Chinese Veg Momos Recipe Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Chinese veg momos are a delightful and popular street food that has won hearts far beyond its Himalayan origins. These steamed dumplings are packed with a flavorful mix of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, wrapped in a thin, soft dough that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, veg momos offer a perfect balance of taste and texture. They are not just delicious but also quite healthy, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and anyone wanting a wholesome, satisfying bite.

Making Chinese veg momos at home might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be folding these beauties like a pro. The best part is you can customize the filling to suit your preference, adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to your liking.

In this recipe, I will guide you through every step to make soft, juicy, and flavorful momos that rival your favorite street vendor’s!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese veg momos recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. The filling is packed with a vibrant medley of crunchy vegetables, seasoned to perfection with classic Chinese flavors like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.

The dough is simple to prepare and rolls out easily for beautiful momos that steam to a tender finish.

Beyond the taste, momos are a versatile dish — you can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. They are gluten-free if you use rice flour for the dough, and vegan-friendly, making them accessible to many dietary preferences.

Plus, steaming instead of frying keeps them light and healthy.

Ingredients

• For the Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• 1 teaspoon oil (optional, for pliability)
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• ½ cup grated carrot
• ½ cup finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper)
• ½ cup finely chopped spring onions
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped mushrooms (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce or red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Steamer or large pot with steaming rack
• Knife and chopping board
• Spatula or spoon for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate or tray to place prepared momos

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring with your hand or a spoon until a rough dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Make the Filling: While the dough rests, prepare the vegetable filling. Heat a pan with sesame oil over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped cabbage, carrot, capsicum, peas, mushrooms, and spring onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Season the filling with soy sauce, chili sauce or flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before using.
8. Roll the Dough: Divide the rested dough into small equal portions (about the size of a walnut).
9. Roll each portion into a thin, round circle roughly 3-4 inches in diameter. Try to make the edges thinner than the center for easy folding.
10. Fill and Shape the Momos: Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
11. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon or round shape, pinching the edges to seal tightly. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look, ensuring no gaps remain to avoid steam leaks.
12. Steam the Momos: Arrange the momos in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
13. Steam the momos over boiling water for 12-15 minutes or until the dough becomes translucent and cooked through.
14. Remove the momos carefully from the steamer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For best results, make sure the filling is not too watery; squeeze out excess moisture from vegetables like cabbage and mushrooms before mixing.

If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Add tofu or paneer cubes to the filling for added protein and texture.

You can experiment with the shape of momos — try round, half-moon, or flower shapes to impress guests. If you want a crispier texture, pan-fry the steamed momos lightly in oil until golden.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious veg momos hot with a side of classic spicy red chili garlic sauce or a tangy soy-vinegar dip. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh cucumber salad or a bowl of hot soup for a more filling meal.

For a fusion twist, try serving momos with a drizzle of peanut sauce, similar to what you might find in Southeast Asian cuisine.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like to try other flavorful dishes from our collection, such as the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, or add some protein with the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. Don’t miss the tangy zest of the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a perfect appetizer side!

Conclusion

Chinese veg momos are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a rewarding cooking project that brings friends and family together. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of these Himalayan dumplings right at home.

With fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a soft steamed wrapper, these momos are a healthy and delicious snack or meal option.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based dishes to your menu, these momos are sure to impress. Take your time folding the momos, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to serve them with a dipping sauce that packs a punch.

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of your homemade Chinese veg momos!

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