Cabbage Dumpling Recipe Vegetarian: Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Dumplings are a beloved comfort food worldwide, and when it comes to vegetarian options, cabbage dumplings stand out as a delicious and wholesome choice. These little parcels of joy combine the crunch and subtle sweetness of cabbage with savory seasonings wrapped in a tender dough, making them perfect for any meal or snack.

Whether you’re a seasoned dumpling maker or trying your hand at this for the first time, this recipe is straightforward, fun, and incredibly rewarding.

Vegetarian cabbage dumplings are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients and fiber. They make a fantastic appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with the right dipping sauce and sides.

Plus, they’re a wonderful way to introduce more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Ready to impress family and friends with homemade, mouthwatering cabbage dumplings? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian cabbage dumpling recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it both accessible and budget-friendly.

The cabbage filling is perfectly seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to create a savory bite bursting with flavor.

The dumplings have a tender wrapper that can be steamed or pan-fried, offering you versatility in texture and cooking style. Additionally, it’s a great recipe for meal prep — you can make a batch ahead and freeze them for quick meals later on.

Finally, it’s a healthy alternative to meat-filled dumplings, making it ideal for vegetarians, vegans (with a suitable wrapper), or anyone looking to eat lighter while still enjoying something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups finely shredded cabbage (about 1 small head)
  • 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms (or button mushrooms)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 30-40 round dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (optional)
  • Water for sealing wrappers

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl for filling
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Grater for ginger
  • Steamer basket or large skillet with lid
  • Non-stick pan for pan-frying (optional)
  • Spoon for filling dumplings
  • Small bowl for water to seal dumplings
  • Plate or tray to hold formed dumplings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded cabbage, chopped mushrooms, green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  2. Season the mixture: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare your workspace: Lay out your dumpling wrappers on a clean surface. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
  4. Fill the dumplings: Using a teaspoon, place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Dip your finger in water and wet the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges tightly to seal. You can pleat the edges for a classic look.
  5. Cook the dumplings: You have two options:
    • Steaming: Place dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until the wrappers become translucent and filling is cooked through.
    • Pan-frying (potstickers): Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place dumplings flat-side down and cook until the bottoms are golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 5-6 minutes until water evaporates and dumplings are cooked through.
  6. Serve hot: Transfer dumplings to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Always keep your dumpling wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while working.

Tip: For a chewier wrapper, add a little boiling water when making your own dough. If you want to increase umami, add a splash of mushroom soy sauce or a dash of miso paste to the filling mix.

Variation: For added texture, mix in finely chopped water chestnuts or grated carrot. You can also swap mushrooms for tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.

To make vegan dumplings, ensure your wrappers contain no eggs.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (5 dumplings)
Calories 150 kcal
Protein 4 g
Carbohydrates 24 g
Fiber 3 g
Fat 4 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cabbage dumplings warm with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of chili flakes for a little kick. They also pair beautifully with a side of steamed greens or a bowl of hot miso soup for a complete meal.

For a fun twist, serve alongside other vegetarian Asian-inspired dishes. Check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for complementary starters or dive into a flavorful main like the Harvest Hash Recipe for a hearty veggie option.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian cabbage dumplings at home is a delightful culinary adventure that’s surprisingly easy and always rewarding. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a versatile dish that fits any occasion — from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.

The balance of crunchy cabbage, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant seasonings nestled inside soft wrappers offers a satisfying bite that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Experiment with steaming or pan-frying to find your perfect texture, and don’t hesitate to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Whether you’re new to dumpling making or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a staple in your vegetarian recipe collection.

For more creative ideas and tasty dishes, explore our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or treat yourself with a sweet finish like the Lemon Straws Recipe.

📖 Recipe Card: Cabbage Dumpling Recipe Vegetarian

Description: Delicious vegetarian dumplings filled with cabbage and flavorful seasonings. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 24 dumplings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 24 dumpling wrappers
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup water (for steaming)

Instructions

  1. Mix cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Place a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface and spoon 1 tablespoon of filling into the center.
  3. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch edges to seal tightly.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  5. Place dumplings in the pan and cook until bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add water to the pan and cover to steam dumplings for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Remove lid and cook until water evaporates and bottoms crisp up again.
  8. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 45 kcal per dumpling | Protein: 1.5 g | Fat: 1.2 g | Carbs: 7 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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