ADVERTISEMENT
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the hot water, stirring with chopsticks or a wooden spoon as you go. Once the dough starts coming together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step allows the dough to relax and will make it easier to roll out into thin wrappers.
2. Prepare the Soup Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the soup filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Next, dissolve the gelatin powder in the chicken stock (about 1/4 cup) by heating it gently until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Allow this broth to cool completely before adding it to the pork mixture. The gelatin will help create the signature “soup” that fills the dumplings. Stir the cooled gelatin-broth mixture into the pork mixture, and combine until smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has rested, divide it into small pieces, about the size of a walnut. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it with your palms. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. Be sure to keep the edges thinner than the center, as you’ll need to pleat them later.
4. Fill and Fold the Dumplings
Place about 1 tablespoon of the soup filling into the center of each dough circle. Carefully pinch the edges of the dough together, creating folds around the filling. This step is key to creating the traditional pleated look of soup dumplings. Gently twist the top to seal the dumpling completely, making sure the broth is safely enclosed.
5. Steam the Dumplings
Prepare a steamer by lining it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Bring a pot of water to a simmer in a large pot or wok. Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, ensuring they’re not touching each other, as they will expand while cooking.
Steam the dumplings over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and the broth inside is hot. The dumplings should be soft and tender, with the broth intact inside.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the dumplings from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can serve them with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little chili oil for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Gelatin Tip: The gelatin is crucial to the soup-filled center, as it solidifies when chilled and melts when steamed. If you can’t find gelatin powder, you can use agar-agar or konjac powder as an alternative.
- Other Fillings: While pork is the classic filling, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to complement the protein.
- Dipping Sauce: A mixture of soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil is a popular dipping sauce for soup dumplings. You can also experiment with adding a dash of garlic or ginger for extra punch.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dumplings before steaming them for up to a month. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Steam directly from frozen, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Why Homemade Soup Dumplings Are Worth the Effort
Making soup dumplings at home is a rewarding experience that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings. The combination of a silky dough, rich broth, and savory filling creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. The process of wrapping and pleating the dumplings is fun and gives you a real sense of accomplishment.
By making them at home, you also have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the seasoning and fillings to suit your preferences. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of biting into a warm soup dumpling with all that juicy broth on the inside!
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered how to make soup dumplings from scratch, now is the time to try it. This homemade recipe brings the classic xiao long bao to your kitchen with ease, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats any time you like. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a cozy meal, these soup dumplings are guaranteed to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a fun and flavorful cooking adventure!
ADVERTISEMENT
