Treat bae to the bao of their dreams with the spiciest, slurpiest Valentine’s Dinner this side of Shanghai.

Xiao long bao may well be the greatest Chinese soup dumplings. These bundles of joy are so good, they attract queues of hungry foodies from London to Lanzhou. We’re talking about delicate wrappers packed with fragrant fillings, an umami-rich broth and a tiny crown of perfect pleats.

To turn up the heat on the perfect treat for two, we’ve added a little of Louisana’s finest to the mix. With a broth infused with a dash of Tabasco, our spicy twist on the classic recipe is the ultimate fiery fusion. Think steaming bao filled to bursting with a juicy pork and spring onion stuffing and an explosive (literally) soup base that’ll crank up the date night spice.

So whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or simply carb-loading for one, our twist on the classic xiao long bao is a surefire way to spice up your night.

Tabasco Xiao Long Bao 

Prep time 30 mins

Total time 1 hour

 

400g pork mince

4 spring onions

1-inch root ginger

3 garlic cloves

3- 4 tbsp Tabasco

1 sachet agar-agar

250ml chicken stock

20 dumpling wrappers

Handful of chives

Soy sauce

Chinese black vinegar

 

Step 1 First, whip up your Tabasco soup base by combining chicken stock, Tabasco and agar-agar and stirring until the mixture is fully dissolved. Pop the lot into the fridge while it sets into a jelly.

 

Step 2 Prepare your dimpling filling by finely chopping chives, spring onions, garlic and ginger. Add them to a mixing bowl along with pork mince and mix until well combined.

 

Step 3 Now your soup base has set, break it up using a fork and mix it into your aromatic pork filling.

 

Step 4 Pop a dumpling wrapper into the palm of your hand and add a spoonful of your filling. Carefully bring the edges of the wrapper to the centre by folding pleats. Twist it all together to make sure the wrapper is sealed – don’t worry if it looks a little messy.

 

Step 5 Steam your dumplings for 8 minutes in a steamer basket lined with greaseproof paper

 

Step 6 Serve with an easy soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar dipping sauce.

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