Vegan soup dumplings are a delightful twist on the traditional Chinese delicacy, offering a comforting and flavorful experience without any animal products. These little parcels of joy combine a delicate, tender wrapper with a deliciously savory, aromatic filling and a rich, vegetable-based broth inside.
Perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a cozy night in, vegan soup dumplings provide all the satisfaction of the original but with a fresh, plant-based approach.
Making these dumplings from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance and a bit of patience, you’ll find the process rewarding and fun. This recipe will walk you through every step, from preparing the broth jelly to crafting the dough and folding the perfect dumplings.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring plant-based options, these soup dumplings are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan soup dumplings recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it captures the essence of traditional soup dumplings by incorporating a savory, gelatinous broth made from vegetable stock and agar agar, ensuring that burst of steaming soup with every bite.
The filling is packed with umami-rich mushrooms, tofu, and fresh greens, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Additionally, this recipe is completely plant-based, dairy-free, and egg-free, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions. The wrappers are made from simple ingredients and yield a soft, chewy texture that holds the broth and filling beautifully.
Plus, you can customize the filling and broth to your taste preferences, making it a versatile choice for your kitchen adventures.
Ingredients
- For the dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the broth jelly: 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tsp agar agar powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- For the filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup finely chopped firm tofu
- 1/2 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Steamer (bamboo or metal)
- Small saucepan
- Sharp knife or food processor for chopping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or damp cloth
- Small spoon or dumpling wrapper mold (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth jelly: In a saucepan, combine the vegetable broth and agar agar powder. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the agar agar completely. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set, about 1-2 hours.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until soft and moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes. Stir in tofu, napa cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, white pepper, and sugar. Cook for another 3-4 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the broth jelly cubes: Once the broth jelly is firm, cut it into small 1/4-inch cubes. Gently fold these cubes into the cooled filling mixture. Be careful not to mash the jelly cubes.
- Roll the dough: Divide the dough into small equal pieces (about 30). Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a thin circle about 3 inches in diameter. Make sure the edges are thinner than the center.
- Assemble the dumplings: Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Carefully pleat the edges, pinching tightly to seal the dumpling. The goal is to create a small pouch that holds the filling and broth jelly inside.
- Steam the dumplings: Line your steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the dumplings spaced apart. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until the wrappers become translucent and the filling is hot.
- Serve immediately: Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer dumplings to plates. Serve with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil if desired.
Tips & Variations
For the best results, use fresh and high-quality vegetable broth to make your broth jelly. The flavor of the broth is crucial since it becomes the “soup” inside your dumplings.
If you want to add more texture, try including finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots in the filling. For a spicier kick, mix chili flakes or fresh chopped chili into the filling or dipping sauce.
For gluten-free options, experiment with rice flour dough, though it may be more challenging to work with. If you prefer a richer broth, add a splash of mushroom soy sauce or miso paste to the broth jelly mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (6 dumplings) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vegan soup dumplings as an appetizer or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. They pair wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a bowl of hot and sour soup.
For dipping, a classic sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil complements the delicate flavors perfectly. You might also enjoy them alongside other vegan dim sum dishes like steamed buns or spring rolls.
For more vegan Asian-inspired recipes, check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals.
Conclusion
Creating vegan soup dumplings from scratch is an enjoyable culinary project that yields impressive and delicious results. This recipe offers a plant-based spin on a beloved classic, ensuring everyone can savor the unique experience of soup-filled dumplings without compromise.
With a little time and practice, you’ll master the art of making the dough, preparing the flavorful filling, and crafting the broth jelly that makes these dumplings so special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these vegan soup dumplings are sure to impress with their taste and presentation.
Don’t forget to explore other exciting vegan dishes like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful vegan feast!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Soup Dumplings
Description: Delicious vegan soup dumplings filled with savory vegetable broth and tofu. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- 1/4 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth gelatin (made with agar-agar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and warm water to form a dough; knead until smooth.
- Cover dough and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Prepare filling by mixing tofu, mushrooms, cabbage, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and green onions.
- Cut vegetable broth gelatin into small cubes and gently fold into filling.
- Roll dough into thin circles about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Carefully pleat and seal edges to form dumplings.
- Steam dumplings for 10-12 minutes until dough is tender.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 25 g
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