Steamed Pork Dumplings (Xiaolong Shaomai)

Steamed Pork Dumplings (Xiaolong Shaomai)

　　Xiaolong Shaomai

　　The “Xiaolong Shaomai” from Linqing is also one of the most beloved and exquisite types of pasta. A single steamer holds over 30 pieces, arranged in the shape of lotus petals, with each dumpling resembling the mouth of a pomegranate. They differ both from Beijing’s “Big Dragon” style “Big Wheat Ear” shaomai and Tianjin’s “Lotus Leaf Skin” shaomai. The fillings are available in varieties such as mutton, beef, three-meat delicacy, and crab meat. Nowadays, most are filled with mutton, yet they are not gamey or greasy. When dipped in a blend of black vinegar and sesame oil, they are simply irresistible.