Homemade Vegan Dumpling Recipe – A Classic Delight For Food Lovers

Don’t have time to read the full blog post? JUMP TO THE RECIPE HERE!

Finding the perfect vegan dumpling recipe can feel like a quest for the holy grail in a world dominated by traditional meat-filled options.

The struggle is real for those of us seeking that savory, satisfying bite without compromising our plant-based principles. Yet, the journey to this culinary delight can be a manageable one.

After countless trials and tribulations in my kitchen, I’ve discovered a family recipe that not only rivals its traditional counterpart but also celebrates the rich tapestry of flavors that vegan ingredients offer.

This game-changer embraces the goodness of fresh veggies and spices wrapped in sticky dough, promising a mouthwatering experience that will leave you questioning why you have ever settled for anything.

What Are Vegan Dumplings?

Vegan dumplings are a plant-based twist on the classic dumpling, free from animal products. They consist of dough wrappers filled with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, or other vegan proteins seasoned with herbs and spices.

These vegetarian dumplings are versatile and capable of being steamed, boiled, fried, or added to soups, making them a popular choice in vegan and vegetarian diets.

They offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, providing a satisfying and cruelty-free culinary experience. Vegan dumplings are not just food; they represent a conscious choice towards a more sustainable and compassionate lifestyle.

Quick Fact: Vegan dumplings are a culinary delight. They offer a rich tapestry of flavors from vegetables and spices wrapped in tender dough, showcasing the versatility and satisfaction of plant-based cooking.

Recipe Directions

Prepare The Filling

• Mash firm tofu in a bowl using a fork.
• Finely chop spring onions, cabbage, and mushrooms in a food processor.
• In a frying pan or skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for a minute until the spices are lightly toasted and fragrant.
• Add the mashed tofu, chopped spring onion, cabbage, mushrooms, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pan.
• Cook until the little water from the vegetables evaporates, about 10 minutes. When done, the filling should appear dry. Let it cool.

Make Homemade Dumpling Wrappers

• Place all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl.
• Mix freshly boiled water with cold tap water to make ¾ cup (180ml) of hot water at 120°F (50°C). Adjust with more hot or cold water as needed.
• Pour the hot water over the flour, mixing with a fork until the water is absorbed and small dough pieces form.
• Use your hands to form a firm dough ball, gathering all the flour bits.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 3 minutes until smooth and not sticky.
• Cover the dough ball in a bowl with a lid or damp towel and let it rest for 60 minutes.
• After resting, cut the dough into four parts.
• Roll out one part on a floured surface into a thin sheet, dusting with flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles, then re-roll leftover dough to cut more circles.
• Roll out each circle until thin and round, lightly flouring if needed.
• Place wrappers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining dough to make around 30 wrappers.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Protein Variants: Beyond tofu, consider using tempeh, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or lentils for a protein boost.
• Vegetable Choices: Experiment with different vegetables, such as spinach, kale, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes, for diverse flavors and textures.
• Flavor Twists: Incorporate international flavors by adding spices and herbs like curry powder, cilantro, dill, or Thai basil.
• Whole Wheat: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Gluten-Free: Create gluten-free wrappers using a gluten-free flour mix like rice flour and tapioca starch.

Add-Ons

• Serve with dipping sauces, such as soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar, spicy chili sauce, or tangy sesame sauce.
• Create a peanut sauce for a creamy, rich flavor complement.
• Add nuts or seeds (such as chopped walnuts, sesame, or sunflower seeds) for an added crunch.
• Incorporate seaweed or kimchi for an umami boost.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley for freshness.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor and appealing presentation.
• Crispy Garlic: Top with crispy fried garlic or shallots for a flavorful crunch.
• Edible Flowers: For a special occasion, garnish with edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms For Meat: Rich in umami, mushrooms like portobello or shiitake can mimic the texture and taste of meat.
• Cauliflower For Chicken: Cauliflower’s versatility makes it a great stand-in for chicken in recipes like buffalo wings.
• Jackfruit For Pulled Pork: Young green jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork and absorbs flavors well.
• Lentils For Ground Beef: Cooked lentils can replace ground beef in tacos, bolognese, or lasagna for a protein-rich alternative.
• Chickpeas For Tuna: Mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayo and seasonings create a convincing tuna salad substitute.
• Beets For Smoked Salmon: Thinly sliced, marinated beets can mimic the texture and appearance of smoked salmon, ideal for vegan sushi or bagels.
• Eggplant For Bacon: Sliced and seasoned eggplant can be baked or fried to create a crispy, smoky vegan bacon alternative.

