Homemade Soup Dumplings

Homemade Soup Dumplings, or Xiao Long Bao, are a culinary delight originating from China, particularly renowned for their delicate, broth-filled centers and tender wrappers. These dumplings are a testament to the ingenuity of Chinese cuisine, where a simple combination of ingredients transforms into a complex, flavorful experience. The broth inside the dumplings is typically made from a gelatinous aspic, which melts during steaming, releasing a savory, aromatic liquid with each bite. The cultural significance of Xiao Long Bao lies in its role as a comfort food and a symbol of hospitality, often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

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• 2.5 to 3 lbs (1 kg) chicken backs and necks
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 inches (5 cm) ginger, sliced
• 4 green onions, chopped into 3-inch (8 cm) pieces
• Dumpling Wrappers:
  • 120 g all-purpose flour (2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 35 g hot water (2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon)
  • 25 to 30 g cold water (about 2 tablespoons)
• Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 8 oz (227 g) fatty ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 4 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 4 green onions, finely minced
• Dipping Sauce:
  • Chinkiang vinegar
  • Ginger, very thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jelly Broth (Aspic):

   • Place chicken backs in a Dutch oven or heavy pot, add vegetable oil, sliced ginger, and chopped green onions.
   • Roast covered until you get about 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
   • Chill in the fridge overnight until congealed, then scrape off the chicken fat from the top.
   • Slice the gelatin part, then dice it into small bits.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Make a batch of ginger water by simmering sliced ginger in water for a few minutes.
   • Add the ginger water and the rest of the seasonings into the ground pork.
   • Beat until everything is fully absorbed and the meat becomes springy.
   • Add the chicken jelly and the green onion. Mix well and store in the fridge until ready to use.

3. Make the Dumpling Wrappers:

• Slowly drizzle hot water into the flour, then add cold water. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Let it rest until the texture softens.

4. Assemble the Dumplings:

   • Roll the dough into a long log, cut into half, and work on one piece at a time.
   • Cut the log into 10 even pieces.
   • Roll each piece into a very thin wrapper.
   • Add the filling to the center of each wrapper.
   • Wrap the dumplings by making pleats, leaving a small opening at the top.

5. Steam the Dumplings:

   • Place the dumplings in a lined bamboo steamer.
   • Steam over boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes.
   • Serve hot with the dipping sauce.

Top Tips

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ginger and good-quality pork are essential for the best flavor.
• Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can make it tough.
• Don’t Overfill: Leave enough room for the broth to expand during steaming.
• Steam Correctly: Ensure the steamer is not overcrowded to prevent dumplings from sticking together.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dumplings while they are hot to experience the full flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try adding different herbs or spices to the filling for unique flavors.

Variations

• Spicy Variation: Add diced chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Seafood Twist: Mix in some shrimp or crab meat into the pork for a seafood-inspired dumpling.
• Herbal Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the filling for added freshness.
• Lamb Filling: Use ground lamb instead of pork for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor.

Nutritional Guide

Additional nutritional notes: Homemade Soup Dumplings are relatively low in calories and fat but high in protein, making them a nutritious option for a meal. The use of lean pork and minimal added oils keeps the fat content low. However, the dumpling wrappers contribute to the carbohydrate content. These dumplings are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.