Shrimp and Edamame "Money Bag" Dumplings with Jade Noodles Soup

This Lunar New Year, celebrate prosperity and longevity with Shrimp and Edamame Money Bag Dumplings (known as Toong Tong in Thai cuisine) paired with homemade Jade Noodles in a rich soy-miso broth. The dumplings, symbolizing wealth, are complemented by the emerald-green noodles, representing long life. Together, they create a comforting and meaningful dish perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Serves: 4–6 (Makes about 20 dumplings)

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Filling

• ½ lb shrimp, cleaned, deveined, minced

• ½ cup edamame, roughly chopped

• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns, ground

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cilantro roots or 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro

• 1 tablespoon Thaimee All-Purpose Sauce

For the Dumpling Wrappers

• 20 square wonton wrappers or round dumpling wrappers

For Tying

• Green onion stems or blanched chives

For the Miso Broth

• 6 cups dashi or chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste (30 g)

• ½ lb bok choy, cleaned and halved lengthwise

• ¼ lb shiitake mushrooms, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 inch ginger, julienned

• Optional: sliced scallions, seaweed, or tofu cubes

For the Jade Noodles (Adapted from NY Times Homemade Pasta Recipe)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

• 1 cup blanched gai lan (Chinese broccoli), finely chopped and squeezed dry

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Jade Noodles

1. On a clean surface, form the flour into a mound with a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add the blanched gai lan, and olive oil (if using).

2. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, starting with a fork and then kneading by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

4. Roll the dough thinly using a pasta machine or rolling pin, and cut into noodles. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, edamame, ground pepper, garlic, cilantro, and Thaimee All-Purpose Sauce. Mix well until evenly combined.

2. Let the filling marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Money Bags

1. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.

2. Bring the edges of the wrapper together, forming a pouch, and gently press the folds to seal.

3. Use a blanched green onion stem or chive to tie the "neck" of the pouch securely, creating the signature “money bag” shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Steaming Option:

1. Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

2. Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or until the filling is fully cooked.

Step 5: Prepare the Miso Broth

1. In a medium pot, heat the dashi or broth over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the miso paste and add the julienned ginger. Stir until the miso is fully dissolved.

3. Add the bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and julienned ginger, and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until tender.

Step 6: Cook the Jade Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jade noodles for 2–3 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

1. Divide the jade noodles among individual serving bowls.

2. Place 3–4 steamed dumplings into each bowl.

3. Ladle the hot miso broth over the dumplings and noodles.

4. Garnish with sliced scallions, seaweed, or tofu cubes for added flavor and texture.

Cultural Context

• Money Bags: In Thai culture, Toong Tong symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, making it a perfect dish for Lunar New Year celebrations.

• Jade Noodles: The vibrant green hue represents longevity and renewal, adding an auspicious touch to the meal.

Pro Tips

• Blanch the Green Onions: Quickly blanch the green onion stems in boiling water to make them pliable for tying.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the dumplings in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Steam directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.

• Customize the Broth: Add baby bok choy, enoki mushrooms, or crispy garlic for extra flavor and variety.

This recipe combines the rich traditions of Thai and Asian-inspired cooking with homemade touches like jade noodles, offering a beautiful way to celebrate Lunar New Year. May it bring joy, comfort, and good fortune to your table. Happy New Year! 🥟✨

Dumpling Variations Across Cultures

• Thai: Toong Tong (ถุงทอง), or "golden bags," are crispy, deep-fried dumplings tied with green onions, often filled with shrimp, pork, or chicken.

• Chinese: Jiaozi (饺子) are crescent-shaped dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, but Fu Yuan Bao (福元宝), shaped like money bags, are popular for Lunar New Year.

• Italian: Sacchetti (little sacks) are pasta pouches often filled with cheese, vegetables, or meats and tied at the top. They’re served with sauces like cream or tomato.

• Japanese: Gyōza are pan-fried dumplings similar to Chinese jiaozi, though they aren’t typically tied into money bag shapes.

• Korean: Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with pork, tofu, or kimchi. While their shape varies, some styles resemble small bundles.

• Indian: Modak are sweet, steamed dumplings filled with jaggery and coconut, offered as a symbol of prosperity to Lord Ganesha.

• Middle Eastern: Manti are small dumplings filled with meat, served with yogurt or tomato-based sauces, popular in Turkish, Armenian, and Central Asian cuisines.

• Nepali: Momos are steamed or fried dumplings filled with spiced meat or vegetables, often pleated into round shapes resembling pouches. Served with spicy tomato-based chutney (achar), they are a popular symbol of Nepali cuisine.

• Polish: Pierogi are dumplings filled with savory or sweet ingredients, folded into half-moon shapes rather than tied, but they symbolize abundance in celebrations.

• Jewish Cuisine: Kreplach are triangular dumplings filled with meat or potato, often served in soups, symbolizing nourishment and comfort.

Universal Appeal

From savory fillings to sweet treats, dumplings in various forms often represent prosperity, abundance, and comfort across cultures. Their shapes and fillings may differ, but their shared symbolism makes them a beloved dish worldwide.