Kanom Jeeb is a popular Thai snack inspired by Chinese dim sum dumplings, especially siu mai. It is commonly found in Thai markets, street food stalls, and family kitchens. These small, steamed dumplings are soft, juicy, and full of flavor thanks to the combination of pork, garlic, pepper, and aromatic Thai seasonings.
In Thai, the word “Kanom” means snack or sweet, and “Jeeb” refers to the pinched, pleated shape of the dumpling wrapper. These dumplings are loved for their delicate texture, rich filling, and versatility. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a larger meal.
Kanom Jeeb is usually steamed, but can also be fried or pan-fried for a crispy variation.
Ingredients (Makes about 35–40 dumplings)
For the filling:
- 400 g (about 14 oz) ground pork
- 1 egg
- 2 coriander roots (or substitute with cilantro stems if unavailable)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked and finely chopped)
- ¼ cup finely diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- 3 tablespoons soy seasoning sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 ½ tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
For wrapping:
- 1 pack wonton or dumpling wrappers
For garnish and flavor (optional):
- Garlic oil
- Fried crispy garlic
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the aromatic paste
Using a mortar and pestle (or food processor), crush the coriander roots, garlic cloves, and black peppercorns into a rough paste. This paste gives Kanom Jeeb its traditional Thai aroma and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the seasoning mixture
In a bowl, mix together:
- Soy seasoning sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
Place the ground pork into a mixing bowl or food processor.
Add the egg and the seasoning mixture. Blend or mix until slightly sticky and smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a larger bowl and add:
- The aromatic paste
- Chopped mushrooms
- Carrots
- Green onions
Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
The texture should be slightly sticky and well mixed. This helps the filling hold together inside the wrapper.
Step 4: Shape the dumplings
- Take one dumpling wrapper and place it on the palm of your hand or over the curved back of a spoon.
- Add about one tablespoon of filling in the center.
- Gently moisten the edges with a little water.
- Pinch and pleat the sides upward around the filling, forming a cup shape with an open top.
- Press the bottom lightly on a flat surface to make it stand upright.
Repeat until all filling is used.
Step 5: Steam the dumplings
Line a steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
Arrange the dumplings inside, leaving space between them.
Steam over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until:
- The wrappers become translucent
- The filling is fully cooked
Step 6: Finish and serve
Once cooked, brush lightly with garlic oil for extra aroma and shine.
Sprinkle with fried garlic and chopped green onions if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a simple sesame soy dip.
Tips for Perfect Kanom Jeeb
- Do not overfill the wrappers or they will break during steaming.
- If you want juicier dumplings, add one tablespoon of water or stock to the filling mixture.
- To store, freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Steam directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes of cooking time.
- If you don’t have coriander roots, use the lower stems of fresh cilantro.
- You can replace pork with chicken, shrimp, or a vegetarian mixture using tofu and vegetables.
Variations
Kanom Jeeb is very flexible and can be adapted to different tastes:
- Shrimp Kanom Jeeb: Replace half the pork with finely chopped shrimp.
- Chicken Kanom Jeeb: Use minced chicken thighs instead of pork.
- Vegetarian version: Use mashed tofu, mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage with vegetable seasoning.
You can also pan-fry or deep-fry them after steaming if you prefer a crispy texture.
Why You Should Try Kanom Jeeb
Kanom Jeeb is a perfect blend of Thai and Chinese culinary influence. Its juicy filling, soft wrapper, and fragrant seasoning make it one of the most loved Thai snacks. It’s easy to prepare, great for gatherings, and perfect for freezer meal prep.
Whether you steam them for a traditional soft texture or fry them for crispiness, these Thai dumplings bring the authentic taste of Thailand into your kitchen.