Quick Tip: For a richer flavor in vegan dishes, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to recipes. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to any meal.

Best Side Dishes

1. Steamed Vegetables Lightly steam broccoli, bok choy, or green beans seasoned with salt and garlic.
2. Quinoa Salad A colorful quinoa salad with diced vegetables, lemon zest, and a vinaigrette dressing.
3. Asian Slaw A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing.
4. Stir-Fried Greens Greens like spinach or kale stir-fried with garlic and a splash of soy sauce.
5. Edamame Boiled edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt make a simple, protein-rich side.
6. Rice A bowl of jasmine or basmati rice or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
7. Miso Soup A warm, soothing bowl of miso soup with tofu and seaweed.
8. Pickled Vegetables A side of pickled radishes, cucumbers, or carrots adds a refreshing crunch.
9. Sautéed Mushrooms Mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs, offering a meaty texture.
10. Cucumber Salad A light and refreshing cucumber salad with a vinegar-based dressing.

How To Serve?

• Steamed with Dipping Sauce: Serve steamed dumplings alongside a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce with minced garlic and ginger, a sweet and spicy sauce, or a sesame oil-based sauce.
• Pan-Fried: Pan-fry the dumplings until golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Serve hot with chili oil or vinegar dipping sauce for a delightful texture contrast.
• In Soup: Gently place dumplings in a flavorful broth enriched with vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and scallions to create a comforting dumpling soup.
• With Rice or Noodles: Accompany your dumplings with fluffy white rice or stir-fried noodles for a more filling meal.
• As part of a Dim Sum Spread: Create a vegan dim sum feast by serving a variety of dumplings with other small dishes, such as spring rolls, steamed buns, and vegetable tempura.
• Dumpling Salad: Toss lightly pan-fried or steamed dumplings with a fresh salad of mixed greens, herbs, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing meal.
• Bento Box: For a delightful lunch option, place a selection of dumplings in a bento box with compartments filled with pickled vegetables, edamame, and a small fruit salad.
• Dumpling Platter: Arrange an assortment of dumplings on a platter, each with different fillings and shapes, to offer guests a variety of flavors and textures.
• With a Side of Slaw: Serve a crunchy Asian slaw or cucumber salad on the side for a refreshing contrast to the savory dumplings.
• Dipped in Soup: Offer a side of clear, flavorful broth for guests to dip their dumplings into, enhancing the taste and adding an element of warmth.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Keep vegan dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dumpling filling and dough ahead of time, storing them separately. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Assemble the dumplings just before cooking for optimal texture. Alternatively, you can freeze assembled dumplings on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage. Allow frozen dumplings to thaw slightly before cooking.

Fact: The world’s oldest known recipe is a beer formula dating back to 3400 B.C., discovered on a Sumerian tablet in ancient Mesopotamia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Vegan Dumplings, And How Should I Do It?

Yes, you can freeze vegan dumplings. To freeze, lay the uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching.

Freeze them until solid, about 1-2 hours, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label them with the date, which can be stored for up to 3 months. To cook, steam or fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What Are Some Common Mistakes When Making Vegan Dumplings, And How Can I Avoid Them?

Common mistakes when making vegan dumplings include overfilling, using too much water in the dough, and not properly sealing the edges. Avoid these using measured filling, gradually adding water to the dough, and sealing the edges tightly.

Additionally, ensure the filling is well-seasoned and not too wet to prevent sogginess. Practice folding techniques to create neat dumplings for steaming or frying.

Can I Use Store-Bought Dumpling Wrappers For This Recipe, And What Should I Look For?

Yes, you can use store-bought wrappers for convenience. Look for wrappers labeled “vegan” to ensure they don’t contain any eggs or other animal products.

Choose thin wrappers for boiling or steaming and thicker wrappers if you plan to pan-fry them. Always check the expiration date and ensure they are fresh for the best texture.

How Can I Make Gluten-Free Vegan Dumplings?

To make gluten-free, vegan dumplings, substitute the all-purpose flour in the wrapper recipe with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Look for blends that include xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the dough. For the filling, ensure soy sauce is replaced with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the recipe fully gluten-free.

What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With Vegan Dumplings?

Vegan dumplings pair well with various dipping sauces. Soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar offers a classic, savory option.

Sweet chili sauce provides a tangy and spicy kick. Peanut sauce adds richness and depth with a hint of sweetness. Ginger scallion sauce offers a fresh, aromatic flavor that compliments the dumplings perfectly.