Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings Recipe
If you’re craving something delicious and healthy, these vegetarian steamed dumplings are a must-try. I absolutely love how they pack a flavorful punch while being light and satisfying.
The combination of fresh vegetables and tofu creates a vibrant filling that’s both nutritious and tasty. Plus, steaming them keeps everything tender without excess oil.
It’s a fun cooking activity, too! I enjoy shaping the dumplings and experimenting with different dips to enhance their flavor.
Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer or a main dish, these dumplings are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. You’ll definitely want more!
Ingredients of Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings
When it comes to making vegetarian steamed dumplings, gathering the right ingredients will set you up for success. This recipe is all about fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delightful dish. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up these tasty little pockets of goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb firm tofu
- 1/2 cup coarsely grated carrot
- 1/2 cup shredded napa cabbage
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red peppers
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
- 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaf
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Bowl of water (for sealing dumplings)
- Additional water for the steamer
- 35-40 small wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil cooking spray (for the steamer)
Now, let’s talk about some other considerations when it comes to these ingredients. First off, tofu is the star of the show, and using firm tofu really makes a difference in texture. You want it to hold up when you’re mixing it with all those vibrant veggies.
Speaking of veggies, feel free to customize the filling. Got some mushrooms or spinach lying around? Toss them in. And if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can swap it out for parsley or just leave it out altogether.
The beauty of dumplings is their versatility. So, embrace your inner chef and make this dish your own. Just remember, the more colorful your filling, the more appetizing your dumplings will look. And who doesn’t love a feast for the eyes?
How to Make Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started on making these delicious vegetarian steamed dumplings. First things first, let’s prep the tofu. You’ll need 1/2 lb of firm tofu for this recipe. Cut it in half horizontally, then place it between layers of paper towels on a plate. Top it with another plate and add some weight — a 14-ounce can of vegetables works wonders. Let it sit for 20 minutes. This step helps to squeeze out excess moisture, ensuring your dumplings don’t turn out soggy. I mean, nobody wants a sad dumpling, right?
Once the tofu has been properly pressed, go ahead and cut it into 1/4-inch cubes. Toss those cubes into a large mixing bowl, and then it’s time to add the fun stuff! You’re going to mix in 1/2 cup of coarsely grated carrot, 1/2 cup of shredded napa cabbage, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red peppers, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions.
Oh, and don’t forget the zing — add 2 teaspoons of finely minced fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon each of chopped cilantro leaf, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Crack in 1 lightly beaten egg, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, and give it a gentle stir. You want everything to be combined without turning it into a mushy mess.
Now comes the fun part: forming the dumplings! Grab a wonton wrapper — about 35 to 40 of them will do — and cover the rest with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out. Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with water to help seal it. Place about 1/2 rounded teaspoon of that tasty tofu mixture right in the center of the wrapper.
How you shape your dumpling is totally up to you. You can fold it in half for a simple pocket or get creative with pleats. Just make sure the edges are sealed tight so none of that delicious filling escapes during steaming. Once you have a whole batch ready, set them on a sheet pan, cover with a damp cloth (because, again, we don’t want any drying out), and repeat until the filling is gone.
Now, using your favorite steaming apparatus, bring about 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Don’t forget to spray the steamer’s surface with some vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent those precious dumplings from sticking. Place as many dumplings as your steamer can fit without them touching each other, cover, and steam for 10 to 12 minutes.
Once they’re cooked to perfection, transfer them to a heatproof platter and pop them in a warm oven while you repeat the steaming process for the rest. And voilà! You’ve just made a batch of vegetarian steamed dumplings that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one. Just try not to eat them all yourself — sharing is caring, after all.
Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings Substitutions & Variations
After shaping those delightful dumplings, you might be wondering how to customize or switch things up.
I love swapping tofu for tempeh or even mushrooms for a different texture. You can easily replace napa cabbage with spinach or bok choy, adding a fresh twist.
If you’re after more heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or sriracha. For added flavor, consider using different herbs like basil or mint instead of cilantro.
Don’t forget to experiment with sauces—try adding a splash of chili oil or switching hoisin for teriyaki.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although making steamed dumplings can seem challenging, a few tips can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
First, make certain your tofu is well-pressed to avoid soggy filling. I recommend using a damp cloth to cover your wrappers; this prevents them from drying out while you work.
When sealing the dumplings, press out any air for a better seal. Don’t overcrowd the steamer; it’s better to steam in batches.
Finally, serve them with a dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dumpling-making experience! Enjoy every bite!