Teresa's Recipes
Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
Indulge in the delicate and flavorful world of soup dumplings, known as xiao long bao, where each bite reveals a burst of savory broth encapsulated in a tender, thin wrapper. Originating from Jiangsu province in China, these dumplings are a beloved street food and a symbol of culinary artistry. Perfect for sharing, they are a delightful addition to any dim sum feast, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 24 wrappers Dumpling wrappers
- 1 pound Pork (ground)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (fresh, minced)
- 2 Green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Gelatin (powdered)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon White pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the chicken broth and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Heat the broth in the microwave until the gelatin is fully dissolved, then pour it into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, chopped green onions, salt, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the gelatinized broth is set, cut it into small cubes and gently fold them into the pork mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Lay a dumpling wrapper flat on your palm. Place a spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.
- Carefully gather the edges of the wrapper and pinch to seal, creating pleats as you go. Ensure the dumpling is tightly sealed to avoid leaks during cooking.
- Prepare a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or napa cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, leaving space between each.
- Steam the dumplings over boiling water for about 10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the wrappers are translucent.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar for an extra kick!
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp or crab for a seafood twist.
- Ensure the dumplings are not overcrowded in the steamer to allow for even cooking.