Cheung Fun Recipe Vegetarian: Easy and Delicious Guide

If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling Chinatown or enjoyed a dim sum brunch, you might be familiar with cheung fun, a silky, delicate rice noodle roll that’s both comforting and versatile. Traditionally filled with shrimp, pork, or beef, this classic Cantonese dish can easily be transformed into a delicious vegetarian delight.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply seeking a lighter alternative, this vegetarian cheung fun recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy this beloved street food at home. The rolls are smooth and slightly chewy, paired with a savory soy-based sauce that brings out the best in every bite.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the rice noodle sheets from scratch and stuffing them with fresh, vibrant vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and green onions. The process is surprisingly simple and perfect for anyone looking to impress guests or add a touch of Asian flair to their weeknight dinners.

Plus, you’ll find tips and variations that make this dish customizable to your taste. Let’s dive into the world of cheung fun and discover why it’s a vegetarian must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian cheung fun recipe stands out because it brings the authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine right into your kitchen without relying on meat or seafood. It’s:

• Light and healthy: Made with rice flour and fresh veggies, it’s low in fat and easy to digest.
• Customizable: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or tofu to suit your preferences.
• Impressively authentic: The silky texture and savory soy sauce mimic restaurant-style cheung fun perfectly.
• Fun to make: The process is engaging and rewarding, ideal for home cooks looking to expand their Asian cooking skills.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice flour (preferably medium or high-quality for best texture)
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (for elasticity)
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Soy sauce for serving (light or dark depending on preference)
• Optional: chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Steamer setup: a large wok or pot with a steaming rack
• Flat heatproof tray or shallow pan (approx. 9×9 inches works well)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula or silicone scraper
• Chopping board and knife
• Brush or paper towel for oiling the tray
• Serving plate

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and tapioca starch. Gradually whisk in the water until you get a smooth, thin batter with no lumps. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the batter and mix well.
2. Prepare the filling: Heat a small pan over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add chopped shiitake mushrooms and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Season lightly with salt, white pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir in the sliced green onions last and remove from heat. Set aside.
3. Set up the steamer: Fill your wok or pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the steaming rack inside, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the tray you’ll be using.
4. Steam the rice noodle sheets: Lightly oil the flat tray to prevent sticking. Pour a thin layer (about ¼ cup) of batter onto the tray, spreading it evenly. Place the tray onto the steaming rack, cover, and steam for about 2-3 minutes until the sheet turns translucent and slightly firm.
5. Add the filling and roll: Remove the tray carefully from the steamer. Quickly spread a spoonful of the prepared vegetable filling evenly over the rice noodle sheet. Using a spatula, gently loosen the edges and roll the sheet tightly from one side. Place the roll on a serving plate.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the remaining batter and filling, oiling the tray lightly each time to prevent sticking.
7. Prepare the soy sauce dressing: Warm some soy sauce in a small pan or microwave. You can add a pinch of sugar or a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
8. Serve: Drizzle the warm soy sauce dressing over the cheung fun rolls. Garnish with chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly silky cheung fun, make sure your batter is thin and smooth — the thinner the layer you steam, the more delicate your rolls will be!”

• Non-stick tip: Use a silicone spatula to gently loosen the edges of the rice sheet before rolling to avoid tearing.
• Fillings: Try swapping the vegetable filling for shredded tofu, blanched spinach, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a creative twist.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the dressing.
• Make ahead: Prepare the rice sheets and filling in advance, then assemble just before serving for convenience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegetarian cheung fun warm as part of a dim sum feast or as a light main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed bok choy or sautéed garlic green beans.

For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of chili flakes works beautifully.

If you’re looking to expand your Asian-inspired menu, be sure to check out my recipe for Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe—a vibrant side that complements cheung fun perfectly. For a sweet treat afterward, try the creamy and indulgent Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

And if you enjoy pickled flavors alongside your dishes, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe offers a zesty kick to your table.

Conclusion

Vegetarian cheung fun is a fantastic way to bring authentic Cantonese flavors into your home kitchen without the need for meat or seafood. Its silky texture and savory vegetable filling make it a crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians and omnivores alike.

By mastering this recipe, you open up a world of possibilities to customize the rolls with your favorite ingredients and sauces.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to try something new and exciting, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Plus, the fresh, wholesome ingredients ensure that every bite is nourishing and satisfying.

Next time you crave dim sum, remember that with just a few simple steps, you can create these beautiful rice noodle rolls right at home. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cheung Fun Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A silky and smooth steamed rice noodle roll filled with fresh vegetables. This vegetarian version is light, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy snack or meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup rice flour”, “2 tablespoons tapioca starch”, “2 1/4 cups water”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms”, “1/2 cup shredded carrot”, “1/2 cup chopped green onions”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1/4 teaspoon white pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and water until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a lightly oiled flat pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour a thin layer of batter and steam for 2-3 minutes until set.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle mushrooms, carrot, and green onions evenly over the batter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Carefully roll the rice noodle sheet with the filling inside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Repeat with remaining batter and filling.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rolls before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “3 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}