Soup dumplings are a beloved delicacy that combines the satisfying chew of a tender dumpling wrapper with a flavorful, savory broth inside. While traditionally filled with pork or other meats, this vegetarian soup dumplings recipe offers a mouthwatering plant-based alternative that doesn’t skimp on richness or depth of flavor.
Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to explore a delicious twist on a classic Asian favorite, these dumplings are bursting with umami-packed vegetable filling and a luscious vegetable broth that surprises and delights with every bite.
Making soup dumplings at home may seem intimidating, but with this detailed guide, you’ll master the art of creating the delicate wrapper, preparing the savory vegetarian filling, and encasing the flavorful broth within.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to impress yourself with a new culinary skill, these vegetarian soup dumplings will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For starters, this recipe is completely vegetarian, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of diets. The combination of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and seasonings creates a rich, satisfying filling that mimics the depth of traditional meat versions.
Another reason is the magic of the soup broth inside each dumpling. The secret lies in using vegetable aspic or a gelatinous broth that melts when steamed, creating that signature soup explosion inside the dumpling.
It’s a culinary experience that’s fun and impressive to serve.
Additionally, making these dumplings from scratch means you control every ingredient, avoiding preservatives or additives commonly found in store-bought options. They’re perfect for meal prepping, freezing, and sharing with family and friends.
Plus, don’t miss out on exploring more vegetarian cooking adventures like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or dive into comforting meals with Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped Napa cabbage
- ½ cup chopped shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated if dried)
- ½ cup finely grated carrots
- ¼ cup minced green onions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the soup gel (vegetable aspic):
- 2 cups strong vegetable broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
- 1 tbsp agar-agar powder or 2 tsp gelatin (use agar-agar for vegan)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp white pepper
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
- Large pot for steaming
- Saucepan (for making aspic)
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
- Pastry brush (optional, for sealing dumplings)
- Chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add boiling water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until the dough starts to come together. When cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting phase helps relax the gluten for easier rolling.
- Make the vegetable aspic: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in agar-agar powder and simmer for 2-3 minutes until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in soy sauce and white pepper. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the filling: While the broth is chilling, sauté the chopped mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, green onions, garlic, and ginger in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until tender. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Once the aspic is set, cut it into small cubes about ¼ inch in size. Gently fold these cubes into the cooled vegetable filling.
- Shape the dumplings: Divide the rested dough into small portions and roll each into a thin circle about 3 inches in diameter. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Carefully pleat the edges of the wrapper to seal the dumpling, ensuring no gaps where the soup could leak. The pleats should gather at the top, pinching tightly.
- Steam the dumplings: Line your steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange dumplings with some space between them and steam over boiling water for about 8-10 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is heated through.
- Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil.
Tips & Variations
“The key to perfect soup dumplings is a well-set aspic and a delicate but sturdy wrapper that can hold the broth without breaking.”
- Use agar-agar for a vegan-friendly broth gel or gelatin if not vegan.
- If you want a heartier filling, add finely chopped tofu or cooked lentils for extra protein.
- Try different mushrooms like oyster or cremini for varying flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, experiment with rice flour dough, although it’s more delicate to handle.
- Make extra aspic and freeze the cubes for future batches.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Dumpling (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 70 |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 1.5g |
Fiber | 1.2g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegetarian soup dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, black vinegar, and a dash of chili oil. They pair beautifully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed bok choy or a fresh cucumber salad tossed with sesame and rice vinegar.
For a complete meal, complement this dish with other vegetarian favorites such as our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or a warming bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
Creating vegetarian soup dumplings at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that combines technique with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The delicate dough, savory vegetable filling, and the fun surprise of the warm soup broth inside make these dumplings a real crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these dumplings bring a delightful fusion of flavors and textures to your table.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find that mastering this recipe is well within reach. Plus, it opens doors to experimenting with other delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Don’t forget to explore more enticing recipes like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to enhance your plant-based cooking repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Soup Dumplings
Description: Delicious steamed dumplings filled with a savory vegetable broth and mixed veggies. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 24 dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth, chilled and gelatinized
Instructions
- Mix flour, water, and salt to form dough; knead until smooth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Combine cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper in a bowl.
- Cut chilled vegetable broth into small cubes.
- Roll dough into a long cylinder and cut into 24 pieces; flatten each into a thin wrapper.
- Place a spoonful of vegetable mixture and a cube of broth in each wrapper.
- Carefully pleat and seal the dumplings.
- Steam dumplings for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve hot with soy sauce or chili oil.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 30 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Soup Dumplings”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious steamed dumplings filled with a savory vegetable broth and mixed veggies. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “24 dumplings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “3/4 cup warm water”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage”, “1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms”, “1/4 cup grated carrot”, “1/4 cup chopped green onions”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “1 teaspoon grated ginger”, “1/2 teaspoon white pepper”, “1 cup vegetable broth, chilled and gelatinized”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix flour, water, and salt to form dough; knead until smooth and rest for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut chilled vegetable broth into small cubes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll dough into a long cylinder and cut into 24 pieces; flatten each into a thin wrapper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place a spoonful of vegetable mixture and a cube of broth in each wrapper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Carefully pleat and seal the dumplings.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam dumplings for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with soy sauce or chili oil.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “4 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}