🥟 Crispy & Juicy Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings) 🥟
Recipe by eva@becomingsolo.com
Course: street food, main courseCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Intermediate
Servings
+
-
16
dumplingsPrep time
1
hourCooking time
15
minutesCalories
120
kcalTotal time
1
hour15
minutesIngredients
- For the Dough:
2 1⁄2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
3⁄4 cup (180ml) warm water
1⁄2 tsp tsp sugar
1⁄2 tsp salt
1 tsp instant yeast
- For the Filling:
1⁄2 lb (225g) ground pork (80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
3 tbsp chicken or pork broth (or water)
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional but recommended)
1 tsp oyster sauce
1⁄2 tsp sugar
1⁄2 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger, finely minced
- For Cooking:
2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
1⁄2 cup (120ml) water
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper.
- Gradually add broth while stirring in one direction until absorbed (this creates a juicy filling).
- Mix in sesame oil, green onions, and ginger. Cover and chill while the dough rises.
- Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead briefly.
- Roll into a long log and cut into 16-18 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece into a 3-inch (8 cm) circle, keeping the center slightly thicker than the edges.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center and pleat the edges together to seal.
- Step 4: Cook the Sheng Jian Bao
- Heat oil in a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Arrange the dumplings in the pan, pleated side up, touching each other slightly.
- Pan-fry for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
- Pour in ½ cup of water and cover with a lid. Steam for 8 minutes until the water evaporates.
- Remove the lid and let the dumplings crisp up for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with black vinegar and chili oil for dipping.
Notes
- 🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Sheng Jian Bao
✔ Juicy Filling: Stir the broth into the pork gradually to ensure the filling stays moist.
✔ Crispy Bottoms: Use a heavy skillet for even browning and crispiness.
✔ Proper Sealing: Make sure to pinch the dumpling edges tightly to avoid leaks.
✔ Resting Time: Let the shaped buns rest for 10 minutes before cooking for fluffier results.