Step 1 of 4

Mix the filling and beat it until sticky

Combine the pork, shrimp, scallions, grated ginger, soy, sesame oil and cornstarch in a bowl and stir hard in one direction for a full minute, until the mixture turns tacky and clings to the spoon.

— Stirring one way develops the proteins and binds the filling. Mixed loosely, it crumbles apart in the water and you get empty wrappers and a gritty broth.