Vegetarian Pot Stickers Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you love Asian cuisine but want to keep things meat-free, vegetarian pot stickers are a perfect choice! These delightful dumplings are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy on the top, and filled with a savory blend of fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings.

Making pot stickers from scratch might sound intimidating, but with this guide, you’ll find it surprisingly easy and rewarding. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these vegetarian pot stickers are sure to impress.

They make a wonderful appetizer, snack, or even a main dish when paired with some steamed rice or a refreshing salad. Plus, they’re highly customizable, so you can swap in your favorite veggies or add extra spices to suit your taste buds.

Ready to dive into a delicious, homemade pot sticker adventure? Let’s get started with this detailed recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, these vegetarian pot stickers are packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring vibrant flavors and textures to each bite. The combination of crunchy cabbage, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a filling that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Secondly, by making the pot stickers yourself, you control every ingredient, avoiding preservatives or additives often found in store-bought versions. They are also versatile — perfect for freezing and reheating later, making meal prep a breeze.

Finally, the cooking method combines steaming and pan-frying, giving the pot stickers a perfect crispy bottom and a soft, tender top. This contrast in textures makes eating them an absolute joy.

If you’re a fan of Asian flavors or just love a good dumpling, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
  • 1 cup finely chopped shiitake or cremini mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 package round dumpling wrappers (about 40 wrappers)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup water (for steaming)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Grater or microplane (for ginger)
  • Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan with lid
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small bowl for water (to seal wrappers)
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Optional: steamer basket if you prefer steaming only

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped napa cabbage, mushrooms, shredded carrots, and green onions. Mix well to evenly distribute.
  2. Add aromatics and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well coated with the seasonings.
  3. Assemble the pot stickers: Take one dumpling wrapper and place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edge of the wrapper.
  4. Fold and seal: Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together, pleating the edges as you go to seal the pot sticker tightly. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  5. Cook the pot stickers: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place pot stickers in the pan in a single layer, flat side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottoms turn golden brown.
  6. Steam the pot stickers: Carefully pour 1/4 cup water into the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Let the pot stickers steam for 5-6 minutes or until the water has evaporated and the wrappers are cooked through.
  7. Finish crisping: Remove the lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms. Remove the pot stickers from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  8. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar and chili oil.

Tips & Variations

“To prevent wrappers from sticking, keep them covered with a damp towel while assembling your pot stickers.”

For a gluten-free option, look for rice flour-based dumpling wrappers or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. You can also experiment with different fillings such as finely diced tofu, shredded kale, or water chestnuts to add crunch.

If you prefer steaming only, place the pot stickers in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam for about 8-10 minutes. For a richer flavor, add a splash of mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce to the filling.

Leftover pot stickers freeze well. Place them uncooked on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm.

Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen by adding a minute or two to the steaming time.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (5 pot stickers)
Calories 180
Protein 5 g
Fat 6 g
Carbohydrates 26 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian pot stickers pair beautifully with a light Asian-inspired salad, such as cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Try dipping them in a sauce made of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, chili flakes, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet-spicy kick. For a refreshing contrast, a side of pickled ginger or kimchi works wonders.

For more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes to complement your pot stickers, check out these favorites:

Conclusion

Making vegetarian pot stickers at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings authentic flavors and textures right to your kitchen. This recipe balances fresh vegetables with fragrant seasonings, delivering a delicious filling wrapped in tender dumpling skins that crisp to perfection.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to dumplings, these pot stickers are approachable, customizable, and sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food with a healthy twist.

Beyond their fantastic taste, these pot stickers offer a chance to explore Asian-inspired cooking techniques and ingredients, expanding your culinary repertoire. Plus, they’re great for entertaining or meal prepping, freezing beautifully for quick meals later.

Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides to create a complete, flavorful dining experience. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Pot Stickers

Description: Delicious pan-fried dumplings filled with a savory vegetable mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 24 pot stickers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 24 round dumpling wrappers
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Mix cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
  2. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
  3. Fold wrappers in half and pinch edges to seal.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  5. Place pot stickers in the pan and cook until bottoms are golden, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add water to the pan and cover to steam for 5-6 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and cook until water evaporates and bottoms are crisp.

Nutrition: Calories: 45 per pot sticker | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 6g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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