The Xiao Long Bao is classified as a soup dumpling based on technique in wrapping and filling – a mixture of minced pork, scallions, ginger and gelatinized pork soup; the little bundle is steam-cooked.
One of the lesser known dim sum dishes, the seaweed roll is often overlooked and neglected by most, then scooped up by dim sum aficionados – don’t be that person!
Beef meatball. Coincidentally, my paediatrician’s nickname for me when I was younger, the meatball is made with ground beef marinated in a mix of soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, garlic, ginger and sugar; it’s then whipped together with water chestnut, shitake mushrooms and scallions. The meatball itself is light and airy; this is attributed to the baking soda that is used to both tenderize the meat as well as aerate it, which yields a firm and toothsome final product. Steamed on a soy bean curd (tofu skin), prevents the meatball from sticking to the dish, however, also provides a great contrast in texture when eaten together. The meatball is dressed with Worcestershire sauce table side; the tang definitely works well by brightening up the meaty bite.
Try it! Then tell me how much you like it!