Scallop Dumplings with Chili Butter Sauce

Scallop Dumplings:

1 pound fresh raw bay scallops, cleaned
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons chopped yellow onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 dozen round wrappers
15 romaine lettuce leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 recipe Chili Butter Sauce (optional)
1 recipe Crunchy Asian Slaw, recipe follows
1 tablespoon chopped chives

Put the scallops, egg white, onions, cilantro, salt, cayenne, and sesame oil in a food processor and pulse 2 or 3 times to finely chop. Do not puree. Working 1 dumpling at a time, place 1 tablespoon of the filling the center of each wrapper. Lightly wet the edges of the wrappers with water. Fold in 1/2, forming a semicircle and crimp the edges. Place the finished dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Fill half of the wok with water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Line the bottom of a medium bamboo steamer with lettuce leaves. Lay the dumplings on top of the lettuce leaves and cover with the lid. Place the steamer in the wok and steam for 6 to 8 minutes. Carefully remove the steamer and remove the dumplings. Heat the oil in a large saute pan, over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the dumplings. Cook for about 1 minute or until crispy on the first side. Remove from the pan. Spoon the sauce in the center of each plate. Mound the slaw in the center of the sauce. Lay the dumplings around the slaw. Garnish with chives.

Chili Butter Sauce:

1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound butter, cold and cubed
1 tablespoon chili paste (found in Asian markets)

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the shallots, garlic and wine. Bring to a boil and reduce by half. Whisk in the butter, 1 cube at a time, until all of the butter is incorporated and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chili and mix well. Yield: about 1 1/2 to 2 cups