There’s something truly magical about vegetarian dumplings. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or a satisfying meal, these little pockets of joy bring together fresh vegetables and flavorful spices wrapped in delicate dough.
Making dumplings at home might seem intimidating, but with the right guidance, it’s a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. These vegetarian dumplings are perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet without sacrificing taste or texture.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step, from preparing a vibrant vegetable filling to folding and cooking the dumplings until perfectly golden or tender. These dumplings are versatile—great steamed, pan-fried, or boiled—and pair wonderfully with dipping sauces.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in a variety of veggies, making them both delicious and nutritious.
Ready to impress your family or friends with a homemade treat that’s both healthy and satisfying? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian dumplings recipe stands out because it’s easy to customize, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for all skill levels. You don’t need to be a pro to make these delicious treats; the recipe breaks down every step clearly.
Benefits include:
- Fresh and wholesome filling: full of vibrant vegetables and spices
- Flexible cooking methods: steam, pan-fry, or boil depending on your preference
- Great for meal prep: make a big batch and freeze for later
- Diet-friendly: vegan and vegetarian-friendly, with gluten-free options available
- Fun to make: a perfect activity to do with family or friends
Ingredients
- 200g finely shredded cabbage
- 100g grated carrots
- 100g finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 30-40 dumpling wrappers (round, store-bought or homemade)
- Water for sealing wrappers
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet or wok
- Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
- Rolling pin (if making wrappers from scratch)
- Spoon for filling
- Small bowl of water (for sealing wrappers)
- Plate lined with parchment paper or a clean towel
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms: Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the cabbage and carrots: Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, around 5-6 minutes.
- Add spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper: Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat: Transfer the filling to a large bowl and let it cool completely.
- Assemble the dumplings: Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center.
- Moisten the edges: Dip your finger in water and wet the edge of the wrapper to help seal.
- Fold and seal: Fold the wrapper in half over the filling. Press and pleat the edges tightly to seal completely.
- Cook the dumplings: Choose your preferred method:
- To steam: Place dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
- To pan-fry: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add dumplings and cook until the bottoms are golden, about 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes. Remove lid and cook until water evaporates.
- To boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add dumplings and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your dumplings with soy sauce, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
“Make sure your filling is cool before wrapping—warm filling can make the wrappers soggy and harder to seal.”
- Make your own wrappers: Mix 2 cups flour with ¾ cup warm water and knead until smooth. Rest for 30 minutes, then roll out and cut circles.
- Try different fillings: Substitute mushrooms with finely diced tofu or tempeh for added protein.
- Add herbs: Fresh cilantro or mint can add a burst of freshness.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or Szechuan pepper for heat.
- Freeze leftovers: Freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (4 dumplings) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fat | 4g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 350mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian dumplings are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, chili-garlic oil, or a tangy vinegar dip.
For a complete meal, pair your dumplings with a fresh Asian-style salad or a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating. You can also enjoy them alongside some stir-fried greens or steamed rice for a heartier option.
If you love experimenting with plant-based dishes, check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration.
Conclusion
Diving into homemade vegetarian dumplings is a wonderful way to enjoy a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s sure to impress. This recipe offers an accessible introduction to making dumplings from scratch with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Whether you steam, pan-fry, or boil them, these dumplings deliver delightful textures and vibrant flavors in every bite.
Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a fun and creative way. Remember, the best part about making dumplings at home is the chance to customize fillings to your taste.
So, gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family to join in the fun, and enjoy this satisfying culinary experience.
For more tasty vegetarian recipes, you might enjoy Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Dumplings
Description: Delicious steamed vegetarian dumplings filled with a savory mix of vegetables and tofu. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup crumbled firm tofu
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix flour and warm water to form a smooth dough; let rest 20 minutes.
- Combine cabbage, carrot, mushrooms, tofu, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll dough into a log and cut into 24 pieces; flatten each into a thin circle.
- Place a spoonful of filling in each wrapper and fold to seal edges.
- Steam dumplings in a steamer basket over boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with soy sauce or dipping sauce of choice.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 38 g
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