Vegan Soup Dumplings (Vegan Xiaolongbao) - Veggie Anh (2024)

Vegan Soup Dumplings are comforting dumplings filled with vegan minced pork, scallions, ginger and broth jelly. When steamed, the broth within the dumplings liquefied, creating a burst of savory goodness with each bite! The spicy chili vinegar sauce adds an extra oomph to each bite, and will keep you coming back for more!

Having leftover agar after making Almond Tofu is the perfect sign for me to go further with another Chinese classic: Vegan Soup Dumplings. In this recipe, agar acts as a subtle agent, seamlessly integrating into the dish without altering the desired texture.

Vegan Soup Dumplings present a delightful variation on the classic dish, combining the rich flavors of plant-based ingredients with the traditional experience of a warm, broth-filled bite. The use of plant-based mince, along with fresh scallions and ginger, creates a filling that is both flavorful and satisfying.

This dish is ideal for those times when you're yearning for some comfort food as the weather shifts. The warm, savory broth is sure to fill you up and keep you energized for the day.

If you opt for other comforting Chinese dishes, check out: Vegan Beef and Broccoli, Tomato Tofu Noodle Soup, Veggie Banh Bao. For another dumpling recipe, check out Vegan Gyoza.

Why you’ll love this recipe

As a plant-based dish, it's a fantastic option for those looking for:

• Intriguing Texture and Flavor: Experience the unique combination of delicate dumpling skin and umami-rich vegan mince filling, complemented by a burst of warm broth.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Savor the comfort of soup dumplings with a modern, vegan twist, blending nostalgia with innovation.

Ingredients

To make Vegan Soup Dumplings, you will need these ingredients:

• Jelly (sets in the fridge for 6-8 hours):
  • Agar agar: A plant-based gelatin substitute that helps create the jelly texture.
  • Vegetable stock cube: Adds savory flavor to the jelly.
  • Soy sauce: Provides umami depth.
  • Shaoxing wine: A Chinese rice wine that enhances the overall taste.
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • White pepper
  • Mushroom seasoning: A vegetarian seasoning for extra umami.
  • Water: The base for the jelly.
• Filling:
  • Vegan mince: Use any plant-based meat substitute you'd like, in this recipe we used Omnipork.
  • Spring onions: Fresh and aromatic, they add flavor.
  • Grated ginger: Adds warmth and depth.
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chili flakes: Adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty flavor.
• Dipping Sauce:
  • Black vinegar: Tangy and rich.
  • Chili oil: Adds heat and flavor.
  • Soy sauce: Classic umami dipping sauce.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep:

• Soup Jelly:
  • Combine vegetable stock and agar agar powder in a saucepan. Stir the mixture thoroughly then heat on medium. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and shaoxing wine.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then cool to room temperature and refrigerate for 6-8 hours.
• Filling:
  • Crumble vegan mince in a bowl and add scallions, ginger, garlic, and seasonings.
  • Chop the set soup jelly into small cubes and incorporate into the omnipork mix.
• Dumpling Assembly:
  • Roll out dough thinly, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Place the filling (1.5 tbsp) in the center of the wrapper.
  • Pleat the edges, bringing them to the center, and twist to seal, removing excess dough if necessary.

Cook:

• Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with greased parchment paper or cheesecloth, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Steam for 8-9 minutes or until fully cooked, depending on steamer type and dumpling size.
• Enjoy the dumplings hot with your choice of dipping sauce. Keep them covered with a damp towel before serving to maintain moisture.

Wrap your dumplings

Steam your dumplings for 8-9 minutes

Substitutions

Here are some potential substitutions for theVegan Soup Dumplingsrecipe:

• Shaoxing wine:
  • Dry sherry is an excellent substitute for Shaoxing wine. It’s typically used in small amounts for stews, meats, and sauces.
  • Mirin is often used similarly to Shaoxing wine for seasoning and thickening. Note that mirin is sweeter than Shaoxing wine, so reduce other sugars when using it as a replacement.
• Vegan pork:
  • Tofu: Crumbled tofu can be a great alternative to Omnipork. Make sure to press out excess water before using.
  • Seitan: If you enjoy a meatier texture, try using seitan (wheat gluten) as a filling.
  • Lentils: Cooked and seasoned lentils can provide a hearty and protein-rich filling.
  • Mushrooms: Finely chopped shiitake mushrooms or other flavorful mushrooms can add depth.
• Dipping Sauce:
  • Soy Sauce: For a soy-free option, consider usingcoconut aminos.
  • Chili Oil: Adjust the spiciness by usingsrirachaorred pepper flakes.

Variations

You can be creative with the fillings. Let’s explore some delightful variations for yourVegan Soup Dumplings:

• Mushroom Medley Filling:
  • Replace the Omnipork filling with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or cremini). Sauté the mushrooms with garlic, ginger, and scallions for a rich and earthy flavor.
  • Add a splash of truffle oil or truffle-infused soy sauce for an extra gourmet touch.
• Spinach and Tofu Filling:
  • Create a vibrant green filling by blending cooked spinach with crumbled tofu. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of nutritional yeast.
  • These dumplings will be both visually appealing and nutritious.
• Curry Cauliflower Filling:
  • Roast cauliflower florets with curry spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander) until tender.
  • Mix the roasted cauliflower with mashed chickpeas or lentils, and season with garam masala and a squeeze of lemon to make fragrant dumplings with a hint of Indian flavors.

Equipment

To make Vegan Soup Dumplings, you’ll need the following key equipment:

1. Pan: To make soup jelly.
2. Food Storage Container: To chill the broth jelly.
3. Steamer: Ideally, a bamboo steamer, but a stainless steel steamer will work too. You can also use a large pot with a steaming rack to steam the soup dumplings.

Storage

You can prepare a batch of dumplings and freeze them before use. The assembled dumplings can be frozen for up to a month.

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