Types of Dim Sum: Steamed, Fried, and Baked Varieties Explained

Dim sum is more than a meal—it's a sensory experience rooted in tradition and family. These small plates, often served in bamboo steamers or on delicate porcelain dishes, bring people together over conversation and flavor. At United Dumplings, we honor this tradition by offering a menu that showcases the full spectrum of dim sum styles. Among the many types of dim sum, three core preparation styles define the genre: steamed, fried, and baked. Each offers its own texture, aroma, and culinary story.

Read More: Dim Sum Restaurants: United Dumplings in San Francisco, Oakland & the East Bay

Dim Sum Cooking Styles & What They Reveal

To understand the appeal of dim sum, it helps to explore its three main categories and the techniques behind them:

• Steamed Dim Sum: Includes shrimp dumplings (har gow) and pork siu mai. This method celebrates the natural essence of ingredients, preserving moisture and delicate flavors. Steaming keeps dumplings tender and vegetables vibrant. It requires careful timing to avoid overcooking.
• Fried Dim Sum: Features items like crispy spring rolls. These offer crunch and a savory depth, adding a satisfying contrast to softer dishes. Frying uses high heat to seal in flavor and create a crisp texture.
• Baked Dim Sum: Highlights dishes such as golden char siu bao. These have a sweet-savory filling and a warm, flaky pastry shell. Baking combines Chinese and Western methods to yield rich pastries with aromatic fillings.

These share a focus on balance, variety, and artistry. Whether steamed to delicate perfection, fried to a golden crisp, or baked with care, each piece is crafted for texture, flavor, and warmth. These cooking styles define the types of dim sum you might find on a traditional menu or at a modern dumpling house. Importantly, the method affects not only taste but also mouthfeel and temperature, offering diners a truly varied experience. This variety is one reason dim sum remains beloved across generations and continents.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Taste

So how do you choose among the many types of dim sum? Start with your texture preferences. If you enjoy something tender and light, opt for steamed selections. Those who crave crispness and bold flavor might lean toward fried dishes. And if you're in the mood for something rich and satisfying, baked items often hit the spot. 

Consider also the setting—lighter steamed options pair beautifully with tea, while baked and fried dim sum can stand alone as a heartier snack.

Taste, temperature, and texture all work together to shape your dim sum experience. By trying each category, you expand your palate and appreciation. The diversity among the types of dim sum ensures there's something to suit every mood and moment.

Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes

Behind each dish lies careful craftsmanship. At United Dumplings, we hand-fold every dumpling and prepare fillings from scratch. Our chefs understand how timing, temperature, and tradition intersect in the kitchen. 

For instance, folding siu mai isn't just about aesthetics; it influences how the filling cooks. Baking char siu bao requires balancing dough hydration to achieve just the right flake. Even frying involves nuance—the oil temperature must be monitored constantly to ensure a crisp exterior without overpowering the filling.

This behind-the-scenes effort is what makes the many types of dim sum so memorable. Quality ingredients and expert technique are the foundation of every bite. We believe that care shows through, from the first steam plume to the last golden crumb.

Read More: Different Types of Dumplings Across Asian Cuisines

Bringing Dim Sum Home: From Our Kitchen to Yours

Dim sum is a joyful expression of contrast and craft. The different types of dim sum highlight unique skills and regional influences. At United Dumplings, we're proud to offer a wide range of flavors and textures to explore.

Even when you're not dining with us in person, you can bring the experience home. Our frozen collection features all three dim sum cooking styles, ready to steam, bake, or pan-fry. That means you can enjoy the comfort of handmade dumplings whenever the craving strikes. Explore the full range and savor the tradition, right from your own kitchen.