learn something new.
What Are Dim Sims
Dim Sims are a Chinese-influenced meat and vegetable dumpling-style snack food. They are a beloved Australian delicacy believed to have come from the Chinese community of Melbourne. While developed around the 1940s, they have since remained a mainstay across the country and are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
Dim Sims vs Chinese Dumplings
Dim Sims are strongly associated with Australia, and are also commonly found in New Zealand, but they are not a traditional Chinese dish. This humble snack is a prime example of how multiculturalism has shaped Australian food culture.
While many assume Dim Sims are part of traditional Chinese cuisine, they are actually a uniquely Australian creation found mainly in Australia and New Zealand. Their origins are still debated, but they are commonly credited to William Chen Wing Young, who adapted Cantonese Siu Mai into a larger, mass-produced snack in the 1940s.
Despite their resemblance to Chinese dumplings, Dim Sims are not authentically Chinese. Their name is a playful nod to Dim Sum, a Cantonese dining style featuring a variety of small dishes, including dumplings. However, Dim Sims themselves are more closely related to Cantonese Siu Mai, reimagined to suit Australian preferences.
Because the original name Siu Mai was difficult for Australians to pronounce, the more accessible term “Dim Sim” took hold. And just like that, a distinctly Aussie food icon was born.
What Is In a Dim Sim?
It takes a lot of work to make a perfect Dim Sim, with the recipe relying on the right combination of ingredients. Recipes vary by brand and style, but commercial dim sims commonly include a meat and vegetable filling wrapped in a wheat-based dough.
Common ingredients include cabbage, carrot, onion, seasoning and meat such as beef, pork, lamb or mutton, while some versions may use chicken, vegetables or other fillings. The wrapper is typically made with wheat flour, baking powder and salt. Together, these components create the toothsome Dim Sim that stays succulent whether steamed or fried.
What makes this pocket-sized snack so unique is its distinct umami flavour and pleasing textures, from its crunchy outer layer to its pleasantly chewy interior, ensuring it remains one of the most irresistible street food snacks.
South Melbourne Market Dim Sims
Given that dim sims originated in Australia in the 1940s, it’s no wonder they have built up such a strong local history. One of the best-known examples is the South Melbourne Market Dim Sim, which has become a mainstay in the area’s food scene.
According to SBS, Ken Cheng began selling steamed dim sims from a trolley at Caulfield Racecourse in 1949 before later relocating to South Melbourne Market. His version became known for being much larger than standard dim sims, weighing around 100 to 120 grams.
The South Melbourne Market Dim Sim stands apart from the more common dim sim recipes found around Australia. It is larger, rounder and known for its distinct flavour, with stronger umami notes and a meatier taste. Although it originated from a single store, it has since become closely associated with the markets and food culture around South Melbourne.
If you’re ever in South Melbourne, make sure you try this variation right from the source; you won’t be disappointed.
How Do You Cook a Dim Sim to Perfection?
There are multiple ways to cook the perfect Dim Sim, depending on personal preference. The most popular and traditional is deep frying, but you can also steam, bake or even air-fry the popular Australian Dim Sim.
How to Cook Dim Sims in a Deep Fryer
Frying the Dim Sim to perfection requires both the right temperature and timing. To ensure that the outside is crispy and the inside is juicy, it’s essential to fry the dumplings in plenty of oil at moderate heat. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn, flipping it as necessary until both sides have reached a nice golden brown.
How to Steam Dim Sims
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, steaming is the way. This method preserves all the juiciness and flavour of the dumpling while creating an even softer texture. Fill up a steamer with water and bring it to the boil before adding in your Dim Sims. Cooking times vary by brand, size and whether the dim sims are frozen or thawed, so always follow the packet instructions. As a guide, Marathon recommends steaming regular dim sims for 15 minutes if thawed or 20 minutes if frozen.
How to Cook Dim Sims in the Oven
Baking is another great way to cook Dim Sims without compromising flavour or texture. Preheat the oven to 200°c, line a baking tray with baking paper and arrange your Dim Sims. Brush them with oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving, and enjoy.
How to Cook Dim Sims in the Air Fryer
Cooking your Dim Sims with an air-fryer is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get that crispiness without the effort of deep frying. Preheat the air-fryer to 190 °c and lightly spritz your Dim Sims with oil before placing them in the basket. You should leave them in for about 12 minutes and flip halfway until golden brown.
How to Cook Dim Sims on the BBQ
The final way to cook Dim Sims is on the barbecue grill. Grease the grill with oil and heat it until hot before laying your Dim Sims on it. Grill them for about 5 minutes, turning once or twice until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately while they’re still warm.
How to Cook South Melbourne Dim Sims
The South Melbourne Dim Sims follow the same cooking techniques as the traditional ones. Deep fry, steam, bake or grill them, depending on preference. However, if you want all of the unique flavours and textures that this style of Dim Sim offers, we recommend deep frying for a few minutes until crispy, as this works best.
Why are Dim Sims So Popular in Australia, and What Does This Say About our National Identity?
This unique and delicious food reflects the multiculturalism of Australian society, as it is a fusion of flavours from Chinese cuisine combined with an Australian twist. It is said that Dim Sims encapsulate some of the national values that Australians hold dear, namely the drive to embrace different cultures and ideas.
