Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup Recipe (with Video)

Boiling the dumplings
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the dumplings.
2. If using fresh dumplings, boil them until they float to the top, which should take around 4-5 minutes depending on their size.
3. If using frozen dumplings, cook them until the water boils, then immediately add 1/2 cup of cold water. Wait for the water to boil again, and then cook for an additional 1 minute after the dumplings float to the top.
Preparing the sauce
1. Heat oil in a small saucepan until it starts to smoke.
2. In a soup bowl, add scallions, garlic, and Sichuan chili flakes. Pour the heated oil on top.
3. Season the mixture with light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and toasted sesame seeds.
Serving the dumplings
1. Pour hot chicken broth or the dumpling cooking water into the bowl along with the dumplings.
2. Garnish with cilantro.