Chen's Vegan Dumplings with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tofu
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup napa cabbage
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 24 dumpling wrappers
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.