How to Make the Perfect Shanghai Soup Dumplings
Chinese · Hard · 102 min · 4 servings
Shanghai soup dumplings, known as xiao long bao, are delicate steamed parcels filled with seasoned pork and a rich gelatin broth that melts into soup when cooked. They are a beloved street food from Shanghai that require patience and skill to master the pleated wrapper technique.
Why this recipe works
This Shanghai Soup Dumplings recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 102 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 300 grams ground pork
- 1 cup pork gelatin stock cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 stalks green onions finely chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Gelatin Broth
Dissolve pork gelatin stock in hot water and pour into a shallow dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set, then cut into small cubes that will melt during steaming.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Mix flour with boiling water gradually until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fill and Pleat
Roll dough into thin rounds about 8 centimeters in diameter. Place a spoonful of pork mixture and two gelatin cubes in the center, then gather the edges and twist into at least 18 pleats to seal completely.
Step 4: Steam the Dumplings
Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper and place dumplings without touching each other. Steam over boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and the broth has melted inside.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork gelatin stock cubes → store-bought pork bone broth set with unflavored gelatin powder
- ground pork → ground chicken mixed with a small amount of sesame oil for moisture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Sealing the dumplings too loosely which causes the broth to leak out during steaming
- Rolling the wrappers too thick which results in a doughy texture rather than a delicate bite
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 18g protein, 35g carbs, 12g fat, 2g fiber.
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