Vegetable Steamed Wontons
Delicate parcels of finely chopped vegetables seasoned with classic Indo-Chinese flavors, all wrapped up and steamed to perfection. These light, savory dumplings are a perfect appetizer or snack, especially when paired with a tangy dipping sauce.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and capsicum. Increase heat to high and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- e.Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tbsp of soy sauce, salt, and white pepper powder. Mix thoroughly.
- f.Fold in the chopped spring onion greens. Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely for about 15 minutes. This prevents the wrappers from becoming soggy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Wontons
- b.Set up your wrapping station: place the bowl of cooled filling, wonton wrappers, and a small bowl of water on a clean surface.
- c.Keep the stack of wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- d.Take one wrapper and place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Do not overfill.
- e.Dip your finger in the water and moisten all four edges of the wrapper.
- f.Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing out any air bubbles and sealing the edges firmly.
- g.Dab a tiny bit of water on one of the bottom corners of the triangle. Bring the two bottom corners together, overlapping one over the other, and press to seal. It should resemble a nurse's cap or a tortellini.
- h.Place the finished wonton on a lightly floured tray or plate, ensuring they don't touch each other. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Steam the Wontons
- b.Prepare your steamer. Fill the bottom pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- c.Lightly grease the steamer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- d.Arrange the wontons in a single layer in the basket, leaving at least a half-inch of space between each one for even cooking.
- e.Carefully place the basket over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 8-10 minutes. The wontons are done when the wrappers are translucent and the filling is heated through.
- f.Steam in batches if necessary, checking and refilling the water in the steamer pot as needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare Dipping Sauce and Serve
- b.While the wontons are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 0.5 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp chili sauce, 0.5 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp of water.
- c.Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- d.Once steamed, carefully remove the wontons from the steamer.
- e.Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the vegetable filling is completely cool before wrapping to prevent the wrappers from tearing or becoming soggy.
- 2Do not overfill the wontons. About 1 teaspoon of filling is perfect to ensure they seal properly and cook evenly.
- 3Press the edges of the wontons firmly to create a tight seal, so the filling doesn't leak out during steaming.
- 4To freeze uncooked wontons, place them on a tray without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be steamed directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
- 5Serve wontons immediately after steaming for the best texture. They can become dry and chewy if left to sit for too long.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
For added protein and texture, mix in finely chopped mushrooms, crumbled firm tofu, or grated paneer into the vegetable filling.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
For a crispy bottom, pan-fry the steamed wontons for 2-3 minutes in a little oil until golden brown. This is known as the potsticker method.
Dipping SauceDipping Sauce
Enhance the dipping sauce by adding 1/2 teaspoon of finely minced garlic, some toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Fat
Steaming is a healthy, low-fat cooking method that preserves the natural flavor and nutrients in the vegetables without adding extra calories from oil.
Rich in Fiber
Loaded with vegetables like cabbage and carrots, these wontons are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Source of Vitamins
The colorful variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C from capsicum and Vitamin K from cabbage, which support immune function and overall health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of 6 vegetable steamed wontons contains approximately 210-230 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brand of wonton wrappers and sauces used.