How to Make Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) – A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever enjoyed Chinese dim sum, chances are you’ve encountered the delicate, savoury delight known as xiao long bao – or soup dumplings. These little parcels of joy are famous for their rich, soupy filling and paper-thin wrappers. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make xiao long bao at home, using simple ingredients available in the UK, all in British English and under 1000 words. Let’s dive in!

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🥟 What Are Xiao Long Bao?

Xiao long bao (pronounced shao long bow) originate from Jiangnan region in China, most famously Shanghai. These steamed dumplings are filled with minced pork and a rich broth that turns into a delicious soup when cooked. Traditionally served in bamboo baskets, they’re a popular feature in Chinese dim sum restaurants.

The “soup” inside comes from a pork-based gelatin that melts during steaming. Crafting xiao long bao at home requires some patience, but the results are well worth the effort.

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🛒 Ingredients for Xiao Long Bao

For the Dough:

300g plain flour

150ml warm water

Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

250g minced pork (20% fat is ideal)

1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

½ teaspoon sugar

Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Gelatin Soup (Aspic):

300ml pork stock (homemade or low-sodium)

1½ teaspoons powdered gelatine

For Steaming:

Cabbage leaves or baking paper

Bamboo steamer or metal steamer basket

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Xiao Long Bao – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Gelatin Soup (Aspic)

1. Heat pork stock until warm but not boiling.

2. Stir in gelatine until fully dissolved.

3. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.

4. Once firm, chop the jelly into small cubes (about 0.5cm).

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.

2. Gradually add warm water, stirring to form a shaggy dough.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.

4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, ginger, sugar, salt, and white pepper.

2. Mix until the pork becomes sticky and well-blended.

3. Fold in the aspic cubes gently.

Step 4: Shape the Dumplings

1. Divide dough into small balls (about 10g each).

2. Roll each ball into a thin circle (around 8cm diameter).

3. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the centre.

4. Pleat the edges upwards, pinching to seal the top tightly.

Tip: Keep the dough and dumplings covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

1. Line your steamer with cabbage leaves or perforated baking paper.

2. Place dumplings about 2cm apart to avoid sticking.

3. Bring a pot of water to boil, then place the steamer on top.

4. Steam for 8–10 minutes with the lid closed.

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🍽 How to Serve Xiao Long Bao

Serve your soup dumplings immediately while hot. Provide Chinese soup spoons and a dipping sauce made of:

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Thin slices of fresh ginger

To eat, gently lift the dumpling with chopsticks, place it in the spoon, nibble a small hole, and sip the broth before eating the rest.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Xiao Long Bao

Chilled filling: Ensure the aspic is cold when folding the dumplings – this keeps the soup inside.

Thin dough: Roll wrappers evenly and thinly for the best texture.

Use fatty pork: This creates a juicier, more flavourful filling.

Don’t overcrowd the steamer: Give each dumpling space to expand.

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🔍 

How to make xiao long bao

Soup dumplings recipe

Chinese steamed dumplings

Homemade xiao long bao

Dim sum dumplings

Shanghai soup dumplings

British Chinese recipes

Steamed pork dumplings

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📝 Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at home, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a go. While this dish may seem complex at first, with a bit of preparation and practice, you’ll be steaming perfect little parcels of soup and pork like a pro.

These dumplings are a true labour of love – ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a cosy homemade dim sum night. Give them a try and bring the flavours of Shanghai to your own kitchen.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

Tried this recipe? Share your results in the comments or tag us on social media – we’d love to see your homemade xiao long bao!