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Soup Dumplings

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


  • Author: Skyar
  • Total Time: 4-5 hours

Description

Soup dumplings, or Xiao Long Bao, are a delightful Chinese delicacy featuring thin, delicate wrappers filled with savory ground pork and a burst of hot, flavorful soup. These dumplings are steamed to perfection, creating a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. While they may seem challenging to make, this step-by-step recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, from preparing the gelatinized broth to assembling and steaming the dumplings. Perfect for dim sum lovers, this homemade version brings the authentic taste of restaurant-quality soup dumplings to your kitchen!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup Gelatin (Aspic)

  • 1 lb (450g) pork skin
  • 1 lb (450g) pork bones
  •  4 cups (1 liter) water
  • 2 slices ginger
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  •  1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Dumpling Filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground pork (preferably with some fat)
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Gelatin (Aspic)

1.     In a large pot, combine pork skin, pork bones, water, ginger, green onions, Shaoxing wine, and salt.

2.     Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until the liquid reduces by half.

3.     Strain the broth and discard the solids. Let the broth cool, then refrigerate for 4-6 hours until it solidifies into a gelatinous consistency.

4.     Once set, chop the gelatin into small cubes.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Filling

1.     In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and white pepper.

2.     Mix well until the filling becomes sticky and well-combined.

3.     Gently fold in the chopped soup gelatin cubes. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Wrappers

1.     In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a dough forms.

2.     Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3.     Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

4.     Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into small, equal-sized pieces (about 20-24).

5.     Flatten each piece into a thin, round wrapper (about 3 inches in diameter) using a rolling pin.

Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings

1.     Place a spoonful of filling (about 1 tbsp) in the center of each wrapper.

2.     Gather the edges of the wrapper and pleat them together, twisting at the top to seal the dumpling. Ensure the dumpling is tightly sealed to prevent the soup from leaking.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

1.     Line a steamer basket with cabbage leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2.     Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, leaving space between them to expand.

3.     Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and the wrappers are translucent.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour (active)
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (including broth simmering and gelatin setting)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Protein: 8g

Keywords: Soup Dumplings