Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) Preparation

Introduction

• Dish Name: Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao in Chinese)
• Characteristics:
  • Tender skin
  • Scrumptious soup filling

Aspic Preparation

1. Ingredients:
   • Whole chicken
   • Scallions
   • Ginger
2. Method:
   • Roast chicken without seasoning, using scallions and ginger.
   • Use a Dutch oven or baking tray, cover tightly with foil to retain moisture.
   • Oven Temperature:
     • 200°C (390°F)
   • Roasting Time:
     • About 1 hour
   • After cooling, remove the chicken. The moisture becomes broth.
   • Refrigerate broth for at least 4 hours until it solidifies into aspic.

Dough Preparation

1. Ingredients:
   • All-purpose flour (or special dumpling flour)
   • Hot water
   • Tap water
2. Method:
   • Mix flour with water to form dough.
   • Rest for 10 minutes, knead until smooth.
   • Rest again for 30-60 minutes for manageability.

Filling Preparation

1. Ingredients:
   • Minced pork
   • Scallions
   • Ginger
   • Soy sauce
   • Shaoxing rice wine
   • Sugar
   • Salt
   • White pepper
   • Chicken aspic
2. Method:
   • Mince pork, scallions, and ginger.
   • Add soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Remove fat from aspic; break aspic into tiny pieces and mix with pork.
   • Note: Keep filling firm in the fridge.

Wrapping the Dumplings

1. Rolling the Wrappers:

   • Roll dough thinly into discs.
   • Disc Size:
     • Approximately 12 cm in diameter

2. Process:

   • Cut dough into small pieces, press into discs.
   • Roll out each piece while keeping others covered to prevent drying.
   • Dust with flour to prevent sticking.

3. Pleating:

   • Use thumb and index finger to pleat.
   • Slowly plate until sealing.
   • Can leave an opening or seal completely.

Steaming

1. Preparation:
   • Line steamer basket with parchment paper or oil.
2. Cooking Time:
   • 8 minutes for less than 10 dumplings.
   • Increase to 10 minutes for more than 10.

Conclusion

• Homemade Soup Dumplings: Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
• For detailed recipe, visit the mentioned blog.