Vegetarian Dumplings Recipe

If you’re looking for a wholesome, satisfying, and utterly delicious appetizer or meal, these Vegetarian Dumplings are the answer. Packed with a vibrant mix of vegetables, wrapped in delicate dough, and served with a savory dipping sauce, these dumplings are a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether you pan-fry, steam, or boil them, they deliver bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite.
🥟 Why You’ll Love These Vegetarian Dumplings
- Healthy and packed with veggies
- Customizable with your favorite fillings
- Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
📝 Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ cup carrot, grated
- ½ cup shiitake or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- ¼ cup scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Wrappers:
- Store-bought round dumpling wrappers (or homemade if preferred)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for a minute. Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and scallions. Stir-fry until soft, about 5–6 minutes. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Let the mixture cool before assembling the dumplings.
2. Assemble the Dumplings
Place a dumpling wrapper in your palm. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edge of the wrapper. Fold it over into a half-moon shape and pinch or pleat to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
3. Cook the Dumplings
Option 1: Pan-Fried (Potstickers)
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick skillet. Add dumplings and cook until bottoms are golden. Add ¼ cup water, cover, and steam for 5–6 minutes until water evaporates.
Option 2: Steamed
Place dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment. Steam for 8–10 minutes until wrappers are translucent and cooked.
Option 3: Boiled
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add dumplings in batches. Boil until they float, about 3–5 minutes. Drain well.
4. Serve with Dipping Sauce
Whisk all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with hot dumplings.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add crumbled tofu or finely chopped spinach for extra protein and nutrients.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes.
🥢 Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian dumplings make a fantastic starter for Asian-themed dinners or a light lunch paired with miso soup or stir-fried noodles. They’re also great for parties—just serve them on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauce on the side.
🌱 Final Thoughts
These homemade vegetarian dumplings are a delicious way to enjoy plant-based comfort food. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly tasty—don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly from your table!
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