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Soup dumplings, also known as Xiao Long Bao, are a beloved Chinese dish known for their delicate wrappers and juicy, savory filling. Making these dumplings at home may seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality soup dumplings with a flavorful, tender filling and mouthwatering broth inside. Here’s how you can recreate this classic at home.
To make delicious Soup Dumplings at home, prepare the dough with flour, yeast, and water, and make a savory filling with pork, ginger, and seasonings. Steam the dumplings for 15 minutes, and enjoy this comforting dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and baking powder with warm water. Stir until dissolved. Then, add the flour and mix to form a sticky dough. Let it ferment until it doubles in size. This step may take around an hour. Once the dough has fermented, knead it lightly to remove any air bubbles, then divide it into small portions.
Step 2: Make the Filling
For the filling, take ground pork and chop it finely or pass it through a meat grinder. Add chopped spring onions and ginger powder. Half of the pork mixture should be stir-fried in a pan to cook it through, then mix it with the uncooked portion. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, white pepper, and a pinch of sugar to taste.
Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Flatten each one into a round wrapper, ensuring the center is slightly thicker than the edges. Spoon the filling into the center and carefully pleat the edges to seal the dumpling, ensuring no air is trapped inside.
Step 4: Steam the Dumplings
Place the dumplings in a steaming basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let them sit and rise for about 5–10 minutes before steaming. Steam over high heat for about 15 minutes until the wrappers are soft and the filling is cooked through.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Soup Dumplings
After steaming, let the dumplings rest for a few minutes before serving. Carefully transfer them to plates. For the best experience, enjoy them while still hot, so you can savor the delicious broth inside.
How can I make my soup dumplings juicier?
To make your dumplings extra juicy, mix 200 grams of water with 500 grams of ground pork and let the meat absorb the liquid before cooking. You can also add 50 grams of oil to increase the moisture content.
Can I freeze soup dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the dumplings before steaming them. After forming and sealing the dumplings, place them on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag. When ready to eat, steam them directly from the freezer.
Conclusion
Making soup dumplings at home is not only fun but also rewarding. With the right ingredients and patience, you can enjoy these delicious dumplings anytime without leaving your home. Follow these simple steps and treat yourself to homemade Xiao Long Bao!
