Description
Master the magic of Xiao Long Bao with this step-by-step guide. These delicate dumplings feature a savory pork filling and a rich, golden broth that ‘magically’ melts inside as they steam. Perfect for a fun weekend project that brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Soup Jelly:
- 2 cups chicken or pork broth
- 1 packet (2.5 tsp) unflavored gelatin
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork (fatty mix preferred)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Soup Jelly: Combine broth, ginger, and soy sauce in a pot. Sprinkle gelatin over top, let sit for 2 mins, then heat until dissolved. Pour into a flat dish and refrigerate for 4 hours until firm.
- Prepare the Filling: Finely mince the chilled soup jelly. Mix ground pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, onions, and seasoning until sticky. Gently fold in the jelly cubes and keep cold.
- Make the Dough: Mix flour, salt, and warm water. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth like play-dough. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Assemble: Roll dough into small marble-sized balls and flatten into circles with thin edges. Place filling in the center, pinch pleats to seal the top tightly, ensuring there are no holes.
- Steam: Place dumplings in a lined steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until the dough is slightly translucent and soup is melted inside.
Notes
Do not use a microwave to reheat or the soup may explode and the dough will get tough. For the best experience, serve with black vinegar and ginger strips. If using store-bought wrappers, be careful as they are more prone to ripping than homemade dough.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 dumplings
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 12g