Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)

Name: Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
Prep time: 1440 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1470 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 1 lb pork neck bones; 1/2 lb pork skin; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 950 ml water; 6 tbsp warm water; 1 small piece ginger slices; 1 scallion; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 3 tsp soy sauce; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 1/8 tsp white pepper; 1 cup aspic; 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar

These classic Chinese soup dumplings are filled with seasoned pork and rich gelatinized broth that melts into a savory soup as they steam. If you want tender wrappers, juicy filling, and restaurant-style xiaolongbao at home, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through it.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time1440 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Difficulty

Advanced

Ingredients

ground pork
1 lb
pork neck bones
1 lb
pork skin
0.5 lb
all-purpose flour
1 cup
water
950 ml
warm water
6 tbsp
ginger slices
1 small piece
scallion
1
Shaoxing wine
1 tbsp
soy sauce
3 tsp
salt
0.8 tsp
sugar
0.8 tsp
sesame oil
0.5 tsp
white pepper
0.1 tsp
aspic
1 cup
Chinese black vinegar
1 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the aspic: Place the pork skin and pork neck bones in a small pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a full boil, then drain and rinse well to remove impurities.

Return the cleaned pork skin and bones to the pot. Add 4 cups (950 ml) water, the ginger slices, scallion, and Shaoxing wine. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.

Strain the liquid into a bowl and discard the solids. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight until fully set. Once firm, dice the aspic into small cubes.

Make the dough: Put the flour in a mixing bowl and add the warm water gradually, stirring as you go. Knead for 15 to 20 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Make the filling: Pulse the ground pork in a food processor for 30 to 60 seconds until it becomes slightly sticky and paste-like. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the salt, sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, and white pepper until the mixture looks smooth and airy.