How to Make Vegetable Dumplings: Homemade Asian-style Steamed or Fried Dumplings

Vegetable dumplings are a popular dish in Asian cuisine, known for their delicious taste and health benefits. These tasty treats are packed with vegetables, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans. While you can find pre-made dumplings in many grocery stores, making them at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only can you customize the fillings to your liking, but you can also control the quality of the ingredients and avoid any preservatives or additives.

Why Make Vegetable Dumplings at Home?

Making vegetable dumplings at home is not only a fun activity, but it also has several benefits:

Customizable fillings: When making vegetable dumplings at home, you can choose your own fillings, from traditional cabbage and carrot to more unique options like shiitake mushrooms or tofu.
Healthier ingredients: Store-bought dumplings may contain preservatives or additives, but by making them at home, you can ensure that your dumplings are made with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Cost-effective: Making dumplings at home can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made dumplings, especially if you plan on making a large batch.
Fun and rewarding: Making dumplings at home is a fun activity that you can do with friends or family, and it can be very rewarding to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Whether you prefer steamed or fried dumplings, making them at home is a great way to enjoy this delicious and healthy dish. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to make vegetable dumplings at home.

Ingredients

Dumpling Wrappers

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 tsp salt

Filling

1 cup finely chopped cabbage
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

For the dumpling wrappers:

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Slowly stir in boiling water and mix until the dough comes together.
Add cold water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 32 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 3-inch circle.

For the filling:

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

To assemble the dumplings:

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper.
Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and fold in half, pressing the edges together to seal.
Pinch the edges together to create pleats.

To cook the dumplings:

Method	Instructions
Steaming	Place dumplings in a steamer basket and steam for 10-12 minutes.
Frying	Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add dumplings and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/4 cup of water and cover the pan. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are crispy.

For the dipping sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve alongside the dumplings.

Preparing the Dumpling Wrappers

Making the dumpling wrappers is a crucial step in the process of making vegetable dumplings. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the perfect dumpling wrappers:

Making the Dough

The first step in making the dumpling wrappers is to prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup of hot water while stirring the mixture using a wooden spoon. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Rolling the Dough

After the dough has rested, knead it again for a few minutes to make it smoother. Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a thin, circular shape using a rolling pin or a pasta maker. Make sure that the edges are thinner than the center of the wrapper, as this will help create a seal when folding the dumplings.

Cutting the Wrappers

Once the wrappers are rolled out, they need to be cut into circles. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles of about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place the wrappers on a floured surface to prevent them from sticking together.

You can also make the wrappers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze them for later use. However, make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

By following these simple steps, you can prepare the perfect dumpling wrappers for your homemade vegetable dumplings.

Making the Filling

The filling is the heart of any dumpling, and the vegetable dumpling filling is no exception. Here is a simple and delicious recipe for vegetable dumpling filling:

Ingredients:

1 cup finely chopped cabbage
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a spoon to place a small amount of the mixture in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
Use your fingers to pinch the edges of the wrapper together, forming a seal around the filling.
Repeat until all the filling is used up.

Once you have made the filling, you are ready to start making your vegetable dumplings. Whether you choose to steam or fry them, your homemade dumplings are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Assembling the Dumplings

Now that you have made the filling and prepared the wrappers, it’s time to assemble the dumplings. Here’s how to fold them:

Place a wrapper on a clean and dry surface. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.
Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill it, as this will make it difficult to fold and seal the dumpling.
Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
Starting from one end, pleat the edges of the wrapper together to create a crimped effect. This will help to seal the dumpling and prevent it from opening up during cooking.
Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.

There are different ways to fold dumplings, but the pleated method is one of the most common and easiest to learn. You can also experiment with different shapes and designs, such as the crescent moon or the purse.

Tips for Folding Dumplings

Work with one wrapper at a time to avoid them from drying out and cracking.
Keep a small bowl of water nearby to moisten your fingers and the edges of the wrappers as needed.
Do not overfill the dumplings, as this will make it difficult to seal them and they may burst during cooking.
Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if your first few dumplings don’t look perfect. With a little practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to assemble and fold dumplings, it’s time to cook them. In the next section, we’ll show you how to steam or fry your homemade vegetable dumplings to perfection.

Cooking the Dumplings

Steaming the Dumplings

Steaming the dumplings is a healthier option and also brings out a more delicate flavor. Here are the steps to follow:

Line the steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
Bring water to a boil in a pot or wok and place the steamer basket on top.
Cover the steamer basket and steam the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes or until the wrapper is translucent and the filling is cooked through.
Remove the dumplings from the steamer basket and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Frying the Dumplings

Frying the dumplings is a popular method that gives a crispy texture and a more intense flavor. Here are the steps to follow:

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Place the dumplings in the pan, making sure they are not touching each other.
Fry the dumplings for about 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
Add water to the pan, about 1/4 cup, and cover the pan immediately.
Lower the heat to medium and let the dumplings steam for about 5-6 minutes or until the water has evaporated.
Remove the cover and let the dumplings fry for another minute or until the bottom is crispy again.
Remove the dumplings from the pan and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Comparison of Steaming and Frying Dumplings
	Steaming	Frying
Texture	Soft and delicate	Crispy and crunchy
Flavor	Mild and subtle	Intense and savory
Healthiness	Healthier option	Higher in calories and fat

Making the Dipping Sauce

The dipping sauce is an essential component of any dumpling dish. It adds flavor and balances out the savory taste of the dumplings. Here is an easy dipping sauce recipe that you can make in minutes:

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine.
Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adjust the seasoning to taste. You can add more soy sauce if you prefer a saltier taste, or more sugar if you want a sweeter sauce.
Transfer the dipping sauce to a small serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional).

This dipping sauce pairs well with both steamed and fried dumplings. It’s also a great condiment for other Asian dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and rice bowls. Make a big batch of this sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.