Something buzzes in the mind when one takes a bite of a freshly steamed soup dumplings. One moment it’s a well-rounded, soft dumpling, and the next, it’s a very liquid-filled dumpling.

If you’ve tasted those particularly squishy dumplings filled with soup, then you know they are a must-try. They truly embody the essence of Shanghai Cuisine to the core and shine the most in every mouthful.

The very first time I tasted those dumplings, I couldn’t help but imagine how such a soft, thin, and beautiful dough could encase so much broth and filling.

That said, if you’re a dumpling fan or just curious, I’ll guide you step-by-step as we try to replicate the taste as closely as possible.

Why This Soup Dumplings Recipe is Sure to Please

This soup dumplings recipe brings a taste of authentic Shanghai cuisine right into your kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and offers that irresistible burst of broth with each bite.

Homemade soup-filled dumplings may sound fancy, but they’re easier than you’d think and so worth it. Perfect for impressing friends or just indulging in comfort food.

Did you enjoy this easy soup recipe? You’ll absolutely love our delicious Easy Cozy Chicken Soup Recipe and Easy Butternut Squash Soup!

What is the secret ingredient in dumplings?

The secret ingredient in dumplings, especially soup dumplings, is often the use of gelatinized broth.

This causes the soup inside the dumpling to solidify, and when steamed, it melts, bursting with flavor. The combination of savory filling, rich broth, and tender dough creates that unforgettable bite!

Ready to bring these cozy soup dumplings to life in your kitchen? Check out the printable recipe for easy, step-by-step instructions you can keep right by your side!

Ingredients You Need for soup dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful soup dumplings at home. Each ingredient adds something special, so quality counts!

The Dumpling Dough:

All-purpose flour – Use good-quality flour for a smoother texture. Bread flour also works well if you’d like a chewier dumpling.
Hot water – This makes the dough elastic, which is key to holding the broth.

The Soup Gelatin:

Chicken bones or vegetable broth – These create a rich, savory broth that will “melt” inside the dumplings. For a vegetarian version, go with mushroom-based broth for a deep flavor.
Ginger and green onions – For subtle aromatics. Fresh ginger adds depth.
Soy sauce – Adds a little salt and umami. Low-sodium works great if you’re watching salt intake.

The Filling:

Ground chicken or firm tofu – Chicken offers a light flavor, while tofu creates a satisfying texture for a vegetarian option.
Sesame oil – Just a touch for warmth and aroma.
Salt, white pepper, and sugar – Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness from the sugar.

Having everything prepped and ready makes this recipe so much easier, and you’ll have those perfect, juicy Chinese dumplings in no time!

How to Make This Soup

It seems daunting to make soup dumplings at home but trust me, it is so worth it! It’s a little hands-on, but when you take one bite of that Broth covered, dumpling, it will all have been worth it. I will show you how I made mine.

First, I start by preparing the broth. I simmer chicken bones (or you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) with ginger and green onions for about 2 hours. After that, I strain the broth and pop it in the fridge to chill.

The key here is to let the broth solidify into a gel. This is the magic that turns into the delicious soup inside your dumplings!

While the broth is chilling, I prepare the dough. I mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of hot water and stir until it forms a dough. Then, I knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. I cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes, so the gluten can relax and make the dough easier to roll out.

After the dough has rested, I roll it into a long cylinder and cut it into small pieces. I then roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a round wrapper. The goal is to make the wrapper as thin as possible while still making sure it can hold the filling and broth inside.

How Do I Assemble and Steam Soup Dumplings?

Now, I move on to the filling. I mix ground chicken (or tofu, if you prefer) with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Once the broth has solidified, I cut it into small cubes, ready to be added to the dumplings.

Now comes the fun part, assembling the dumplings! I place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough wrapper, then top it with a cube of the chilled broth.

I pleat and seal the dumplings, leaving space for the broth to expand. Then, I line my steamer basket with parchment paper and steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is soft and translucent. The aroma while they steam is mouthwatering!

My Delicious Soup Dumplings Recipe

Print Recipe

Delicious homemade soup dumplings, filled with savory broth and tender filling, wrapped in soft dough.

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 20 dumplings

Instructions

Make the Broth:
Simmer chicken (or tofu), ginger, and green onions in water for 2 hours. Once done, strain and refrigerate overnight to let it solidify into a gel.
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, combine flour with hot water and stir until it forms a dough. Knead for about 5 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough:
After resting, roll the dough into a long cylinder. Cut it into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball into a round wrapper.
Make the Filling:
Mix the ground chicken (or tofu) with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar.
Assemble the Dumplings:
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough wrapper. Add a cube of the chilled broth. Pleat the edges and pinch them together tightly.
Steam the Dumplings:
Line a steamer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Steam the dumplings over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is soft and slightly translucent.
Serve:
Once done, serve your soup dumplings hot with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Chill the Broth: The broth needs to be chilled overnight to solidify into a gel. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious soup-filled center when steamed.
Handle the Dough Gently: When rolling out the dough, aim for thin, even wrappers. Too thick and the dumplings may be tough; too thin and they could tear during steaming.
Steam Carefully: Be sure to steam the dumplings on parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Avoid overcrowding the steamer to ensure even cooking.

Author: Mel Walker
Prep Time: 1 hour (excluding broth chilling)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Some Tips for the Best Soup Dumplings Recipe

Start by chilling the gelatinized broth before adding it to the filling, it’s much easier to wrap when solid. Roll your dumpling dough as thin as you can, but be careful not to tear it.

For steaming, place each soup dumpling on a parchment square to prevent sticking. Steam over medium-high heat for about 8–10 minutes until they’re puffy and translucent.

Finally, Serve piping hot, so you get that delightful burst of warm broth with every bite!

What are the 3 components of Dumplings?

The three essential components of a dumpling are the dough, the filling, and the broth (if you’re making soup dumplings).

The dough wraps around the filling, which is usually made with protein or vegetables. In soup-filled dumplings, the broth is the secret ingredient that gives each bite its delightful burst of flavor.

Enjoy these tender, juicy soup-filled dumplings with family and friends! #CozyVibes 🥰 pic.twitter.com/E9XMEeUzY2
— Dish Realm (@TheDishRealm) November 14, 2024

What is the soup in soup dumplings made of?

The soup inside soup dumplings comes from a gelatinized broth. You make it by simmering meat (like chicken) with aromatics such as ginger and green onions.

Then, once chilled, the broth turns into a gel that melts when steamed inside the dumpling, ultimately creating that delightful, broth-filled bite.

Serving Suggestions for Soup Dumplings

These soup dumplings pair wonderfully with a side of stir-fried veggies or a warm bowl of rice. For a traditional touch, serve with a tangy dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of chili oil.

Growing up, we always enjoyed dumplings with hot tea, something about the warmth makes it feel extra comforting!