Dim Sim Recipes & How to Make Your Own
Why Make Dimmies at Home?
Most Aussies grow up eating dim sims at the markets, at the footy, or straight out of a paper bag from the local fish and chip shop. They’re cheap, filling, and have that unmistakable “dimmie flavour” we all know. But here’s the thing, making them at home isn’t just possible, it’s a game-changer.
Homemade dimmies let you skip the mystery meat jokes and actually control what goes in. Want extra cabbage? More pepper? A leaner cut of pork? No problem. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can knock out a big batch on the weekend and keep yourself stocked for weeks.
And let’s be honest: there’s something pretty satisfying about serving your mates a tray of homemade dim sims and being able to say, “Yeah, I made those.” It’s a slice of Melbourne food culture you can recreate in your own kitchen.
Classic Dim Sim Recipe (The OG Style)
This is as close as you’ll get to the old-school recipe that William Chen Wing Young first adapted in the 1940s. Peppery, hearty, and wrapped in a skin tough enough to survive steaming or frying.
Ingredients (makes about 20 dim sims):
- 500g pork mince
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp white pepper (generous)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 pack wonton wrappers (square or round)
Method:
- Mix the pork, cabbage, spring onions, carrot, soy, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
- Place a spoonful of filling into the centre of each wrapper. Gather the edges around the filling and squeeze gently to form the classic “dimmie” shape.
- For steaming: place dim sims in a lined bamboo steamer over boiling water and cook for 12–15 minutes until firm.
- For frying: heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C. Fry dim sims until golden brown and crisp, about 5–6 minutes.
Serve with soy sauce or chili on the side. They’re best eaten hot and fresh, but don’t stress, they’ll reheat fine if you want to make a big batch and freeze the extras.
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Vegetarian Dim Sim Recipe
A vegetarian dim sim recipe can be just as tasty as the meaty classic. Packed with cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, and water chestnuts, these lighter dimmies are full of flavour and crunch. Steam or fry them at home and discover why veggie dim sims deserve a spot on your table.
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How to Freeze and Reheat Dim Sims
Why Bother Freezing Dimmies? One of the best things about making dim sims at home is that you can do it in bulk. But unless you’ve got a footy team to feed, you’ll want to stash some for later. Freezing dimmies means you’ve got a quick snack ready any time…
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How to Make Dim Sim Wrappers
Making dim sim wrappers at home is easier than you think. With just flour, water, and oil, you can roll fresh, chewy skins perfect for steaming or frying. Homemade wrappers hold up better than store-bought and give your dimmies that authentic texture every Melbourne dim sim lover craves.
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Steamed vs Fried (and Even BBQ!)
Dim sims can be steamed, fried, or even thrown on the BBQ — and every method has its fans. From juicy, peppery steamed classics to golden fried favourites and smoky barbecued experiments, each style brings out something different. The only question is: are you Team Steamed, Fried, or BBQ?
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Sauces for Dim Sims
From classic soy to fiery chili and even tomato sauce, Aussies love debating what belongs on a dim sim. Some insist dimmies don’t need sauce at all, while others won’t eat one without a drizzle. Here’s a look at the most popular — and controversial — sauces for dim sims.