*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure for more info.

Jello? On a Chinese food blog? Am I trying to unleash the wrath of my ancestors?

Allow me to explain…

Despite the fact that Jello isn’t actually Chinese, it has, somehow, over the years become a prominent dessert beloved across the wide spectrum of Westernized Chinese restaurants.

My theory? It’s tasty, easy to make in huge batches, and most importantly: inexpensive.

Regardless of the reason, Jello is a staple of Chinese restaurants across North America, from dim sum tables where they’re usually served with cute little cocktail umbrellas, to giant buffets where they’re regularly peddled by the tray.

If you’ve tried Chinese restaurant Jello – it’s way firmer than the Jello you get from cups… it’s also usually cut up into cubes and served that way. In my eyes, I now see this type of Jello as a Westernized Chinese dessert, although if this quirk is unique to my neck of the woods, feel free to let me know in the comments.

Anyways, for those nostalgic folks who are curious about replicating Chinese restaurant Jello at home, here’s the recipe.

Ingredients for Our Dim Sum Style Jello Recipe

2 85g packages of Lime Jello powder
2 cups (500 mL) boiling water
2 cups (500 mL) cold water
8g Knox unflavoured gelatin

Step by Step Instructions for Our Dim Sum Style Jello Recipe

This quick dessert is easy to whip together in advance for any gathering. Here are the step by step instructions, although you’re mainly just following the Jello recipe on the box, plus some additional gelatin.

Mix your gelatin with the Lime Jello packet, then follow the instructions on the box. In other words, add your boiling water, then your cold water, and pour it into cups or a large tray (to be sliced into cubes later).

Chill in the fridge for at least four hours, or until firm.

Serve in cups, or cut into cubes, and enjoy!

Dim Sum Style Firm Jello

This easy and firm Jello recipe is going to wok your world! Reminiscent of Chinese buffet or dim sum Jello, this may not be the most conventional Chinese dessert, but it sure is nostalgic for those who grew up eating it. Read on for the full recipe.

Ingredients

2 85g packages of Lime Jello powder
2 cups (500 mL) boiling water
2 cups (500 mL) cold water
8g Knox unflavoured gelatin

Instructions

Mix your gelatin with the Lime Jello packet, then follow the instructions on the box. In other words, add your boiling water, then your cold water, and pour it into cups or a large tray (to be sliced into cubes later).
Chill in the fridge for at least four hours, or until firm.
Serve in cups, or cut into cubes, and enjoy!

We Hope You Enjoy Our Dim Sum Style Jello Recipe!

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, or be sure to let us know if you’ve tested the recipe out. We’re always looking to improve our recipes and make sure they taste great for everyone.