Steaming Pork Soup Dumplings: Hacks Without A Steamer

Pork soup dumplings, also known as Xiao Long Bao, are a type of Chinese steamed dumplings that originated in Shanghai. They are typically made with a paper-thin wrapper and filled with a mild pork filling and a pocket of fragrant soup. While a bamboo steamer is commonly used to cook these dumplings, it is not necessary. Here are some alternative methods to cook pork soup dumplings without a steamer.

The stovetop steaming method involves using a large saucepan with water, approximately 2-3 inches deep. Place a heat-resistant bowl or colander in the saucepan, ensuring it sits above the water. Arrange the dumplings on a heatproof plate or in a bamboo steamer basket, and place it on top of the bowl or colander. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Another option is pan-frying, which gives the dumplings a crispy exterior. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Place the dumplings in the skillet without touching each other and fry for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Add a quarter cup of water, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the dumplings steam for 6-8 minutes, then remove the lid and cook until the undersides are crispy.

Additionally, you can bake the dumplings by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the wrappers are golden brown.

These alternative methods allow you to enjoy the delicious pork soup dumplings without the need for a steamer.

Make pork soup dumplings without a steamer by using a stovetop and a heatproof bowl

Making pork soup dumplings without a steamer is easy! All you need is a stovetop and a heatproof bowl. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients. For the soup dumplings, you'll need ground pork, ginger, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine or rice vinegar. You can also prepare a simple dipping sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, grated ginger root, and garlic.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the ginger, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine or rice vinegar. Mix everything together using your hands until well incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings

Take a dumpling wrapper and place a heaped tablespoon of the filling in the center. Using your finger, dip it into an egg wash and trace around the edge of the wrapper. Then, pinch it closed and create a crimp along the edge using the "fold and pinch" method. Repeat this process until you have used up all the filling.

Step 4: Set Up the Stovetop Steamer

Fill a large saucepan or pot with water, about 2-3 inches deep. Place a heat-resistant bowl or colander in the saucepan, ensuring it sits above the water. You can also use aluminum foil balls or a plate on top of forks as a makeshift steamer.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

Arrange the dumplings on a heatproof plate or in a bamboo steamer basket. Place the plate or basket on top of the bowl or colander, making sure it's elevated from the water. Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer the water over medium heat. For fresh dumplings, steam for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through. Frozen dumplings may take longer, around 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are ready, carefully remove them from the stovetop setup. Serve them immediately with the dipping sauce and enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade pork soup dumplings!

Pan-fry your pork soup dumplings for a crispy exterior

If you prefer a crispy exterior to your dumplings, pan-frying is a great alternative cooking method. This method will give your dumplings a coveted combination of a crispy bottom and a soft, steamed top.

To pan-fry your pork soup dumplings, follow these steps:

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil.
• Arrange your frozen soup dumplings in the skillet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Pan-fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes or until the bottoms turn golden brown.
• Add a quarter cup of water to the skillet and immediately cover it with a tight-fitting lid.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the dumplings steam for an additional 6-8 minutes.
• Remove the lid and continue cooking until any remaining water has evaporated and the undersides are crispy.
• Gently transfer the dumplings to a serving plate and prepare yourself for a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.

Bake your pork soup dumplings in the oven for a hands-off method

If you're looking for an unconventional approach to cooking frozen soup dumplings, why not try baking? It's a hands-off method that still yields fantastic results. Here's what you need to do:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen soup dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced out. Pop the dumplings in the oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes or until the wrappers turn golden brown. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dumplings cool for a bit before serving.

Now you know the secrets to cooking frozen soup dumplings without a steamer, you can enjoy these treats anytime, anywhere.

Use a pot with a lid and a heatproof plate to steam dumplings without a steamer

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a pot with a lid and a heatproof plate to steam dumplings. Here's what you need to do:

First, take three similarly-sized balls of aluminium foil and place them in a pot. The balls should be big enough to elevate a plate inside the pot. Next, fill the pot with about an inch or a few inches of water. Then, place a heat-safe ceramic plate on top of the foil balls, ensuring the water doesn't touch the plate. You can use a wire rack instead of foil balls if you have one.

Before placing the dumplings on the plate, brush the plate with oil or line it with parchment paper or lettuce/cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the dumplings on the plate, leaving some space between them so they cook evenly.

Finally, bring the water to a boil, put a lid on the pot, and let the dumplings steam for about 7-10 minutes. Be careful when removing the plate from the pot, as it will be hot. Enjoy your dumplings!

Make your own steamer by using a plate on top of forks

If you don't have a steamer, you can easily make your own using a plate and some forks. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into balls that are roughly the same size and shape. Place these balls in the bottom of your pot. The balls will act as a stand for your plate, ensuring that it doesn't touch the bottom of the pot.

Next, add a few inches of water to the pot. You want the water level to be just below the aluminium foil balls. Place the plate on top of the foil balls. Be sure to add a little sesame oil to the plate to prevent your dumplings from sticking.

Now, place your dumplings on the plate. Be careful not to overcrowd them. Once you've added all your dumplings, gently lower the plate onto the foil balls. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam. For pork soup dumplings, steam them for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will result in stiff and soggy dumplings.

Finally, carefully remove the plate from the pot—it will be very hot! Slide the dumplings onto a serving platter and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions