Soup dumplings, or Xiao Long Bao, have long represented a beloved staple of Chinese cuisine. Traditionally, street vendors or dim sum restaurants served these delicate dumplings filled with rich broth and flavorful meat, creating an irresistible taste and texture combination. Over time, frozen soup dumplings have emerged as a convenient way for individuals to enjoy this comforting dish at home.
Among frozen dumpling brands, Mila Soup Dumplings stand out. Their restaurant-quality taste, paired with easy preparation, makes them popular with families, busy professionals, and food lovers alike.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Mila Soup Dumplings—from their history and cooking methods to product reviews and serving ideas. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know why they are special and how to enjoy them at home.
Introduction to Mila Soup Dumplings
Mila Soup Dumplings offer an easy, delicious way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish at home. These frozen dumplings replicate the flavors of restaurant-quality Xiao Long Bao with impressive accuracy.
Whether you’re craving a snack or a full meal, Mila’s dumplings provide a quick and satisfying option that can be ready in minutes. Available in various flavors, including pork and chicken, there’s a choice for everyone.
What truly sets Mila Soup Dumplings apart is their combination of authentic taste and convenience. Sold at major retailers like Costco and Target, they’re easy to find and affordable, making them an ideal choice for any household.
Why Choose Mila Soup Dumplings?
- Authentic Taste: These dumplings capture the rich flavors of traditional Xiao Long Bao.
- Convenient & Easy: Ready in minutes, Mila provides a simple meal solution for busy individuals or families.
- Affordable: Available at Costco and Target, they offer high quality at competitive prices.
For those interested in learning more about the diversity of dumplings, The Complete Guide to Dumpling Varieties explores dumplings from around the world.
The History of Soup Dumplings
Xiao Long Bao, meaning “small basket buns,” originated in Jiangnan, China, specifically in Shanghai. Over the years, this dish has gained fame for its delicate, thin wrappers and the flavorful broth that fills them. In many ways, these dumplings became symbolic of Chinese cuisine.
Initially, street vendors and dim sum restaurants offered these dumplings fresh and steaming hot. Over time, they evolved from a local delicacy into a globally beloved dish, featured in restaurants worldwide.
Crafting these dumplings requires great skill and precision. The secret to their taste lies in the gelatinized broth, which melts into liquid when steamed, creating a burst of flavor with each bite. Chefs spent years mastering the art of making Xiao Long Bao.
Today, Mila has adapted this traditional recipe for modern kitchens, offering frozen dumplings that preserve the authentic flavor. Even novice home cooks can prepare and enjoy these dumplings.
If you’re interested in the full history of Xiao Long Bao, check out The History of Xiao Long Bao for more insights.
Types of Mila Soup Dumplings
Mila Soup Dumplings are known for their variety of flavors. While the classic pork Xiao Long Bao remains a favorite, Mila offers additional flavors to cater to different preferences. Each type of dumpling provides a unique flavor and experience, ensuring that everyone finds something they enjoy.
Popular Varieties:
- Pork Xiao Long Bao: The classic version, filled with savory pork and a rich broth, offers an authentic dumpling experience.
- Chicken Xiao Long Bao: A lighter alternative for those who prefer poultry, while still rich and flavorful.
- Vegetarian Xiao Long Bao (Veg XLB): Perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking a plant-based option. These dumplings deliver the same great texture and flavor without meat.
Mila also releases seasonal specials, such as Creamy Corn Soup Dumplings, praised for their comforting flavor, making them perfect for fall or winter.
Each variety maintains the high-quality standards that Mila is known for, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Where to Buy Mila Soup Dumplings
Mila Soup Dumplings are widely available, making it easy to add them to your shopping list. You can find them both in stores and online.
In-Store Availability
- Costco: Costco offers bulk packages, ideal for families or those looking to stock up.
- Target: For smaller portions, Target provides individual meal-sized packages, great for trying different flavors.
- Sam’s Club: Like Costco, Sam’s Club offers bulk options at competitive prices, perfect for dumpling enthusiasts.
Online Options
If you prefer shopping online, Mila makes their products easily accessible:
- EatMila.com: You can order directly from the website, which often features exclusive deals and special bundles.
- Amazon: For busy individuals, Amazon provides convenient home delivery, ensuring you get Mila Soup Dumplings without leaving the house.
How to Cook Mila Soup Dumplings
One of the best aspects of Mila Soup Dumplings is how easy they are to prepare. Depending on your kitchen setup, you can choose from a variety of cooking methods.
Cooking Methods:
- Steaming: The traditional method for soup dumplings. Steam them for 10-12 minutes to ensure the broth heats up and the wrapper cooks through. Steaming preserves the dumpling’s delicate texture.
