Dumplings are a beloved comfort food across many cultures, and making a vegan version doesn’t mean sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Whether steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, vegan dumplings are packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty plant-based proteins, and flavorful seasonings that come together in perfect harmony.
This recipe will guide you through creating tender dumpling wrappers from scratch and a savory filling that’s sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Imagine biting into a warm, juicy dumpling filled with a delightful mix of mushrooms, cabbage, and tofu, dipped in a tangy soy-ginger sauce.
It’s an experience that’s both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. Plus, making dumplings at home is a fun culinary adventure that brings a sense of accomplishment with every fold and seal.
If you’re new to vegan cooking or dumplings in general, don’t worry! This detailed recipe breaks down each step, making it easy for cooks of all skill levels to create restaurant-quality vegan dumplings right in your own kitchen.
Ready to dive into the world of delicious, plant-based dumplings? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan dumplings recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring out bold and balanced flavors without relying on any animal products.
The filling combines crunchy cabbage, earthy mushrooms, and protein-rich tofu, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce for umami goodness.
Second, the homemade dumpling wrappers are surprisingly easy to make and yield a tender but sturdy dough that holds the filling perfectly. You can also customize the cooking method—steaming, boiling, or pan-frying—to suit your taste and texture preferences.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can swap out or add vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it a great way to use up pantry staples or seasonal produce.
It’s a fantastic dish for family meals, parties, or even as a fun cooking project to enjoy with friends or kids.
Ingredients
- For the Dumpling Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms (or cremini)
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to bind filling)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or food processor for chopping
- Steamer basket or bamboo steamer (optional)
- Large skillet or non-stick pan
- Pot for boiling (if boiling dumplings)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towel
- Spoon for filling scooping
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the warm water while stirring with a fork or chopsticks to form a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rests, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of sesame oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms and Cabbage: Add chopped mushrooms and napa cabbage to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and most of the moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies, crumbled tofu, green onions, soy sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well to bind the filling.
- Roll Out Dough: Divide the rested dough into small equal pieces (about 20-24). Roll each piece into a small ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Fill Dumplings: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges firmly to seal. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look.
- Cook Dumplings: Choose your preferred method:
- Steam: Place dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
- Boil: Drop dumplings into boiling water. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Pan-fry: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add dumplings and cook until bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until water evaporates.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and chili oil.
Tips & Variations
“To prevent dumplings from sticking together after cooking, lightly oil them or line your steamer with cabbage leaves or parchment paper.”
- Make Ahead: You can freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer them into a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
- Vegetable Swaps: Try adding shredded carrots, chopped spinach, or grated zucchini to the filling for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Variations: Use tempeh or cooked lentils instead of tofu for a different texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends and xanthan gum to make the dough suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Experiment with peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or a tangy vinegar-based dip for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 4 Dumplings |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fat | 5g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 450mg |
These dumplings offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, making them a satisfying and wholesome meal or snack option. Adjust the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan dumplings are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer or main course alongside steamed rice or noodles for a fuller meal.
Pair your dumplings with a refreshing Asian cucumber salad or a hot bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating to keep things light and wholesome.
For a fun twist, try incorporating these dumplings into a larger dim sum spread by exploring more Dim Sum Recipe Vegan: Easy Plant-Based Bites to Try options. And if you’re craving more plant-based bread to accompany your meal, check out this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Conclusion
Making vegan dumplings at home is not only rewarding but also a delightful way to enjoy a traditional favorite with a healthy, plant-based twist. This recipe provides everything you need to create tender, flavorful dumplings from scratch, proving that vegan cooking can be just as satisfying and exciting as any other cuisine.
From the comforting dough to the savory filling bursting with fresh vegetables and tofu, these dumplings are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, with multiple cooking methods and endless customization options, you can make this recipe your own.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these dumplings will quickly become a favorite go-to.
So, get your rolling pin ready and dive into this delicious culinary journey. Don’t forget to explore other fantastic vegan recipes on our site to expand your cooking horizons and enjoy wholesome, tasty meals every day!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Dumplings
Description: Delicious homemade vegan dumplings filled with a savory vegetable mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 24 dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Mix flour and warm water to form a dough; knead until smooth and let rest for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, green onions, salt, and sesame oil.
- Roll dough into a long cylinder and cut into small pieces; flatten each piece into a thin circle.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Fold and pinch edges to seal the dumplings.
- Heat a non-stick pan with a little oil; place dumplings and cook until bottoms are golden.
- Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam dumplings for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 32 g
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