What You Need to Know
The process relies on the latent heat of steam generated from the boiling water at 100 °C, which transfers to the filling via conduction through the dough. The sealed knot traps the steam, raising the internal temperature of the meat to about 71 °C, the minimum for safe pork or beef consumption. The dough remains al dente because it is only exposed to the external boiling water for 6–10 minutes, preventing gelatinization beyond the desired texture.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Steam heating and heat transfer through conduction, causing protein denaturation in the filling