Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Gourmet vegan dumplings filled with mushrooms, cabbage, and ginger, served with a homemade soy-ginger dipping sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes blends tofu, shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 8 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then crumble finely. Finely chop 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms and 1 cup napa cabbage; mince 1 tbsp fresh ginger.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine crumbled tofu, chopped mushrooms, cabbage, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Mix well, then add 2 tbsp cornstarch and stir until mixture holds together when pressed.
  3. Step 3: Place 1 tbsp filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Fold in half, seal edges by pinching with a fork, and crimp to create pleats.
  4. Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet with 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Arrange dumplings in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup water to the skillet, cover, and steam for 6-7 minutes until filling is cooked through. Uncover and cook for 1 more minute to crisp bottoms.
  6. Step 6: While dumplings cook, whisk 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp soy sauce for dipping sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce?

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 Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce 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 Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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