Vegan Chinese Dumplings Recipe

Introduction:

Experience the delightful flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine with our Vegan Chinese Dumplings recipe. These homemade dumplings are filled with a savory, plant-based mixture and encased in delicate, homemade wrappers. Perfect for a hearty appetizer, satisfying main course, or even as a fun family cooking activity, these dumplings are both delicious and versatile. Our recipe is designed to be nutritious and low in SmartPoints, making it a smart choice for those on a Weight Watchers plan or anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional dumplings.

Ingredients:

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend)
  • ¾ cup boiling water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for added elasticity)

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup finely chopped cabbage (green or napa cabbage works well)
  • 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup chopped firm tofu, pressed and crumbled (for extra flavor, marinate or season)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional for added sweetness)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Cooking:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
  • Water (for steaming)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough: Begin by making the dumpling wrappers. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the boiling water, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or chopsticks until the dough begins to come together. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using, incorporate the vegetable oil during kneading for added elasticity. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Dumpling Filling: While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Add the Vegetables and Tofu: Add the chopped cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the crumbled tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in the green onions, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 2 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles, approximately 3 inches in diameter. Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling as needed.
  5. Assemble the Dumplings: Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the dumplings difficult. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can pleat the edges if desired to create a more traditional look. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  6. Cook the Dumplings: There are two main methods to cook the dumplings: pan-frying or steaming.Pan-Frying Method: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dumplings, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully add ¼ cup of water to the skillet (the water will create steam and help cook the tops of the dumplings). Cover the skillet with a lid and steam the dumplings for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bottoms if needed.Steaming Method: Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper (to prevent sticking). Steam over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the filling is hot. If using a bamboo steamer, make sure to leave space between the dumplings to allow for proper steam circulation.
  7. Serve the Dumplings: Serve the dumplings hot with your favorite dipping sauce. A simple soy sauce and rice vinegar mixture with a touch of sesame oil or chili oil works well. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (4 dumplings, assuming 12 servings total):

  • Calories: Approximately 180
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g

SmartPoints:

  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: Approximately 5 points per serving (4 dumplings, based on current WW guidelines)

Useful Tips:

  1. Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  2. Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add additional seasonings to customize the filling to your taste. Finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots can add a delightful crunch.
  3. Freezing Dumplings: To freeze uncooked dumplings, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen using the pan-frying method, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Serving Suggestions: These dumplings are excellent as part of a larger meal with stir-fried vegetables or a simple noodle dish. They also make a great addition to a dim sum spread.

Conclusion:

Our Vegan Chinese Dumplings recipe offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional dumplings, featuring a flavorful plant-based filling encased in homemade wrappers. Whether you choose to pan-fry or steam them, these dumplings deliver on taste and texture, making them a versatile option for various occasions. With their low SmartPoints value and wholesome ingredients, they are a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a satisfying, health-conscious meal. Enjoy the process of making these dumplings as much as you enjoy eating them!