24/7 Customer Support
Free returns
Same-day & Next-day Delivery
Quality Guaranteed
Unlock Your Welcome Offers: FREE Delivery | Up to 80% OFF | Free 30-day JoyPlus trial
Download the APP
Craving the delicate, broth-filled parcels of joy known as soup dumplings, but a trip to your favourite dim sum restaurant isn't on the cards? Recreating that authentic xiao long bao experience at home has never been easier, thanks to the growing selection of quality frozen options available for delivery across the UK. However, not all frozen dumplings are created equal. The key is finding a product that delivers a thin, resilient wrapper and a rich, flavourful soup without turning into a disappointing, soggy mess.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the choices. This guide will walk you through what to look for when you want to buy siu long bun online and highlight some of our top recommendations, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dim sum at home with minimal fuss.
Choosing the right frozen soup dumplings comes down to a few key details. Keeping these points in mind will help you select a product that meets your expectations for flavour and texture.
The magic of a soup dumpling lies in its delicate wrapper. It needs to be thin enough to be pleasant to eat, yet strong enough to hold the hot, savoury broth without breaking during steaming or handling. Look for products that specify a thin, pleated wrapper, as this is a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship.
The heart of a xiao long bao is its filling and the gelatinised broth that melts into a delicious soup when steamed. Classic pork soup dumplings are a staple, but you can also find excellent varieties with prawn, crab or a combination. Check the ingredients list for a good percentage of the primary meat or seafood. The quality of the broth ingredients, such as pork stock, ginger and spring onion, will directly impact the overall flavour.
To achieve the perfect texture and avoid burst dumplings, proper cooking is essential. Reputable brands provide clear, simple instructions, almost always advising you to steam frozen dumplings directly from the freezer. Thawing is generally not recommended as it can compromise the wrapper's integrity.
Here are a few standout options that consistently deliver on flavour and quality, making them excellent choices for your next Asian food night in.
Why It Stands Out: This is the quintessential soup dumpling experience. Freshasia dumplings are known for their commitment to authentic flavours, and this classic pork variety is a prime example. The filling is a savoury blend of pork seasoned with ginger, spring onion and a hint of sesame, encased in a delicate wrapper that holds the rich broth perfectly.
Why It Stands Out: For those who enjoy a touch of seafood, this prawn and pork combination offers a delightful twist. The addition of whiteleg shrimp (13%) lends a subtle sweetness and a firmer texture that complements the juicy pork filling. It’s a popular pairing found in many dim sum houses.
Why It Stands Out: This option elevates the soup dumpling with the rich, savoury flavour of crab. It combines pork with 10% swimming crab meat and crab stick surimi, creating a distinct umami depth. The broth absorbs the seafood notes, resulting in a luxurious and aromatic soup.
Why It Stands Out: Zhen Wei Xiang offers a premium take on the crab and pork dumpling. These are packed with a high pork content (45%) and a notable amount of real crab meat (12%), delivering a robust and authentic Jiangnan-style flavour. The broth is particularly rich, promising that satisfying "soup explosion" that defines a great xiao long bao.
Soup dumplings are a fantastic centrepiece for any Asian frozen food UK feast, but the world of steamed buns is vast and delicious. If you're looking to expand your home dim sum menu with something different, consider a fluffy, slightly sweet alternative.
For a delightful contrast in texture and flavour, explore our curated selection of Fermented Rice Wine Steamed Buns.
1. Do I need to defrost frozen xiao long bao before cooking? No, you should not defrost them. For the best results, steam them directly from frozen. Thawing can cause the delicate wrappers to become moist and sticky, making them likely to tear and lose their soupy filling during the cooking process. Always follow the package instructions.
2. How do you steam frozen dumplings without a bamboo steamer? You can easily improvise. Place a metal colander or sieve inside a large pot with an inch or two of boiling water, ensuring the water level is below the colander. Alternatively, place a heatproof plate on top of a small, upturned bowl or a metal rack inside the pot. Line your chosen surface with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking, arrange the dumplings with space between them, cover, and steam.
3. What is the best way to eat a soup dumpling? To avoid a burnt mouth from the hot soup, there's a simple technique. Place a dumpling on your spoon. Gently nibble a small hole in the wrapper and sip out some of the hot, delicious broth. Then, you can dip the dumpling in a sauce of black vinegar and finely shredded ginger before eating the rest in one or two bites.