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Experience the exquisite burst of flavor with homemade Xiaolongbao – delicate soup dumplings that are a true Shanghai specialty.

Xiaolongbao — Soup Dumplings

Experience the exquisite burst of flavor with homemade Xiaolongbao – delicate soup dumplings that are a true Shanghai specialty.

Total: 2 hrsActive: 1 hrDifficulty: HardYield: 8 servings
East AsianChickenDinner

Key move

Achieving the right balance of gelatin in the broth is critical for the signature soup inside the dumplings.

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The Setup

  • Large Pot
    6-quart
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve
  • Large Bowl
  • Bamboo Steamer

The Mise en Place

5 of 15

Your prep station before cooking begins

Broth (0/5)

2 lbpork skin(Cut into strips)
½ lbchicken feet(Optional, for extra gelatin)
4 slicesginger(Fresh)
2 stalksscallions(Roughly chopped)
8 cupswater

Broth is not solidifying.

Add more pork skin or chicken feet to increase gelatin content.

Dumpling skin is tearing.

The dough may be too dry. Add a little more water and knead until smooth. Also, ensure the dough is rolled thin enough.

Chef's Notes

Tip

Chill pork filling thoroughly before wrapping to make it easier to handle and prevent tearing.

Tip

Use a small ladle or spoon to carefully add broth to the filling. Don't overfill, or the dumplings will burst.

Serving

Serve immediately with black vinegar and slivers of fresh ginger for dipping.

Make Ahead

Formed dumplings can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for later steaming.

The Method

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