Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

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Anna Middleton (@chefanna)
5.0
From 1 rating

Delicious Chinese soup dumplings filled with beef mince and gelatinized chicken bone broth.

Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
1hr
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 3 dumplings)

Filling

  • 1cup
    Chicken Bone Broth
  • 1tsp
    Gelatine
  • 1 1/2cups
    Beef Mince
  • 1tbsp
    Spring Onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1tsp
    Ginger (minced)
  • 2tbsp
    Light Soy Sauce
  • 1tsp
    Palm Sugar (dissolved in hot water)
  • 1tsp
    Sesame Oil
  • 1tsp
    Shaoxing Rice Wine

Dough

  • 1cup
    All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2cup
    Hot Water
  • 1/4cup
    Tap Water

Dipping Sauce

  • 1cup
    Light Soy Sauce
  • 1tbsp
    Palm Sugar Syrup

How to make Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Prepare the Filling

  1. Heat the chicken bone broth, add the gelatine, and stir until all the gelatine has dissolved. Strain and place in the fridge until the jelly has set. Then cut into cubes.

    Step 1.1: Heat the chicken bone broth, add the gelatine, and stir until all the gelatine has dissolved
  2. Heat a pan, add sesame oil, and brown the beef mince. Add the spring onions, ginger, light soy sauce, shaoxing rice wine, and mix well until everything is well combined. Set aside to cool.

    Step 1.1: Heat a pan, add sesame oil, and brown the beef mince

Prepare the Dumpling Dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, then the hot water. Mix well to combine and slowly add the tap water, enough to form a dough similar to pasta or play dough consistency. Knead well with the palm of your hand until the dough is smooth. Set the dough aside to rest.

  2. Once the dough has rested, divide into smaller balls. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a long strip and lightly dust with more flour. Feed each strip through a pasta roller on 2 different settings until you get to the thickness you want. Use a glass or round cutter to cut out rings. Cover the dough rounds with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Assemble the Dumplings

  1. Fill each dough wrapper by placing some of the beef mince filling, topped with a cube of the jelly. Bring the sides together and form a 'money bag' with a chopstick in the center of the dumpling opening. Twist the opening gently around the chopstick and remove the chopstick.

    Step 3.1: Fill each dough wrapper by placing some of the beef mince filling, topped with a cube of the jelly
    Step 3.2: Fill each dough wrapper by placing some of the beef mince filling, topped with a cube of the jelly
  2. Refrigerate or steam the dumplings right away.

Cook the Dumplings

  1. Bring a small pot of water to boil, place the bamboo steamer on top, and place 3 dumplings into the steamer, ensuring they are not squashed together.

    Step 4.1: Bring a small pot of water to boil, place the bamboo steamer on top, and place 3 dumplings into the steamer, ensuring they are not squashed together
  2. Steam for about 8 minutes until the dough becomes translucent. Remove and serve warm with dipping sauce on the side.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. Mix the light soy sauce & palm sugar syrup well, then place into dipping bowls and serve with the dumplings.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the dough is covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

  2. Use a pasta roller to achieve consistent thickness for the dough.

  3. Refrigerate the dumplings if not steaming immediately to maintain freshness.

FAQS

  1. How do I store leftover Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)?

    To store leftover Xiao Long Bao, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate the dumplings with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, steam them directly from frozen for about 10-12 minutes.

  2. Can I make Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) gluten-free?

    Yes, you can make gluten-free Xiao Long Bao by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the ingredients of the other components, such as soy sauce, and opt for gluten-free versions to ensure the entire dish is suitable for a gluten-free diet.

  3. What can I use as a substitute for Shaoxing Rice Wine in Xiao Long Bao?

    If you don't have Shaoxing Rice Wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or a mixture of white wine and a splash of rice vinegar. While the flavor may vary slightly, these alternatives will still provide a nice depth to the beef filling.

  4. What dipping sauce pairs well with Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)?

    A simple dipping sauce made from light soy sauce and palm sugar syrup is perfect for Xiao Long Bao. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or chili oil for an extra kick. This combination enhances the flavors of the dumplings beautifully.

  5. What is the best way to cook Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) for optimal texture?

    The best way to cook Xiao Long Bao is by steaming them. Use a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Steam the dumplings for about 8 minutes until the dough becomes translucent. This method ensures the dumplings remain soft and the broth inside stays warm and flavorful.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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