Jamie Oliver Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I remember the first time I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum recipe. It was during a weekend cooking binge when I wanted to try something fun and different. The idea of combining the delicate textures of dim sum with the smoky, sweet flavors of barbecue chicken immediately caught my attention. Cooking it felt like a little adventure-folding those tiny parcels, smelling the aroma of the chicken mingling with spices, and then biting into that perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Dim sum, traditionally a Cantonese delight, is usually a bit tricky to master at home. But Jamie’s take brings an approachable, rustic charm to the dish. It’s a brilliant way to bring a touch of Asian street food magic right to your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for sharing, making any meal feel like a special gathering.

Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum Recipe

This recipe is a vibrant fusion of smoky, sweet barbecue chicken wrapped in silky dough, steamed until tender. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something comforting yet sophisticated.

• The chicken is marinated and cooked in a barbecue-style sauce that’s rich but not overpowering.
• The dim sum dough is soft and delicate, providing the perfect wrapper.
• Steaming keeps everything moist and melts the flavors together.
• Each bite bursts with juicy chicken and a subtle hint of sweetness balanced by a touch of spice.

You’ll feel like you’re sitting at a bustling street food market in Hong Kong without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

I always enjoy checking out the ingredients list because it gives you a sneak peek into the flavors to expect. For Jamie’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum, here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) – juicy and perfect for absorbing the marinade.
• Soy sauce – salty depth.
• Honey or brown sugar – for sweetness and that sticky glaze effect.
• Five-spice powder – the magic spice blend that adds warmth and complexity.
• Garlic and ginger – the classic aromatics.
• Spring onions – fresh and crunchy for garnish.
• Cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce and gives the filling a nice texture.
• Dim sum wrappers – thin, delicate dough sheets (you can buy these or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous).
• Sesame oil – a little drizzle for nuttiness.
• Rice vinegar – a splash to brighten the marinade.

These ingredients come together to create that irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Jamie’s recipe leans on accessibility, so no hard-to-find items here-just good, honest food.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum

Making this dish is like unfolding a little secret each step of the way. Here’s how I approached it, and it made the whole process feel simple and fun.

1. Marinate The Chicken

   • Chop the chicken into small pieces.
   • Mix soy sauce, honey, five-spice, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar.
   • Let the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes-this is where the flavor magic starts.

2. Cook The Chicken

   • Stir-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through and sticky.
   • Add cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce gently.

3. Prepare The Wrappers

   • Lay out your dim sum wrappers on a clean surface.
   • Place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center of each wrapper.

4. Fold And Seal

   • Fold the edges of the wrapper around the filling, pinching to seal the dim sum like little parcels.

5. Steam The Dim Sum

   • Place the parcels in a steamer basket lined with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
   • Steam for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is translucent and the filling is hot and juicy.

6. Serve

   • Garnish with finely sliced spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
   • Serve with a side of soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.

Each step builds on the last, and you’ll find yourself getting into a rhythm. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s the fascinating part: why do these ingredients work so well together?

• Five-spice powder: It’s a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. Each spice contributes a layer of flavor. The star anise adds a sweet, licorice note, while Sichuan pepper brings a mild numbing sensation that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Soy sauce: Contains umami compounds that enhance meatiness and deepen the overall flavor profile. It also adds saltiness which balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps the sauce cling to the chicken, giving it that glossy finish and luscious texture. It also prevents the filling from becoming watery.
• Steaming: This gentle cooking method preserves moisture and tenderness, unlike frying or baking, which can dry out the chicken. The dough becomes soft and chewy, wrapping the filling in a perfect embrace.

Understanding these little science tidbits gives you more control and appreciation for the cooking process.

Expert Tips

Having made this dish multiple times, I’ve picked up some handy tips:

• Don’t overfill the wrappers: Too much filling makes sealing tricky and can cause the dim sum to burst during steaming.
• Keep the wrappers covered: They dry out quickly, so cover them with a damp cloth while working.
• Use chicken thighs over breast: Thigh meat stays juicier and packs more flavor.
• Let the marinade rest: Longer marination means deeper flavors.
• Test steam time: Depending on your steamer, dim sum can cook quickly, so start checking at 7 minutes.
• Serve immediately: Dim sum is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few fun twists you can try:

• Swap chicken for pork or shrimp: Both work beautifully in dim sum and change the flavor profile.
• Add mushrooms or water chestnuts: For extra texture and earthiness.
• Spice it up: Incorporate chili flakes or fresh chili into the marinade for heat.
• Make it vegan: Use firm tofu or jackfruit with the same marinade and wrap in vegan wrappers.
• Bake or pan-fry: Instead of steaming, try pan-frying the parcels for a crispy bottom.

Final Words

Cooking Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum feels like more than just making food-it’s a little celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions. It’s a dish that brings people together, invites conversation, and rewards your patience with delicious results.

I love how approachable it is. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this recipe offers a satisfying challenge and a tasty payoff.

FAQs

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum Recipe?

It’s a unique twist on traditional dim sum. The filling is made with barbecue chicken, herbs, and spices wrapped in a light dumpling wrapper, then steamed to perfection.

How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum At Home?

You’ll need chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and dumpling wrappers. The chicken is cooked with the barbecue flavors, shredded, and wrapped in the dumplings before steaming.

Can I Use Store-bought Dumpling Wrappers For This Recipe?

Yes! Store-bought wrappers work great for convenience. Just make sure they’re fresh and not frozen for the best results.

Is The Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum Spicy?

It has a mild level of spice. You can adjust it by adding more chili or hot sauce depending on your taste.

Can I Make The Dim Sum Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dim sum and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just steam them when you’re ready to eat.

What’s A Good Dipping Sauce For The Dim Sum?

A soy-based dipping sauce with a hint of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili flakes pairs really well.

How Long Does It Take To Cook The Barbecue Chicken Dim Sum?

It takes about 30 minutes to cook the chicken and prepare the dim sum. Steaming them takes around 10-12 minutes.

Can I Use Other Meats Instead Of Chicken?

Yes, pork or beef can be great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat.

What’s The Best Way To Steam The Dim Sum?

A bamboo steamer is ideal, but you can also use a regular steamer or even a metal colander over a pot of simmering water.

Is This Recipe Kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s pretty mild and delicious. You can adjust the seasoning to suit young taste buds too.