Steamed Xiaolongbao with Pork and Gelatin Broth
Delicate steamed soup dumplings filled with seasoned pork and rich gelatin broth that melts into a savory soup inside each bun. This chinese-inspired dumplings ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, ground pork for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 100 ml warm water
- 300 g ground pork
- 100 g pork skin gelatin (chilled and diced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp scallions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- as needed water for steaming
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 200 g all-purpose flour with 100 ml warm water in a bowl. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 300 g ground pork, 100 g diced chilled pork skin gelatin, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 tbsp finely chopped scallions, and 1 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly until sticky and well combined.
- Step 3: Roll the rested dough into a log and cut into 20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 3 inches in diameter, keeping the center slightly thicker.
- Step 4: Place 1 tbsp of the pork filling in the center of each wrapper. Pleat and pinch the edges tightly to seal the dumpling, ensuring no air leaks.
- Step 5: Prepare a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until the dough is translucent and the filling is cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with black vinegar and thinly sliced ginger for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Xiaolongbao with Pork and Gelatin Broth take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (50 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Steamed Xiaolongbao with Pork and Gelatin Broth?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Xiaolongbao with Pork and Gelatin Broth?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Steamed Xiaolongbao with Pork and Gelatin Broth for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Steamed Xiaolongbao with Pork and Gelatin Broth?
Chinese dumplings like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.