Best Vegetarian Dim Sum Recipes for Delicious Bites

If you’ve ever been enchanted by the delicate, bite-sized wonders of traditional dim sum, you know how delightful it is to share these little parcels of joy with friends and family. But what if you’re looking for vegetarian options that don’t compromise on flavor or texture?

Look no further! Dim sum is a versatile cuisine that easily adapts to plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for vegetarians or anyone wanting a lighter, vegetable-packed meal.

From steamed buns stuffed with savory mushrooms to crispy spring rolls loaded with fresh veggies, these recipes bring the authentic dim sum experience right into your kitchen.

In this blog post, you’ll find the best vegetarian dim sum recipes that combine classic Asian flavors with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a dim sum novice or a seasoned fan, these recipes will impress your taste buds and your guests.

Ready to dive into a world of fluffy buns, silky dumplings, and crunchy bites? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian dim sum offers a fantastic way to enjoy the rich tradition of Chinese cuisine without meat. These recipes are packed with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu, delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience.

They’re perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, offering a variety of textures and tastes with every bite.

You’ll love how these recipes balance health and indulgence, providing options that are both gluten-free and vegan-friendly when you tweak certain ingredients. Plus, making dim sum at home means you can customize fillings to suit your palate, making it a fun and creative cooking adventure.

Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes like Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta twist or Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a sweet finish after your dim sum feast.

Ingredients

Vegetarian Steamed Mushroom Dumplings

• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 package dumpling wrappers (round, about 40 pieces)

Vegetarian Steamed Buns (Bao) with Tofu Filling

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 200g firm tofu, crumbled
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

• 10 spring roll wrappers
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin (for buns)
• Non-stick frying pan or wok
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large pot or wok for steaming
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels (for draining fried spring rolls)

Instructions

Vegetarian Steamed Mushroom Dumplings

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shiitake mushrooms, diced water chestnuts, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
2. Assemble the dumplings: Place a dumpling wrapper on your palm, add about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges with water, then fold and pleat to seal into a half-moon shape.
3. Steam the dumplings: Arrange dumplings in a single layer in the steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until the wrappers turn translucent and filling is cooked.
4. Serve hot: Serve with soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.

Vegetarian Steamed Buns (Bao) with Tofu Filling

1. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Slowly add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms, cook until soft. Add crumbled tofu, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and shredded carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool.
3. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a small disc.
4. Fill and seal: Place a tablespoon of tofu filling in the center of each disc. Gather edges and pinch to seal, shaping into buns.
5. Steam the buns: Place buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for 12-15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
6. Enjoy: Serve warm with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

1. Prepare the filling: In a pan, stir-fry cabbage, carrot, bean sprouts, green onions, soy sauce, and ginger for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Assemble the rolls: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place 2 tablespoons of filling near one corner. Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly.
3. Fry the spring rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry rolls until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve: Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free alternative to dumpling wrappers and buns, try using rice paper or experimenting with gluten-free flour blends.”

If you prefer steaming to frying for spring rolls, you can also bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispiness.

Feel free to swap out shiitake mushrooms for other varieties like oyster or cremini, or add finely chopped water chestnuts and bamboo shoots for extra crunch. For a vegan twist, ensure your hoisin sauce contains no honey or animal products.

To make your own dumpling wrappers or bao dough from scratch, you can find step-by-step guides online, but store-bought wrappers work perfectly for beginners.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve vegetarian dim sum with a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, or hoisin sauce to enhance the flavors. Pair your meal with fragrant jasmine tea or a light ginger-infused green tea to complement the delicate tastes.

For a full dim sum experience, accompany these dishes with steamed rice or congee and a fresh Asian cucumber salad for contrast. Don’t miss trying out other Asian-inspired recipes like the Cheese Penny Recipe for a cheesy snack or the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe as a decadent dessert to finish off the meal.

Conclusion

Vegetarian dim sum brings the best of traditional Chinese flavors into a wholesome, meat-free format that everyone can enjoy. These recipes are not only approachable but also flexible, allowing you to customize fillings and cooking methods to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Whether you’re preparing a weekend brunch or a festive gathering, these dim sum dishes will impress with their authentic taste and delightful textures.

Don’t hesitate to experiment and make these recipes your own—dim sum is all about sharing and enjoying small bites full of flavor. Keep exploring Asian-inspired dishes and pair these vegetarian dim sum recipes with other favorites from the blog to create a memorable culinary adventure.

Happy cooking and happy eating!

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