Vegetable Dumplings
Tender parcels filled with a savory mix of cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu. These dumplings can be pan-fried for a crispy bottom or steamed for a soft, delicate bite. A perfect appetizer or light meal!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the vegetable filling
- a.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they have softened and released their moisture. Stir in the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is key to prevent soggy dumplings. Add the crumbled tofu, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until everything is combined.
- 2
Assemble the dumplings
- a.Set up your workstation with the bowl of filling, dumpling wrappers, a small bowl of water, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of filling in the center of a wrapper. Don't overfill. Dip your finger in the water and moisten the outer edge of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a semi-circle. Pinch the center to seal, then create small pleats along one side, pressing them against the other side to seal completely. Place the finished dumpling on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- 3
Pan-fry the dumplings (potsticker style)
- a.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. You will likely need to cook in two batches. Carefully place about 12 dumplings in a single layer, flat-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Carefully pour in 1/4 cup of water. It will sizzle and steam. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let the dumplings steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through. Remove the lid and let any remaining water cook off. Repeat with the remaining dumplings and oil.
- 4
Make the dipping sauce
- a.In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing the excess water from the cooked cabbage is the most important step to avoid a watery filling and soggy dumplings.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook in batches to ensure the dumplings get a crispy bottom and cook evenly.
- 3To freeze uncooked dumplings, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the steaming time.
- 4Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding other finely chopped vegetables like bok choy, spinach (squeezed dry), or water chestnuts for crunch.
- 5For fully steamed dumplings, place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves and steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free dumpling wrappers and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos in both the filling and the dipping sauce.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the vegetable filling for a spicy kick. You can also add chili oil to the dipping sauce.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Ensure all vegetables are minced very finely. Serve with a milder dipping sauce made from just soy sauce and a splash of water.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of firm tofu to 200g or add 1/2 cup of shelled, chopped edamame to the filling mixture for an extra protein boost.
