Last month we celebrated our Q4 Birthdays - 4x a year my group of high school friends gather, connect & celebrate our birthdays for the quarter. It's become a tradition for 2yrs. Last month we had a Wraptastic dinner party complete with craft cocktails, birthday cake, Pork + Cabbage and Vegan Dumplings.
Since that party, I've made several batches for vegans, vegetarians & meat eaters alike. The response has been great. Meat eaters don't miss the meat. Vegans & vegetarians agree these are delicious. I think they are the perfect dumpling for parties. Just be sure to get the right wrappers 😋
vegan dumplings
1 large head of Napa cabbage
1 bunch of green onions, finely chopped
1 carrot, shredded
3 lbs of extra firm tofu (I use Azumaya or Kodo brand)
1lb shiitake mushrooms finely chopped
3-4 tablespoons grated ginger
1 bunch of thin bean thread noodles
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons liquid aminos or soy sauce
2 teaspoons of ground black pepper
1-2 tablespoons sea salt
2 packages of 'Big White Skin' wrappers (these are the only wrappers I use for dumpling making they are vegan & versatile - boil, pan-fry, or deep fry them.)
To prepare the Napa cabbage:
Finely chop Napa cabbage & place in a bowl. Sprinkle 1-2 tbs of sea salt over cabbage & massage the mixture. Set aside for 30 minutes until the moister from the cabbage is released. Drain the cabbage juice. DO NOT rinse the cabbage as the salt imparts flavor on the vegetables. Set aside
To prepare the Bean Threads:
Place bean threads in a bowl. Cover them with boiling water & soak for 30 minutes. The bean threads will become clear. Drain the bean threads & rinse with cold water. Cut threads into 2 inch pieces. Set aside.
To prepare the Tofu:
Preheat oven to 425℉. Dice the tofu into small cubes. Toss tofu with 2 tbs sesame oil, 1 tbs vegetable oil, liquid aminos & ground black pepper. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper & spread tofu in a single layer. Roast tofu in the oven for 15 minutes. Stir the tofu breaking the tofu into smaller pieces. Roast tofu for another 15 minutes. Stir tofu & roast for 10 minutes more if necessary. The final texture should be crispy & chewy with some moisture. Be careful not to over roast the tofu (all crispy edges, no moisture etc.) Remove from oven & let cool to room temperature
To prepare the Mushrooms:
Finely chop the shiitakes. Place mushrooms in a heated skillet. Do not touch the mushrooms & allow them to release some of their juices (about 5 minutes). Add 1 tbs vegetable oil to the mushrooms & stir. Add green onions & ginger. Cook until fragrant. Add reserved bean threads & cook for another 5 minutes until the bean threads become transparent. Remove from heat. Set aside
To assemble the filling:
In bowl combine the Napa cabbage, roasted tofu, mushroom mixture, remaining 2 tbs sesame oil. Mix well making sure to break up large pieces of tofu. Taste the filling & adjust seasoning as necessary)
Wrapping & Storing the Dumplings:
Place 1 tbs of filling in the center of the wrapper. Using a cup of cold water, dip your finger in the water & wet the wrapper's edge. Fold the wrapper & pleat the edge as you seal the dumpling. Continue with remaining wrappers.
These dumplings freeze well. As you wrap your dumplings dip the bottom into a dish of flour to lightly coat it. Line the dumplings on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 30-45 mins. Once the dumplings are firm, transfer the dumplings to ziplock bags & store in the freezer.
Cooking the Dumplings:
If using frozen dumplings, DO NOT DEFROST.
Boil Method
- Bring a pot of water to boil
- Add dumplings & cook until the float to the top
- Drain & enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce
Pan Fry Method
- Coat a pan with oil & fire over medium heat
- Place dumplings in the pan & brown on all sides
- Add a 1/4 cup of water to the pan with dumplings- watch the sizzle & steam
- Cover the pan & continue to cook over medium heat for another 3-5 minutes
- Uncover pan & allow any remaining liquid in the pan to evaporate
- Dumplings should be chewy & crispy
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce
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