Catch the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a batch of scrumptious soup dumplings. Imagine biting into a delicate dough pocket bursting with rich broth and flavorful meat. It’s a culinary hug that warms the soul!

These delightful treats are perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights when you need a little extra love in your life. I vividly remember the first time I had them—my friend’s mom made them from scratch, and let’s just say my taste buds threw a party.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for soup dumplings is straightforward and beginner-friendly
- The flavor profile will leave you craving more after every bite
- Visually appealing with their translucent wrappers, they will impress anyone who sees them
- They are versatile enough for various fillings based on your preferences
I once made these soup dumplings for my family reunion, and let’s just say there was a lot of “oohing” and “aahing” around the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in the dough.
- Water: Ensure it’s warm to help activate the gluten for a pliable dough.
- Pork Belly: Choose fatty cuts to ensure flavorful filling; it keeps the meat juicy.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick; use finely grated for better integration.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide freshness; choose firm green stalks.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Homemade stock works best but store-bought is fine if you’re short on time.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds depth; opt for pure sesame oil for authentic flavor.
- Sugar: A pinch balances flavors perfectly; it enhances the overall taste subtly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: Mix all-purpose flour and warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic—about 10 minutes should do the trick!
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine minced pork belly, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken stock. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended.
Create Broth Gel: Heat chicken stock over medium heat until simmering. Pour it into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set—this will give your dumplings that delightful soupy center.
Roll out the Dough: Divide your dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball into thin circles on a floured surface, aiming for about 3 inches wide—remember not to tear them!
Fill Dumplings: Place one teaspoon of filling and a small cube of broth gel in the center of each wrapper. Gather edges together and pinch tightly to seal—think of it as giving your dumpling a cute little hat!
Steam Your Dumplings: Line a steamer basket with parchment paper (to prevent sticking) or cabbage leaves. Arrange dumplings evenly spaced apart. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until cooked through—your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Enjoy your homemade soup dumplings with dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar alongside fresh chilies or garlic.
And there you have it! Your very own batch of delicious soup dumplings ready to serve!
You Must Know
- Soup dumplings are a delightful treat, but mastering the art of wrapping them takes practice
- Ensure your dough is thin yet sturdy for that perfect burst of flavor
- Remember, overfilling will lead to soup spills, and nobody wants that mess at the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the filling while your dough rests. Then, steam the dumplings in batches for even cooking and flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pork for chicken or mushrooms in your filling. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences to make them truly yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by steaming gently to avoid drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect soup dumplings, ensure your broth is gelatinous before mixing it into the filling
- This guarantees a flavorful soup inside!
- Practice makes perfect with dumpling folding; don’t be discouraged if they’re not picture-perfect initially
- Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor!
It’s funny how my first attempt at making soup dumplings ended up looking more like deflated soccer balls than delicate little pouches. But after a few trials (and a couple of kitchen disasters), I finally got it right, much to my family’s delight!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for soup dumplings?
You’ll need dumpling wrappers, meat, broth, and seasonings for delicious filling.
Can I freeze soup dumplings?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray before transferring them to a bag.
How long do I steam the dumplings?
Steam them for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

How to Make Delicious Soup Dumplings at Home
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings
Description
Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are delightful pockets filled with savory broth and tender meat. Perfect for sharing and sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Warm Water
- Pork Belly
- Fresh Ginger
- Green Onions
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- Chicken Stock
- Sesame Oil
- Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix flour and warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Make the Filling: Combine minced pork belly, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken stock in a bowl. Mix well.
- Create Broth Gel: Heat chicken stock until simmering; refrigerate in a shallow dish until set.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide dough into balls (1 inch). Roll each into thin circles (3 inches wide).
- Fill Dumplings: Place 1 teaspoon of filling and a small cube of broth gel in each wrapper. Pinch edges to seal tightly.
- Steam Dumplings: Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Steam for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg