Vegan Soup Dumpling Recipe

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I am so excited to share todays recipe with you! One of the things I craved often when I went plant based was soup dumplings. My husband and I honeymooned in Taiwan and it was easy to find delicious xiao long bao everywhere that was vegan. So, when we got back stateside, I realized it was basically impossible to find at a restaurant. And I live in Portland! If I can’t find them here, I know that they are difficult to find the rest of the United States. So I set out to create a recipe that would capture the deliciousness. In this blog post, we’ll explore a scrumptious Vegan Soup Dumplings recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight and your cravings fulfilled.

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The History of Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are a cherished Chinese delicacy. Typically filled with a mixture of minced meat and a flavorful broth, these dumplings offer a burst of savory pleasure with each bite. But can they be enjoyed in a vegan version? Absolutely! By swapping out animal-derived ingredients with plant-based alternatives, you can savor the same experience without compromising on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Vegan Soup Dumpling Recipe

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:

The Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or oyster mushrooms work well)
• ½ cup finely minced tofu
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage (green or purple is fine!)
• ¼ cup chopped scallions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Broth:

• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Items you need for Vegan Soup Dumpling Recipe

You don’t need much! The main thing you’ll need that you might not have is a bamboo steamer basket. I love bamboo steamer baskets because they just smell so fresh when they cook. All natural. Secondly, you’ll need a pot or a pan big enough to fit in it. You’ll be needing to put a little bit of water in it, so something that is higher sided is preferred. I also prefer to press my tofu so that it is not watery.

How long should I press the tofu?

This is not a requirement, but it is definitely a personal preference. I normally press my tofu overnight. That way, the majority of the moisture is removed from the tofu and is it easy to crumble. Since this recipe has a delicious broth that is put inside, I would rather it be filled with tasty broth instead of plain water from tofu.

Cooking Instructions for Vegan Xiao Long Bao

Making the Dumpling Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and warm water.
2. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a pan, heat a teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden.
4. Incorporate the minced tofu, chopped scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the mixture is well combined and flavorful.
6. Remove from heat and let the filling cool down.

Assembling the Dumplings

1. Roll out the rested dough into a thin sheet and use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
2. Place a small spoonful of the filling into the center of each dough circle. You will want to play around with how much you put inside. The most important thing is that you can seal them easily.
3. Carefully fold the circle in half, creating a half-moon shape.
4. Pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling, creating pleats if desired. Have fun with us!

Making the Broth

1. In a separate pot, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld. Put it into a bowl and be prepared to use a small spoonful per dumpling.

Steaming the Dumplings

1. Line a steamer basket with parchment paper or lettuce leaves to prevent sticking.
2. Place the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
3. Put 1/4 cup of water into the pan that you’ll be using to put your steamer basket into. You will want to keep an eye on this to make sure that there is water in the pan at all times
4. Steam the dumplings for about 8-12 minutes, until the dough becomes translucent.

Serving

1. Take them gently out (slowly to prevent sticking and ripping!) and top with chopped scallions or green onion. Eat fresh.

In a Rush? Skip the Dough

If you are in a hurry but still want to make homemade vegan soup dumplings – I recommend skipping the dough. You can buy dumpling wrappers from any Asian Grocery store and they are super easy to use. I keep a stash in my freezer and pop them out the morning I plan on making soup dumplings. Still very delicious and cuts the time down by quite a bit. Normally, I whip together some of these in less than 15 minutes when I use store-bought dumplings. I also find the store bought dumpling rappers to be more malleable and easier to close than the ones that I make it home. I will be the first to admit that I I’m not super talented at making dough from scratch.

While of course it taste better fresh, I realize not everyone has time to make dumpling wrappers from scratch, so this is an alternative that you shouldn’t be afraid to try.

Can you freeze these?

You can totally freeze them after putting into their wrappers. I recommend steaming them within 3-4 months. The cook time is the same but you want to make sure if you put them in the freezer that they are completely sealed and no air gets inside.

Final Thoughts on this Vegan Soup Dumpling Recipe

Vegan Soup Dumplings are a testament to the culinary possibilities that a vegan lifestyle offers. Literally anything can be created that is veganized. With a blend of umami-rich fillings, delicate dough, and a comforting broth, this dish is a celebration of taste. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to explore new flavors, these dumplings are a must-try. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and have fun making this recipe. Let me know what you think below!