Gluten Free Soup Dumplings Recipe

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Like many great adventures, perfecting this recipe was born out of necessity. I’ve always had a penchant for experimenting in the kitchen, twisting and tweaking traditional recipes to suit dietary needs without skimping on flavor. After several trials and a happy accident or two, I’ve made gluten-free soup dumplings that even the most discerning palates (gluten-tolerant or not) fall in love with at first bite.

How to make Gluten Free Soup Dumplings

Gluten-free soup dumplings are a variation of traditional soup dumplings designed to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Traditional soup dumplings, also known as xiao long bao, are typically made with a wheat-based dough that contains gluten.

Ingredients:

For the Dumpling Dough:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps with elasticity)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Boiling water (approximately 1/2 cup, but adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground chicken or pork
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gelatinous Broth (Aspic):

• 2 cups chicken broth (ensure it’s gluten-free)
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Aspic: Prepare the gelatinous broth: Heat the chicken broth until almost boiling, then sprinkle the gelatin over the broth and stir until fully dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set, about 3-4 hours or overnight.
2. Making the Dumpling Dough: Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add boiling water, mixing continuously with a fork or chopsticks until the dough comes together. The amount of water may need adjustment depending on your flour blend.
3. Knead the dough on a surface dusted with gluten-free flour until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preparing the Filling: Mix the filling ingredients (ground meat, soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper) in a bowl. Chop the set gelatinous broth into tiny cubes and gently fold it into the meat mixture.
5. Assembling the Dumplings: Roll out the dough into a thin sheet about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter).
6. Place a small amount of filling (about a tablespoon) in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch together at the top to seal, ensuring no leaks. It’s important that the seal is tight to keep the broth inside during cooking.
7. Cooking: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Line the steamer’s surface with cabbage leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Steam the dumplings for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough is translucent and the filling is cooked through.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Soup Dumplings:

• Dough consistency is key: Gluten-free dough can be tricky to handle. If it’s too dry, add a bit more boiling water. If it is too sticky, use more flour when rolling.
• Chilling the broth properly: Make sure the broth is completely set into a gel. This step is crucial for getting that soupy filling.
• Seal properly: Take your time sealing the dumplings to avoid any leaks.

What to serve with

Serving Gluten-Free Soup Dumplings is an opportunity to create a delightful and harmonious meal that caters to various taste preferences and dietary restrictions. The mild yet rich flavor of the dumplings allows them to pair wonderfully with a range of sides, from light and refreshing salads to savory and slightly spicy stir-fries.

1. Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing

A light, crunchy cucumber salad dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet sesame dressing perfectly complements the richness of the soup dumplings. The freshness of the cucumber provides a crisp contrast to the soft and savory dumplings, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced cucumbers
• Rice vinegar
• Gluten-free soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Honey (or sugar)
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey in a bowl to taste. Toss with the cucumber slices and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Chill before serving for a refreshing side.

2. Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic

The gentle bitterness and crunch of bok choy make it ideal for rich and savory dishes. Stir-frying it with garlic adds depth and a hint of spice that balances the flavor profile of the meal.

Ingredients:

• Bok choy, cleaned and separated
• Minced garlic
• Gluten-free soy sauce
• Olive oil or sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add bok choy and stir-fry until the leaves wilt, but the stems remain crisp. Splash with soy sauce and season to taste.

3. Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing

For a more filling accompaniment, a quinoa salad can provide both substance and nutrition, making it a wholesome side. The lemon herb dressing adds zest and brightness, complementing the umami flavors of the dumplings.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa
• Diced vegetables (bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers)
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, coriander, or mint)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the cooked quinoa with the diced vegetables and herbs. To make the dressing, add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.

4. Spicy Mango Salad

Offering a sweet, tangy, and spicy profile, a mango salad can be a vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with the subtle flavors of gluten-free soup dumplings. The spiciness can be adjusted to cater to individual preferences.

Ingredients:

• Ripe mango, julienned
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Cilantro leaves
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Chili flakes or fresh chili, to taste
• Fish sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free) to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mango, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, chili, and fish sauce to taste. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Gluten-Free Soup Dumplings offers a delightful culinary experience—enabling those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy this classic dish.

Here are the main components to consider and the substitutions you can use:

Dumpling Dough/Wrappers

Traditional dumpling wrappers are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten.

Substitute: Gluten-Free Flour Blend

Ingredients: You can make or buy a blend designed to mimic the properties of wheat flour without the gluten. A common blend might include rice flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum (acts as a binder), and potato starch.

Preparation Tip: Gluten-free dough can be a bit more delicate to work with. Ensure it’s well-kneaded and rested before rolling it out. You might need to experiment a little with the moisture content to get it just right.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is commonly used in filling and dipping sauces but traditionally contains wheat.

Substitute: Tamari or Coconut Aminos

• Tamari: This is a Japanese soy sauce made without wheat. It’s rich in flavor and very similar to traditional soy sauce.
• Coconut Aminos: A soy-free and gluten-free option made from the sap of coconut plants. It’s slightly sweeter and less salty but works well in balancing flavors.

Flour for Thickening and Binding

Wheat flour may be used in the fillings to thicken sauces or bind ingredients.

Substitute: Cornstarch or Potato Starch

• Cornstarch: A gluten-free thickener that works well with the high moisture content in fillings.
• Potato Starch: Another excellent thickener, delivering a glossy finish to sauces inside the dumpling.

Seasonings and Condiments

Be cautious with any prepared seasonings or condiments, as they may contain gluten as an additive.

Substitutes: Ensure Label Check

• Spices and Herbs: Always check labels to make sure they haven’t been processed with additives that contain gluten.
• Broth/Stock: Use homemade or certified gluten-free broth to avoid gluten-containing additives for soupy dumplings.

Final Thoughts

With these steps, you’re ready to enjoy delectable, gluten-free soup dumplings from the comfort of your home! Serve hot with a side of gluten-free soy sauce for dipping. The process might seem a bit labor-intensive, but the result—delicious soup exploding from a tender dumpling—is worth every bit of effort.