Chinese soup dumplings

This is a blog post on how to make Chinese soup dumplings. It is also known as xiaolongbao (小笼包) This is basically dumplings with soup inside. It’s best to serve it as it’s cook. As the skin might break or the dumpling skin will harden up. Dumpling do take a bit of practice to get it right do be patient. If it doesn’t work try again on a different day. I use the same recipe for classic dumpling recipe for the skin. By all means, do use shop-bought dumpling skin. However, I do find it on the dry side therefore it is much harder to obtain a proper seal in which is important in soup dumplings.

For the filling it is possible to use other ingredients in the filling but I much prefer to use one adds bulk rather than textures. As by adding classic ingredients like wood ear and Chinese cabbage might just split the filling. It is a personal and regional taste as well.

Chinese soup dumplings recipe

Dumpling dough

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup hot water Approximately
• 1 pinch salt

Dumpling soup

• One chicken or vegetable stock cube
• 1 packet gelatine powder/ leave
• 300 mls hot water

Dumpling filling

• 500 grams minced pork
• 1 tsp cornflour
• One tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp soya sauce low salt if possible
• 3 cm ginger
• 2-3 stalks spring onion optional

Chilli, lime and soy dip

• 2 red chillies deseed, slice thinly
• 3 cloves garlic optional peel and chop finely
• 2-3 cm ginger peel and slice finely
• 1 lime juice only
• 1 tsp soy sauce

INSTRUCTIONS 

Making the dumpling soup jelly

• First of all, make the dumpling soup as it needs to set. in a bowl add the dumpling soup ingredients together till it is dissolved. Let it set in the fridge till it is set. I use a plate for this as it cools down and sets faster as a result. Also I use two plates instead of one. I have also put the bowl in the freezer as well but too long as you don’t want it to freeze up. It will take about 20 minutes depending on the plate. Once it is set then mash or cut it into dumpling size portions. It is about half to one teaspoon.

Prepare the dumpling dough

• Measure out the ingredients. in a bowl add the hot water to flour slowly. Mix it with a fork then use your hands once the mixture starts to form a dough. This is a basic dumpling dough recipe. Making the fillingPeel the garlic and ginger together. Rehydrate the wood ear either in hot water or cold water. If not using a blender, chop all the ingredients finely. In a bowl add all the ingredients including the seasonings together. Mix well.

Making and cooking the soup dumpling

• Roll the dough and divide the dough into 20-30. It depends on how big you want the dumpling to be. Then using a rolling pin roll out the dough. Add the filling and a bit of the set dumpling soup jelly then seal it by pressing the edges together. Once it is sealed put it on a greaseproof paper.Cook the dumpling in a steamer on top of a pan of boiling water for about 20 minutes on medium heat. Serve immediately with some chilli, lime soy dip.

Prepare chilli, lime and soy dip

• Prepare the ingredients as described. Add them all together and serve.

Thank you for reading and dropping by do have a look at my other dumpling recipes post like pot sticker dumpling and wonton soup.