Delicious and Healthy Vegan Dim Sum Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 20 vegan dim sum wrappers
  • Water for sealing the wrappers
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying
  • Dipping Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon of chili sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is well seasoned.
  2. Lay a dim sum wrapper on a clean, flat surface. Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture in the center of the wrapper. Dampen the edges of the wrapper with a little water.
  3. Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, crimping them if desired. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dumplings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in enough water to come about halfway up the sides of the dumplings. Cover the pan and let the dumplings steam until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, agave nectar or maple syrup, sesame oil, chili sauce if using, and grated ginger if using. Stir well to combine.
  7. Once the dumplings are cooked, serve them hot with the dipping sauce.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the shredded cabbage with bok choy or napa cabbage.
  • Replace the carrot with julienned bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • Add diced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch.
  • Include finely chopped tofu or tempeh for added protein.
  • Try using different dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce or peanut sauce.
  • Experiment with different wrappers like wonton wrappers or rice paper wrappers.
  • Make gluten-free dumplings by using gluten-free wrappers or replacing the wrappers with lettuce leaves.
  • Add spices like chili flakes or Szechuan peppercorns for a spicier flavor.
  • For a different texture, pan-fry the dumplings until crispy instead of steaming them.
  • Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or seasonings.

Recipe overview

This Vegan Dim Sum recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a popular Asian cuisine in a plant-based style. Traditional dim sum dumplings are packed with a flavorful mix of vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and green onions, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. They're then pan-fried until golden and crispy, and steamed to perfection. These dumplings are served with a homemade dipping sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor and excitement to every bite. This recipe is perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. It's also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Despite its sophistication, this recipe is quite easy to follow and doesn't require any complex cooking techniques. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other vegetables?
    Yes, you can customize the filling by using other vegetables of your choice. Just make sure to finely chop or grate them so they cook evenly.
  2. Can I make the dumpling wrappers from scratch?
    Certainly! If you prefer homemade wrappers, you can find recipes online to make vegan dumpling wrappers using flour and water. Follow the instructions provided in the recipe.
  3. Can I freeze the dumplings?
    Absolutely! These dumplings freeze well. After assembling the dumplings, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Can I steam the dumplings instead of frying them?
    Yes, you can steam the dumplings instead of frying them if you prefer a healthier cooking method. Place the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam for about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. Can I make these gluten-free?
    Certainly! Look for gluten-free dumpling wrappers or make your own using gluten-free flour. Ensure that all the other ingredients you use, including the soy sauce and dipping sauce, are gluten-free as well.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large mixing bowl - A large mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients for the filling.
  • Grater - A grater is necessary to grate the carrot and ginger for the filling.
  • Knife - A knife will be used to finely chop the green onions and mince the garlic.
  • Skillet - A skillet is required to fry the dumplings until golden brown.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be used to flip and remove the dumplings from the skillet.
  • Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the ingredients for the dipping sauce.
  • Whisk or spoon - A whisk or spoon is used to stir and combine the ingredients for the dipping sauce.
  • Plates or serving dish - Plates or a serving dish will be used to arrange and serve the cooked dumplings.
  • Chopsticks or forks - Chopsticks or forks are helpful for guests to pick up and enjoy the dumplings.

Origin stories

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese dish that dates back to the times of Silk Road travel. As weary travelers journeyed along this historic trade route, they often stopped at teahouses to rest and refresh. It is in these teahouses that dim sum was born, served as small bite-sized portions alongside tea. The tradition of "Yum Cha" or "drinking tea" evolved to incorporate these delicious dumplings and other treats, creating the dim sum culture we know today. As the love for this cuisine spread, it crossed borders and was adopted by various cultures, each adding their unique spin to the recipes. The version of vegan dim sum we’re making today is a testament to the adaptability and universality of this beloved dish, offering an animal-free alternative that maintains the rich flavors and satisfying textures of the original.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.