Vegan soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are a true culinary delight. Imagine biting into a delicate dumpling, releasing a burst of savory, flavorful broth. Traditionally, these dumplings are made with meat, but this recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy them entirely plant-based. You’ll learn how to create amazing vegan soup dumplings right in your own kitchen!
This recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, making it perfect for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned dumpling maker or just starting, you’ll find this guide easy to follow.
Why these Vegan Soup Dumplings are Special
These vegan soup dumplings are special because they focus on fresh, accessible ingredients. The recipe emphasizes simplicity and big flavors without complicated techniques. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun, impressive dish for a weekend gathering. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste!
Ingredients
The vegan soup dumplings recipe is divided into two parts: the flavorful filling and the delicate dough. Gather your ingredients beforehand for a smooth cooking experience.
Filling Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 cup finely chopped Napa cabbage, ½ cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, and ½ cup finely chopped carrots. These provide a wonderful texture and sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bok choy or finely diced water chestnuts.
- Aromatics: 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 finely chopped scallion. These add depth and fragrance to the filling.
- Vegan “Aspic”: ½ cup strong vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder. Agar-agar is a plant-based gelatin substitute that creates the soupy center of the dumplings. You can find it in most health food stores or online.
- Seasoning: 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Adjust these to your preference.
Dough Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting. This forms the base of the dough. You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Warm Water: ¾ cup warm water. The warm water helps activate the gluten in the flour, creating a pliable dough.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon salt. This enhances the dough’s flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free dumpling wrapper mix or pre-made gluten-free wrappers. These are readily available in many grocery stores. You can also experiment with homemade gluten-free dough recipes, though store-bought options offer convenience.
Making the Vegan Soup Dumplings Filling
The key to delicious vegan soup dumplings lies in a well-balanced and flavorful filling. Here’s how to make it:
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping your vegetables. Aim for small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and fit nicely inside the dumplings. Finely chop the Napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots. A sharp knife is your best friend here! If you have a food processor, you can pulse the vegetables briefly, but be careful not to over-process them. You want small pieces, not mush.
Creating the Vegan Aspic
The vegan aspic is what creates the “soup” inside the dumplings. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of strong vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder. Whisk well to ensure the agar-agar is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the agar-agar is completely dissolved and the liquid slightly thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools. Don’t worry if it seems too liquid at first; it will solidify once chilled. Agar-agar sets quickly, so it’s essential to have your vegetables prepared before making the aspic. For more information on agar-agar, check out this article on Healthline about agar-agar.
Combining the Filling Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, the slightly cooled aspic, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scallion, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything until well combined. Make sure the aspic is distributed evenly throughout the vegetable mixture. This flavorful mixture is now ready to be wrapped in the dumpling dough.
Making the Dumpling Dough
You have two options for the dumpling dough: making it from scratch or using store-bought wrappers. Both work well, so choose the method that suits your time and preference.
Making the Dough from Scratch
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Slowly add ¾ cup of warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth. Add flour if sticky, or water if dry. Form into a ball, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.
Using Store-Bought Wrappers
Using store-bought dumpling wrappers is a great time-saver. Look for round wrappers specifically designed for dumplings or potstickers. Keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while you work to prevent them from drying out. If the edges of your wrappers dry out, lightly wet them with water to help them seal when pleating. Round wrappers are the most common and easiest to work with, but square wrappers can also be used.
Assembling and Cooking the Vegan Soup Dumplings
This is where the fun begins! Assembling and cooking the dumplings is a rewarding experience.
Filling and Pleating the Dumplings
Take a dumpling wrapper and place it in your palm. Add about 1 tablespoon of the filling to the center of the wrapper. Don’t overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the dumplings. For beginners, a simple pleating method is to fold the wrapper in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges firmly to seal. For a more advanced technique, try creating small pleats along the edge of the wrapper before sealing. There are many online resources and videos that demonstrate various pleating styles. The most crucial part is ensuring the dumplings are sealed tightly to prevent leakage during cooking. Practice makes perfect!
Cooking Methods: Steaming and Pan-frying
Steaming: Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the basket, leaving some space between them. Steam over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the dough is translucent.
Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Then, add ½ cup of water to the skillet, cover, and steam for another 5-7 minutes, or until the water evaporates and the dumplings are cooked through. This method creates crispy bottoms and juicy filling. Make sure the skillet you use has a lid. If a dumpling sticks during pan-frying, gently nudge it loose with a spatula.
FAQ
Can soup dumplings be vegan?
Absolutely! Traditional soup dumplings rely on animal-based gelatin for the soupy filling. The vegan soup dumplings recipe uses agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent derived from seaweed, to achieve the same delicious effect. It creates a rich, flavorful broth inside the vegan soup dumplings.
What is a substitute for gelatin in vegan soup dumplings?
Agar-agar is a fantastic substitute for gelatin in vegan soup dumplings. It’s readily available, easy to use, and creates a similar texture to gelatin when dissolved in hot liquid and then cooled. This recipe provides clear instructions on how to use agar-agar effectively.
Are Mila soup dumplings vegan?
Mila soup dumplings are not typically vegan. They often contain meat-based ingredients in both the filling and the broth. Always double-check the ingredients list on any packaged soup dumplings to confirm whether they are suitable for a vegan diet. This vegan soup dumplings recipe empowers you to make delicious vegan soup dumplings at home, so you know exactly what’s in them!
What canned soup is vegan?
Many canned soups happen to be vegan or have vegan options available. Look for plant-based varieties like lentil soup, tomato soup, minestrone, or other vegetable-based soups that are free from meat, dairy, and other animal products. Always check the label to be sure. However, for these vegan soup dumplings, making the filling from scratch offers superior flavor and control over the ingredients.
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Conclusion
Serve your freshly steamed or pan-fried vegan soup dumplings immediately for the best experience. A classic dipping sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil for a flavorful kick. You can also add finely chopped ginger or scallions to your dipping sauce. Garnish the dumplings with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal.
Vegan soup dumplings pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a simple salad, steamed greens, or a light stir-fry. They also make a fantastic appetizer or part of a larger dim sum spread.
If you have leftover dumplings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a steamer or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the dough tough. Enjoy your vegan soup dumplings!
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Vegan Soup Dumplings
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: Estimate: 20-25 dumplings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These easy vegan soup dumplings are bursting with savory flavor. A simple, step-by-step guide makes them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped Napa cabbage
- ½ cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
- ½ cup finely chopped carrots
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 finely chopped scallion
- ½ cup strong vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm water
- ½ teaspoon salt (for dough)
Instructions
1. Finely chop the Napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots.
2. Combine vegetable broth and agar-agar powder in a saucepan. Whisk and simmer until agar-agar dissolves. Cool slightly.
3. Combine vegetables, aspic, garlic, ginger, scallion, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. For the dough, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and knead until smooth. Let rest for 30 minutes. Or use store-bought dumpling wrappers.
5. Place a wrapper in your palm, add 1 tablespoon of filling, and pleat to seal.
6. Steam dumplings for 10-12 minutes, or pan-fry until golden, then add water and steam for 5-7 minutes.
Notes
Substitute vegetables as desired. For gluten-free, use gluten-free wrappers. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Asian, Vegan
- Method: Steaming, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: egan soup dumplings, xiaolongbao, plant-based dumplings, vegan aspic, agar-agar, dumpling recipe, Chinese cuisine, vegan Chinese food
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