Census-Inspired Dumpling Soup
A comforting broth filled with hand-pulled dumplings, inspired by the resilience of U.S. communities, served with a fragrant lemongrass base. This southeast asian-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pcs dumplings, stalks lemongrass, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 pcs dumplings
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 lb shrimp
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 tbsp cilantro
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Add 1/2 lb peeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 2 stalks lemongrass (tied in a bundle) to the broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup diced carrots and 12 dumplings. Cook for 5-7 minutes until dumplings are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped cilantro and 1/4 tsp salt. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Census-Inspired Dumpling Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Census-Inspired Dumpling Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pcs dumplings from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Inspired Dumpling Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Census-Inspired Dumpling Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Census-Inspired Dumpling Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many asian recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.