How to Make Soup Dumplings from Scratch | Xiaolongbao Recipe

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground turkey

Chicken is leaner and turkey is often less expensive.

gelatin

🥗Healthier: agar-agar

💰Cheaper: none

Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium options reduce salt intake.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: homemade broth

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be made from scraps.

Warm the chicken broth, sprinkle the gelatine over it, and stir until dissolved.

Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set (about 4 hours or overnight). Once set, chop into tiny pieces.

Put 4 cups flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add 1 cup water to the flour and knead into a smooth dough for about 10 minutes.

Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll out 1 piece of dough into a thin log and divide into 8 pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, sugar. Mix well.

Lightly flour the dough pieces and roll out 1 piece into a thin circle roughly 4-inches (10 cm) in diameter. Keep the dumpling wrappers separated by adding a thin layer of flour in between and repeat with the remaining dough.

Place a small spoonful of the filling and chopped gelatine in the centre of each dough circle.

Gather the edges of the dough circle and pleat them together at the top to enclose the filling. Ensure it is well sealed.

Prepare a steamer (lined with parchment paper with holes poked for steam). Steam the dumplings for about 8-10 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens