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How to Make Perfect Soup Dumplings

How to Make Perfect Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) at Home


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  • Author: nakisha
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 30-40 dumplings 1x

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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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