This TikTok Soup Dumpling Lasagna is Criminal
This TikTok Soup Dumpling Lasagna is Criminal is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by LookCatchu on YouTube.
Prep: 42 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $11.45 total, $5.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Nappa Cabbage (thinly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to draw out moisture from cabbage)
- 1 pound Ground Pork (70% lean, 30% fat for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (helps bind the filling)
- ½ cup Chicken Broth Powder (dissolved in water, total ½ cup liquid)
- 4 stalks Green Onion (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 8 pieces Round Dumpling Wrappers (store‑bought, about 3‑inch diameter)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Crisp (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Roasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Shred and Salt the Cabbage
Thinly shred the nappa cabbage, place in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tsp kosher salt, toss, and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Time: PT20M
Prepare the Pork Filling
In a separate mixing bowl combine 1 lb ground pork, 1 tsp grated ginger, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and ½ cup dissolved chicken broth powder. Mix until just combined.
Time: PT5M
Combine Cabbage and Filling
Add the squeezed cabbage and 4 chopped green‑onion stalks to the pork mixture. Stir briefly to distribute evenly.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Dumpling Lasagna in Ramekins
Place 1 tbsp of the meat‑cabbage mixture into the bottom of each 4‑oz ramekin. Lay a dumpling wrapper over it, add another spoonful of filling, then top with a second wrapper. Drizzle 1 tbsp of additional chicken broth onto the top wrapper. Repeat for each ramekin (four wrappers per ramekin).
Time: PT10M
Steam the Ramekins
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, set the steamer rack inside, and place the ramekins on the rack. Cover tightly and steam for 15 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: boiling
Garnish and Serve
Remove ramekins carefully (they will be hot). Drizzle each with a small amount of chili crisp, sprinkle roasted sesame seeds, and scatter chopped green onion on top.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Contains soy, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Nappa Cabbage: Savoy cabbage, Napa cabbage
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table salt
- Instead of Ground Pork: Ground chicken, Ground turkey (will be less juicy)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste (½ tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Shaoxing Wine: Dry sherry, Mirin
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (less aromatic)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (½ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Cornstarch: Potato starch
- Instead of Chicken Broth Powder: Store‑bought chicken broth
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
- Instead of Round Dumpling Wrappers: Wonton wrappers (cut to size)
- Instead of Chili Crisp: Sriracha, Spicy oil
- Instead of Roasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Microplane Grater
- Garlic Press (optional)
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Ramekins (4‑oz)
- Steamer Pot with Lid
- Tongs
- Small Spoon or Scoop
- Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Salting and squeezing the cabbage to remove excess water
- Using a fatty 70/30 ground pork for proper bite and broth formation
- Gentle mixing of the filling to avoid a mushy texture
- Sealing the dumpling wrappers tightly before steaming
- Steaming for exactly 15 minutes – over‑steaming makes wrappers soggy
Chef Tips from the Video
- A small amount of gelatin (or chicken broth powder) is key to creating the signature soupy interior of a soup dumpling.
- If you cannot find nappa cabbage, use a mix of napa and bok choy for a similar texture.
- For extra heat, add a few drops of chili oil to the garnish.
Troubleshooting
No soup appears inside the ramekin after steaming.
Too much liquid was mixed into the filling, preventing gelatinous broth from forming. Reduce added broth to ¼ cup total and ensure the pork has a higher fat content.
Filling texture is mushy or overly soft.
Over‑mixing or using extra‑lean pork creates a soggy texture. Use 70/30 ground pork and mix just until ingredients are combined.
Dumpling wrappers become soggy or fall apart.
Steam for exactly 15 minutes and keep the water level below the ramekin. Also, make sure the cabbage is well‑drained before mixing.
Ramekins stick to the steamer rack.
Lightly oil the bottom of each ramekin or line the steamer rack with parchment paper.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re‑steam before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; dumpling wrappers become rubbery after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to meat safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pork‑cabbage filling up to step 3 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Dumpling wrappers can be kept sealed in the freezer; thaw briefly before assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) in Chinese cuisine?
Soup dumplings, known as Xiao Long Bao, originated in Jiangnan cuisine, especially Shanghai and Wuxi, where they became a celebrated street‑food staple. The delicate wrapper encases a gelatinous broth that turns liquid when steamed, showcasing the Chinese mastery of texture and flavor.
What are the traditional regional variations of soup dumplings in Chinese cuisine?
In Shanghai, Xiao Long Bao are filled with pork and a rich broth, while Wuxi versions often add crab meat. In northern China, larger "steamed buns" called Tang Bao are filled with pork and a hearty broth, sometimes served with a dipping sauce of ginger and vinegar.
How is soup dumpling lasagna traditionally served in Chinese dining culture?
While not a traditional Chinese dish, the concept of layering dumplings mimics the layered presentation of lasagna. In modern fusion settings, it is served in individual ramekins, garnished with chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh green onion, allowing diners to scoop out the juicy interior with a spoon.
What occasions or celebrations is the traditional soup dumpling (Xiao Long Bao) associated with in Chinese culture?
Soup dumplings are popular during Lunar New Year, family gatherings, and as a dim sum staple. Their delicate nature and rich broth symbolize prosperity and warmth, making them a favored dish for festive meals.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for making authentic Chinese soup dumplings versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include high‑fat ground pork (70/30 ratio), gelatin‑rich pork skin or chicken broth powder, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and thin wheat flour wrappers. Substitutes can be ground chicken with added fat, store‑bought chicken broth, and wonton wrappers cut to size, though texture may differ.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with soup dumpling lasagna?
Pair it with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, a simple miso‑style soup, or a refreshing jasmine tea. The crisp acidity of the salad balances the rich, soupy dumpling layers.
What makes soup dumpling lasagna special or unique in Chinese‑inspired fusion cuisine?
It combines the comforting, layered format of Italian lasagna with the delicate, broth‑filled experience of Xiao Long Bao, creating a handheld, visually striking dish that delivers both texture contrast and rich umami flavor in a single bite.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making soup dumpling lasagna at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the pork filling, using extra‑lean meat, adding too much broth to the filling, and not draining the cabbage well. These lead to a mushy texture or a lack of soup inside the dumpling layers.
Why does this soup dumpling lasagna recipe use chicken broth powder instead of gelatin?
Chicken broth powder provides both flavor and a small amount of protein that helps set a thin gel when steamed, mimicking the gelatin effect without needing pure gelatin sheets, which are harder to source for home cooks.
What does the YouTube channel LookCatchu specialize in?
The YouTube channel LookCatchu focuses on creative cooking hacks, especially around dumplings and Asian street‑food techniques, delivering playful, experimental recipes that simplify traditionally labor‑intensive dishes for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel LookCatchu's approach to Chinese fusion cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
LookCatchu blends humor with practical shortcuts, often reimagining classic Chinese dishes into modern formats (like dumpling lasagna) while still respecting core flavors. Other channels may stick to traditional presentations, whereas LookCatchu encourages playful experimentation.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








