5 Vegan Dumpling Recipes to Try When You Need a Break from Meat

Dumplings are a beloved comfort food worldwide, and they don’t need meat to be delicious. Whether you prefer them steamed, fried, or boiled, these five vegan dumpling recipes are packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try when you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and entirely plant-based.

1. Classic Vegetable Potstickers

These crispy-bottomed dumplings are filled with a mix of finely chopped vegetables and seasonings for a satisfying bite.

Ingredients:

• 200 g cabbage, finely chopped
• 100 g carrots, grated
• 100 g mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 30 dumpling wrappers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100 ml water (for steaming)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, spring onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
2. Place a teaspoon of filling in each dumpling wrapper. Moisten edges with water, fold, and seal.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Arrange dumplings in the pan and cook until the bottoms turn golden brown.
4. Add 100 ml of water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.

2. Tofu & Spinach Dumplings

These protein-packed dumplings are deliciously light and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 200 g firm tofu, crumbled
• 150 g spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 30 dumpling wrappers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100 ml water (for steaming)

Instructions:

1. Sauté spinach in a dry pan until wilted. Let cool, then squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, mix tofu, spinach, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and sesame oil.
3. Place a teaspoon of filling in each wrapper, moisten the edges, fold, and seal.
4. Heat oil in a pan, add dumplings, and cook until golden brown on the bottom.
5. Add water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.
6. Serve with soy sauce mixed with sesame seeds and chili flakes.

3. Kimchi & Mushroom Dumplings

These dumplings pack a punch with spicy kimchi and earthy mushrooms.

Ingredients:

• 150 g vegan kimchi, finely chopped
• 100 g mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 30 dumpling wrappers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100 ml water (for steaming)

Instructions:

1. Mix kimchi, mushrooms, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. Place a teaspoon of filling in each wrapper, moisten the edges, fold, and seal.
3. Heat oil in a pan and cook dumplings until golden brown.
4. Add water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.
5. Serve with a sesame-ginger dipping sauce.

4. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Dumplings

A hearty filling with sweet and smoky flavors.

Ingredients:

• 200 g sweet potatoes, mashed
• 100 g black beans, mashed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 30 dumpling wrappers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100 ml water (for steaming)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, cumin, lime juice, and chili powder.
2. Place a teaspoon of filling in each wrapper, moisten edges, fold, and seal.
3. Heat oil in a pan, cook dumplings until golden brown.
4. Add water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.
5. Serve with avocado-lime dipping sauce.

5. Coconut Curry Lentil Dumplings

These dumplings are bursting with warm, aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

• 150 g lentils, cooked and mashed
• 100 ml coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 30 dumpling wrappers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100 ml water (for steaming)

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, coriander, and soy sauce in a bowl.
2. Place a teaspoon of filling in each wrapper, moisten edges, fold, and seal.
3. Heat oil in a pan, cook dumplings until golden brown.
4. Add water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.
5. Serve with a spiced coconut dipping sauce.

Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking to cut back on meat, these dumpling recipes will satisfy your cravings while introducing new and exciting flavors. Try them all and discover your new favorite plant-based dumpling!