The popularity of Dim Sims in Australia speaks volumes about our shared cultural identity, one that is open-minded, diverse, and eager to explore all that the world offers.
Dim Sim FAQ
What Meat Is in Dim Sims?
Typically, most places will only contain pork in their Dim Sims, but there are variations with beef and chicken. If you want to experiment, you can also try cooking with different meats at home or try different brands at the supermarket. For some flavour varieties, see below:
Are Dim Sims Healthy?
Like many things, it depends on the cooking method. Deep frying is not the healthiest option, but steaming and baking can lower the fat content while still preserving the flavour of the dumpling. The packaging of Marathon Dim Sims claims to be a source of protein and fibre.
Are Dim Sims Made Out of Cats?
There have been myths circulating that Dim Sims contain dog or cat meat, but fortunately, this is not true. Commercial dim sims sold in Australia must comply with Australian food standards and ingredient labelling laws. Standard dim sims contain ingredients such as meat, cabbage, onion, wheat and seasonings, not cat or dog meat.
Where to Buy Marathon Dim Sims?
Marathon Dim Sims can be found in most major supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths, independent stores, and Chinese restaurants. They are also available online from some retailers. Look for the Marathon brand logo to ensure you get the original recipe.
Are Frozen Dim Sims Precooked?
Yes, most frozen Dim Sims are pre-cooked and need to be heated up before consumption. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packet, as different types may require different cooking times.
Can You Air Fry Dim Sims?
Yes, Dim Sims can be cooked in an air fryer, although you may need to adjust the cooking time compared to deep frying.
How Long to Cook Frozen Dim Sims in an Air Fryer?
To cook frozen Dim Sims in the air fryer, you will need to leave them in for about 12 minutes and cook them at 190°c. Don’t forget to coat the dim sims with oil lightly so they don’t go dry.
How Long to Steam Dim Sims?
Usually, it takes about 10 minutes to steam Dim Sims. It also depends on your preference; you can leave them longer if you want them softer or take them out sooner for more firmness.
How to Steam Dim Sims in a Microwave?
To steam Dim Sims in a microwave, you can use a microwave-proof dish and add some water, which will steam. You then place the Dim Sims in the dish and cover it with the lid. Then cook for roughly 8 minutes, just check to make sure they don’t overcook and are cooked thoroughly.
How Many Calories in a Fried Dim Sim?
A fried Dim Sim contains approximately 220 calories. This can vary slightly depending on the size and type of Dim Sim and the cooking method used.
How Many Calories in a Steamed Dim Sim?
A steamed Dim Sim contains roughly 80 calories, considerably lower than the fried version. This is because oil has more calories than other macronutrients, making steaming the preferred option for health-conscious individuals.
Are Steamed Dim Sims Healthy?
Yes, steamed Dim Sims are considered a healthy snack option. They contain fewer calories than their fried counterparts and are also low in fat and high in protein.
Are Steamed Dim Sims Fattening?
No, steamed Dim Sims are not considered particularly fattening; their calorie content is low, and their fat content isn’t as high as fried Dim Sims. However, if you are watching your weight, keeping an eye on portion sizes is essential, as large portions will naturally lead to higher calorie consumption.
Are Steamed Dim Sims Bad for Cholesterol?
No, steamed Dim Sims aren’t bad for cholesterol. They contain very little fat, so their cholesterol content is low. The only issue arises if you consume too much of them in one sitting, which can lead to an unhealthy spike in your calorie and fat intake.
Are Dim Sims Gluten-Free?
Most varieties of Dim Sim contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, if you look carefully, there are some gluten-free varieties that can be found in health food stores or online. These may contain other ingredients, such as rice flour and potato starch instead of wheat.
Are Dim Sims Vegetarian?
Most Dim Sims contain pork or beef, so they would not be suitable for vegetarians. However, some supermarkets and Chinese restaurants offer vegetarian varieties of Dim Sims, which are made with a mixture of vegetables or tofu instead of meat.
Are Dim Sims Keto-Friendly?
No, most Dim Sims are not considered keto-friendly due to the carbohydrate content in the pastry. If you are looking for alternatives, there are keto pastry or flour options that you can use if you want to recreate the recipe for keto dieters.
Can You Eat Dim Sims When Pregnant?
Dim sims can be eaten during pregnancy as long as they are cooked or reheated thoroughly. As with all meat-based foods, make sure they are steaming hot all the way through before eating to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
For meat-based fillings, aim for at least 75°C in the centre before serving.
Can Dogs Eat Dim Sims?
Generally, dim sims are not recommended for dogs. Many dim sims contain ingredients such as onion, salt and seasonings, which are not ideal for dogs and may upset their stomachs. Because of this, it is best to avoid giving dim sims to dogs as a treat.
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With dim sims being such a big part of Australia’s snacking history, there’s always going to be a lot to talk about when discussing them. However, at the end of the day, talking about them is definitely not going to be as exciting as going out and trying them for yourself. So, why wait? Head down to South Melbourne market, or maybe even your local milk bar, and see what you can find.
