Steamed Crystal Dumpling Cups

I’ve been making dumplings since I was a child, standing on a stool beside my grandmother in her tiny kitchen, watching her nimble fingers pleat and fold with a speed that seemed almost magical. She’d make hundreds at a time, each one perfectly shaped, and I’d try my best to copy her technique; though mine always looked a bit wonky in comparison!

Over the years, I’ve made countless dumplings, from the classic pork and chive to more adventurous fillings, but I’ll be honest with you: there are days when I simply don’t have the time or energy for all that folding and pleating, especially when I’m hosting a dinner party or preparing food for a gathering. That’s when I discovered these Crystal Dumpling Cups, and honestly, they’ve been a complete game-changer.

What I adore about this dish is how it gives you all the satisfaction of serving homemade dumplings without any of the fuss.

These dumpling cups have become my go-to whenever I’m entertaining, particularly during the festive season. They look incredibly elegant on the table, and because they’re steamed in individual portions, they’re so easy to serve.

I love using small glass cups so you can see that beautiful translucent wrapper, though little ceramic ramekins work brilliantly too. You can even prepare them ahead of time, steam them just before your guests arrive, and simply drizzle over the dressing at the last moment. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when really, you’ve had time to put your feet up with a cup of tea before everyone arrives. Now that’s my kind of entertaining!

Steamed Crystal Dumpling Cups

No folding, no pleating. Silky, juicy, and beautifully translucent, this might just be the easiest party dumpling you’ll ever make.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 250 g minced pork
• 3 slices ginger
• 2 stalks spring onion top half finely chopped – bottom 6 inches left whole
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ tsp white pepper powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp Shaoxing cooking wine
• 1 tsp chicken powder
• 1 tbsp premium oyster sauce

For the dressing

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp light soy sauce
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• 1½ tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Others

• 4-5 Crystal dumpling wrappers
• 5-6 Ginger strips & fresh coriander for garnish

Method

 

Step 1: Make the ginger–scallion water

1. Add the 3 slices of ginger and the bottom 6 inches of spring onion (chopped) to a bowl.
2. Pour in 150g warm water and allow it to infuse.

Step 2: Mix the filling

1. In a bowl, add the minced pork, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green part of the spring onion, white pepper, salt and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add the Shaoxing cooking wine, chicken powder, oyster sauce and all of the ginger–scallion water.
3. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes sticky – this is the secret to juicy crystal dumpling cups.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Add 2 tablespoons of filling into the bottom of each steam-safe cup.
2. Place 1 crystal dumpling wrapper on top.
3. Repeat for all cups.

Step 4: Steam

1. Steam for 15 minutes, until the filling is fully cooked and the wrapper turns beautifully translucent.

Step 5: Make the dressing

1. Combine the rice vinegar, light soy sauce, sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl.

Step 6: Finish & serve

1. Spoon 1 tablespoon of dressing over each dumpling cup.
2. Garnish with ginger strips and fresh coriander.
3. Serve immediately – and enjoy the compliments.

Video

Notes

• Stirring the filling until sticky helps it retain moisture during steaming.
• Use clear, heatproof glass or ceramic cups to show off the translucent wrapper.
• These can be steamed ahead and reheated gently — perfect for entertaining.