Vegetarian Dim Sum Recipe: Easy & Delicious Ideas to Try

If you’ve ever been enchanted by the delicate, bite-sized wonders of dim sum but want to enjoy a vegetarian twist, you’re in for a treat! Vegetarian dim sum offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures, all wrapped neatly in soft, steamed parcels.

Whether you’re a seasoned dim sum lover or exploring plant-based options, this recipe brings the authentic taste of traditional Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. Filled with fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu, these little parcels are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a light meal or appetizer.

Plus, making dim sum at home is surprisingly easy and fun, allowing you to customize fillings and dip sauces to your liking. Ready to roll up your sleeves and create some mouthwatering vegetarian dim sum?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian dim sum recipe is a perfect balance of health and indulgence. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, and tofu that not only add flavor but also boost your meal’s protein and fiber content.

The homemade wrappers are tender and light, steaming to perfection and enveloping the savory filling beautifully. Plus, this recipe is versatile—you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add some spice for a personalized kick.

It’s also a fantastic way to impress guests at your next gathering or enjoy a cozy weekend cooking project. And, if you love exploring Asian-inspired vegetarian dishes, be sure to check out Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Pinch of salt

• For the Filling:
• 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
• ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
• ½ cup grated carrot
• ½ cup firm tofu, crumbled
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Dipping Sauce:
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or vegetable chopper
• Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• Non-stick pan or wok
• Chopsticks or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for dipping sauce

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, place the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring continuously with chopsticks or a wooden spoon.
2. Knead the Dough: Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling: Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped mushrooms, napa cabbage, grated carrot, and crumbled tofu. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly until vegetables soften.
5. Season the Filling: Stir in the soy sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
6. Divide the Dough: Roll the rested dough into a long log and cut into 18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
7. Roll the Wrappers: Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. Keep the edges thinner than the center for better folding.
8. Fill the Dumplings: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal tightly. You can pleat the edges for a traditional look.
9. Steam the Dim Sum: Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until the wrappers turn translucent and filling is cooked through.
10. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil (if using), and chopped ginger in a small bowl.
11. Serve: Carefully remove the dim sum from the steamer and serve hot with dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for dumplings.

Try adding finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch in the filling.

If you prefer pan-fried dumplings, heat a little oil in a non-stick pan and cook the steamed dumplings until the bottoms are golden and crispy.

Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as hoisin sauce or a mixture of peanut butter and soy sauce for a creative twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian dim sum is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a traditional experience, serve alongside hot jasmine tea and a light soup such as Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try pairing these dumplings with steamed rice or stir-fried greens. For a fun snack or appetizer platter, combine them with other dim sum favorites like spring rolls or vegetable buns.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian dim sum at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the flavors of classic Chinese cuisine right to your table. This recipe is approachable, healthy, and adaptable, allowing you to enjoy fresh, flavorful bites without any meat or seafood.

Whether you’re new to dim sum or a longtime fan, these vegetarian dumplings will become a staple in your kitchen thanks to their delicious filling and satisfying texture. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and dipping sauces to keep things exciting.

Interested in exploring more vegetarian dishes inspired by various cuisines? Check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for more ideas.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade dim sum!

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