- Pan-frying: For a crispy bottom and soft top, pan-frying works well. Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the dumplings until the bottoms turn golden, while the rest remains soft.
- Microwaving: While not ideal, microwaving can work if you’re short on time. Place the dumplings on a microwavable dish with a damp paper towel and heat them for 1-2 minutes.
Steaming remains the best option for maintaining the soup-filled center while keeping the wrapper soft.
To enhance your dumpling experience, try pairing them with a dipping sauce. You can find an easy recipe for How to Make Dumpling Dipping Sauce.
Taste and Texture: What Makes Mila Soup Dumplings Unique?
The appeal of Mila Soup Dumplings lies in their perfect balance of flavor and texture. The wrappers are thin yet strong enough to hold the broth, which bursts in your mouth with each bite.
Why Mila Soup Dumplings Stand Out:
- Broth Quality: The broth inside Mila Soup Dumplings is rich and perfectly seasoned, providing a balanced umami flavor with a slight hint of sweetness.
- Filling: Whether pork or chicken, the meat remains tender, juicy, and flavorful.
- Texture: The thin wrappers are durable enough to hold the broth but still offer a delicate texture.
Compared to other frozen dumplings, Mila stands out due to its focus on quality and detail. Their dedication to authenticity makes them a top choice for frozen dumplings.
Mila Soup Dumpling Reviews
Across the internet, food enthusiasts rave about Mila Soup Dumplings. From food blogs to major publications, reviewers highlight their authentic taste and easy preparation.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
- The Kitchn: Calls Mila Soup Dumplings “restaurant-quality” and describes them as “one of the best frozen dumplings you can buy.”
- Wired: Praises the texture of the wrappers and the richness of the broth, stating they “taste as close to fresh as possible.”
- BuzzFeed: Applauds their “surprisingly flavorful” taste, noting they are perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
No matter where you read reviews, one thing remains consistent: Mila Soup Dumplings live up to their promise of delivering high-quality, authentic flavor.
Recipes and Serving Suggestions
While Mila Soup Dumplings are delicious on their own, you can elevate your dining experience by incorporating them into different dishes or pairing them with sides and sauces.
Creative Serving Ideas:
- Dumpling Noodle Soup: Add Mila Soup Dumplings to a steaming bowl of ramen or homemade noodle soup for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- With a Dipping Sauce: A classic dumpling sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil enhances the flavors.
- As an Appetizer: Serve Mila Soup Dumplings alongside fried rice, steamed veggies, or egg rolls for a multi-course meal.
These dumplings are incredibly versatile and can fit into various meal plans, whether as the main course or an appetizer.
Comparing Soup Dumplings with Other Brands
While Mila Soup Dumplings offer high quality and flavor, other frozen dumpling brands such as Trader Joe’s and Bibigo also have strong followings. Here’s how they compare.
- Mila vs. Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s dumplings are more budget-friendly but lack the depth of flavor found in Mila. For those seeking an authentic Xiao Long Bao experience, Mila provides a richer broth and more refined taste.
- Mila vs. Bibigo: Bibigo specializes in Korean-style dumplings, offering a different flavor profile. For traditional Xiao Long Bao, Mila leads in both authenticity and quality.
Sustainability and Packaging
Not only do Mila Soup Dumplings taste great, but they also come in eco-conscious packaging. The packaging reduces waste while keeping the dumplings fresh, reflecting Mila’s commitment to sustainability.
For those seeking to reduce food waste, Mila products can be stored in the freezer for several months without losing their flavor or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Mila Soup Dumplings:
- What are Soup Dumplings made of?
- The main ingredients include pork or chicken, flour for the wrapper, and a gelatinized broth that melts when steamed.
- How long do they last in the freezer?
- Mila Soup Dumplings can be stored in the freezer for up to six months without losing quality.
- Are there vegetarian options?
- Yes, Mila offers vegetarian dumplings under their Veg XLB line, providing a plant-based alternative.
- Can you microwave Soup Dumplings?
- Yes, although steaming or pan-frying yields the best flavor and texture, microwaving is an option when short on time.
- Are Soup Dumplings gluten-free?
- No, the wrappers are made from wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free.
Conclusion: Why Mila Soup Dumplings Are Worth Trying
In conclusion, Soup Dumplings provide a convenient, delicious, and authentic way to enjoy traditional Chinese dumplings from home. Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or vegetarian options, these dumplings excel in flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
With availability in stores like Costco and Target and easy online purchasing, Soup Dumplings are accessible to all. Their high-quality ingredients and restaurant-like taste make them a household favorite. If you’re craving Xiao Long Bao without the restaurant trip, Mila is the brand to try.