In a medium bowl, mix together the shrimp, water chestnuts , green onion, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili garlic paste until well combined.

Working with one dumpling wrapper at a time (keep the others fresh under a moistened towel), spoon 1½ teaspoon of the shrimp mixture into the middle of the wrapper.

Using your finger and some water, lightly wet the outside of the dumpling wrapper. Bring the two sides of the wrapper up to meet in the middle. Squeeze the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges if you wish.

Lay each dumpling on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornstarch.

Using a steaming tool of your choice (see options above), bring about ½ inch of water to a bowl in the bottom of the steaming vessel (i.e., in a pot of wok). Be sure that the water is not going to touch the steaming basket.

Line the steaming basket with cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place as many dumplings in the steaming basket without letting the dumplings touch each other, about 6 to 10.

Cover the steaming basket and place it over the boiling water, and reduce the heat to medium. Steam for 8 to 9 minutes. Check the water halfway through. If it is getting too low, refill with hot water.

Place the dumplings on a serving dish and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining dumplings, and additional water.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and chili garlic paste.

Serve with the dumplings as a dipping sauce.