Xiaolongbao

China

Also known as Soup Dumplings, XLB

About Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao are Chinese steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot soup, served in small bamboo baskets. They come from Shanghai and the nearby town of Nanxiang.

The soup comes from pork aspic (jellied broth) mixed into the filling, which melts during steaming. The thin wrappers are pleated with at least 18 folds at the top.

To eat one, place it on a spoon, bite a small hole, sip the soup and then eat the dumpling with ginger and black vinegar. The Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung made them famous around the world.

Ingredients

• flour
• pork
• pork aspic
• ginger
• scallions
• soy sauce
• shaoxing wine
• black vinegar