Name: Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2.5 to 3 lbs chicken backs and necks; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced; 4 green onions, chopped into 3 inch (8 cm) pieces; 1/4 cup water (for roasting); 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); 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 8 oz 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; Chicken jelly (prepared from broth as described); Chinkiang vinegar (Chinese black vinegar); Fresh ginger, very thinly sliced

Print Recipe·4 from 15 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating those tender, juicy little pockets of bliss bursting with savory broth, then you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Recipe. These delicate dumplings are a harmonious dance of thin, elastic wrappers enveloping an umami-rich pork filling and melt-in-your-mouth chicken broth jelly, which magically turns into the iconic soup inside once steamed. It’s a bit of a culinary adventure, but every careful step brings you closer to an unforgettable experience that tastes far fancier than what you’d expect from humble home cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three round, light brown steamed dumplings with finely pleated tops, placed inside a bamboo steamer lined with white square parchment paper. Each dumpling's dough is thin and slightly shiny, with folded edges gathered toward the center, creating a small opening at the top that reveals a glimpse of the filling inside. The bamboo steamer's light wooden texture contrasts softly against the dumplings, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on deceptively simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect soup dumpling. From the rich chicken broth that creates the “soup” to the tender pork filling and the delicate dough wrappers, every component contributes to the authentic texture and flavor that make this dish so special.

Chicken backs and necks (2.5 to 3 lbs): These parts form the foundation of the rich, savory chicken broth jelly that makes these dumplings unique.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Used to roast the chicken parts, adding a subtle depth of flavor to the broth.
Fresh ginger (2 inches, sliced + 1 tablespoon grated): Adds warmth and slight spiciness that balances the richness.
Green onions (8 total, divided): Contribute freshness and mild onion notes; chopped for broth and finely minced for filling.
All-purpose flour (120 g): This is the key to crafting the thin, elastic dough wrappers that hold the soup inside.
Salt (pinch plus 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances flavor throughout the dough and filling.
Hot water (35 g): Helps form the dough’s elasticity and tender texture.
Cold water (25 to 30 g): Completes the dough’s moisture for softness without stickiness.
Fatty ground pork (8 oz): The heart of the juicy filling with rich texture and flavor.
Light soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and saltiness to the filling.
Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (4 teaspoons): Gives the filling aromatic complexity.
Sugar (1/4 teaspoon): Balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness.
White pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle heat that complements the pork.
Chinkiang vinegar and thinly sliced ginger: Essential for serving as a classic dipping sauce for a tangy and slightly spicy kick.

How to Make Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth Jelly

This step is key to getting that luscious broth inside your dumplings. Start by preheating your oven, heating oil in a Dutch oven, then roasting chicken backs and necks with ginger and green onions. After adding a small amount of water and covering the pot, roast the mixture until the broth accumulates at the bottom. Once cooled, strain and refrigerate overnight until it solidifies into a gelatinous jelly. This jelly is what will melt into the soup while steaming.

Step 2: Make the Dough Wrappers

The dough for these dumplings needs to be soft, stretchy, and thin enough to cradle the filling without breaking. Mix flour with salt and gradually add hot water, stirring constantly, then add cold water to form a flaky dough. Knead well for 15 to 20 minutes to develop elasticity, then wrap and let it rest for 45 minutes. This rest time is essential for making the dough easier to roll out and shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Start by soaking grated ginger in hot water to soften the bite and infuse flavor. Remove the fat from your chilled chicken broth jelly and chop the jelly into small cubes. Combine the fatty ground pork with ginger water, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, sugar, and white pepper, then beat well until the mixture becomes sticky. Fold in the chicken jelly cubes and minced green onions, then chill the filling briefly to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Form the Dumplings

Rolling and pleating the wrappers can be a fun challenge! Roll the rested dough into logs, cut into small pieces, and roll each piece into a thin circle roughly 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Spoon the filling in the center of each wrapper, then carefully pleat the edges while leaving a tiny opening at the top to help release steam during cooking. Place each dumpling on napa cabbage leaves or parchment squares to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

Prepare your dipping sauce by mixing Chinese vinegar with thin ginger slices. Place the steamer rack over boiling water, arrange the dumplings with spacing, cover, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes. Eat them hot, using chopsticks and a spoon to catch the savory soup inside. Take a tiny bite first to let the steam escape, then savor the delightful burst of broth that makes these dumplings a standout.

How to Serve Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Recipe

A close-up view of a light beige dumpling with soft, thin folds held by black chopsticks above a white ceramic spoon filled with golden broth, with a single drop of broth falling from the dumpling. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Your dumplings will shine even brighter with a few classic garnishes. Thinly sliced ginger and Chinkiang vinegar provide a tangy, spicy heat that perfectly balances the savory filling. You can drizzle a little dipping sauce on the dumplings or dip them lightly for a breathtaking flavor combination that heightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Serving soup dumplings alongside simple, fresh dishes like sautéed greens, steamed bok choy, or cucumber salad helps create a well-rounded meal. These sides offer refreshing contrasts in texture and flavor that pair wonderfully with the richness of the dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Present your Xiao Long Bao on a beautiful wooden steamer lined with napa cabbage leaves. Adding a small bowl of delicate dipping sauce with slivers of ginger on the side invites everyone to customize their experience. For a twist, try serving with a splash of chili oil or a spoonful of homemade garlic sauce to elevate the flavors even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To prevent the delicate wrappers from sticking together, separate layers with parchment paper. Just remember that the broth inside may slightly thicken as it cools.

Freezing

Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange uncooked dumplings on a tray lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This method preserves their shape and texture, allowing you to steam straight from frozen whenever you crave these soup-filled delights.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or refrigerated dumplings, steam them for 8 to 10 minutes until thoroughly heated and the soup inside is piping hot again. Avoid microwaving, as it can damage the thin wrappers and dry out the filling. Steaming preserves the delicate texture and juicy broth that make Xiao Long Bao so irresistible.

FAQs

What is the secret to the soup inside the dumplings?

The soup is created by using a rich chicken broth that is cooled into a gelatinous jelly, which is then chopped and mixed with the pork filling. When steamed, the jelly melts into liquid broth, providing the signature soup bursting inside each dumpling.

Can I use store-bought wrappers instead of making my own dough?

While store-bought wrappers are convenient, they are often thicker and less elastic, which can affect the texture and ability to hold the soup without breaking. Making your own dough ensures better results and authentic thinness.

Why do I have to leave a small opening at the top of the dumplings?

Leaving a tiny opening helps release steam during cooking, preventing the dumpling from bursting. It also allows a subtle steam escape to keep the wrappers tender without collapsing.

How do I eat soup dumplings without making a mess?

Use chopsticks to gently place the dumpling onto a soup spoon, then take a small bite to release steam and sip the flavorful broth before eating the rest. Taking it slow prevents burns and lets you savor every drop of soup.

Can I prepare the filling and dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The broth jelly should be made a day in advance. Dough and filling can be prepared hours beforehand and refrigerated until assembly. Just avoid long storage of the filling to prevent it from becoming watery.

Final Thoughts

Making soup dumplings at home might seem like a project, but this Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) Recipe rewards you with an extraordinary and authentic experience that’s totally worth every moment spent. From the first delicate bite bursting with savory broth to the tender, flavorful pork filling and perfectly pliable wrapper, these dumplings bring joy to the table and a genuine sense of accomplishment. Invite a few friends, pour some tea, and get ready to impress yourself with this labor of love!