Ingredients

3 cups white flour
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
salt
warm water
1/2 lb ground pork ( tastes better if fattier )
1/4 lb raw ground up shrimp ( optional )
2 1/2 inches fresh gingerroot , peeled and cut into tiny bits
1 egg
6 garlic cloves , peeled and sliced
1 green onions or 1/2 leek , sliced into tiny bits
1 star anise
3 dried japanese chilies
7 szechuan peppercorns ( optional )
cooking oil
1 -2 tablespoon soy sauce
salt
Xiao Long Bao (also known as little buns) are a type of Chinese dumpling that originated in Shanghai. These steamed soup dumplings are typically filled with pork and rich broth, and are usually served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and vinegar. Xiao Long Bao are a popular street food in China, and have gained popularity worldwide as well. The process of making Xiao Long Bao can be difficult and time-consuming but the result is worth the effort. The dumplings are flavorful, satisfying and perfect for sharing.

Instructions

1.In a bowl, mix together flour, yeast, sugar and salt, gradually adding warm water until a dough is formed.
2.Knead the dough and leave to rest in a warm place for at least an hour.
3.In a separate bowl, mix together the ground pork, shrimp, ginger, garlic, green onions, star anise, chilies, peppercorns, soy sauce and salt.
4.Form small balls of dough and flatten into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the centre and pleat the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5.Steam the dumplings for approximately 10 minutes until cooked through.
6.Serve hot with soy sauce and vinegar for dipping.

PROS

Xiao Long Bao are flavorful and satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The flavor and texture of the filling can be customized according to your personal taste.

CONS

Making the dough and the filling is time-consuming and can be challenging for beginners.

Cooking the dumplings requires some skill and patience, as they can easily tear.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Xiao Long Bao contain protein and vegetables, making them a nutritious choice. However, they are also high in sodium and calories due to the nature of the filling and the dipping sauce.
Ginger in the filling has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.

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