Description
Delicate vegetarian soup dumplings filled with a savory veggie mixture and a rich mushroom broth gel that melts into soup when steamed—perfect for a plant-based take on a dim sum favorite.
Ingredients
For the broth gel:
2 cups mushroom or vegetable broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp agar agar powder or 2 tsp powdered gelatin (for non-vegan)
For the filling:
1/2 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup finely shredded cabbage
1/4 cup grated carrot
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the wrappers:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup hot water (approx.)
Instructions
1. To make the broth gel: Bring broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil to a simmer. Stir in agar agar and simmer for 2–3 minutes until dissolved.
2. Pour into a shallow container and refrigerate until firm. Once set, finely dice into small cubes.
3. To make the dough: Mix flour and hot water until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes, then cover and rest for 30 minutes.
4. To make the filling: Sauté mushrooms, cabbage, and carrot until softened. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Let cool, then mix with diced broth gel.
5. Divide dough into small balls and roll into thin 3–4 inch circles.
6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, then pleat and seal the dumplings.
7. Place dumplings in a parchment-lined steamer and steam over boiling water for 8–10 minutes.
8. Serve hot with soy sauce, black vinegar, or chili oil.
Notes
Agar agar makes this recipe vegan; gelatin is traditional but not plant-based.
Make sure broth gel is well chilled and firm before using.
Work quickly when forming dumplings to prevent wrappers from drying out.
Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then store in a bag for future steaming.
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dumplings
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian soup dumplings, xiao long bao, vegan dumplings, dim sum