Delicious Vegetarian Dumplings 🥟

Our sweet aunties making the dumplings 🥟 you know and love ❤️

Delicious Pan-Fried Vegetarian Dumplings Recipe

This is the first recipe from our Family Recipes Series, where we share with you our most popular recipes at the cafe. These pan-fried vegetarian dumplings are a classic favorite, packed with fresh vegetables and wrapped in a crispy golden exterior. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, they are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage

• 1/2 cup grated carrots

• 1/2 cup rehydrated and finely chopped shiitake mushrooms

• 1/4 cup finely chopped vegetarian ham

• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

• 30 store-bought dumpling wrappers (or homemade if you prefer)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup water (for steaming)

For Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

• 1 teaspoon of finely grated ginger

• Sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Rehydrate the shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Drain and finely chop.

2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

3. Add the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, vegetarian ham, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté on medium low heat for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and any excess moisture has evaporated.

4. Stir in the soy sauce and five-spice powder. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

5. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely before assembling the dumplings.

Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings

1. Place a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.

2. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center of the wrapper.

3. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger or a small brush.

4. Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together, pleating if desired.

5. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

2. Place the dumplings in the skillet, flat side down, without overcrowding.

3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.

4. Add 1/4 cup water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Let the dumplings steam for 4-5 minutes or until the water has evaporated.

5. Remove the lid and cook for another minute to re-crisp the bottoms.

6. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat with the remaining dumplings, adding more oil as needed.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil (if using).

2. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Success

• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to experiment with the filling! The vegetarian ham and five-spice powder add a unique flavor, but you can swap them out based on availability.

• Storage: Uncooked dumplings can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for later use. Cook from frozen for best results.

• Wrappers: If making your own wrappers, ensure they’re thin and even for the perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pan-fried vegetarian dumplings as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Pair them with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or a bowl of miso soup for a complete meal.

Enjoy the crisp-tender texture and vibrant flavors of these homemade dumplings! Let us know how your batch turned out in the comments below.