Vegetarian Dumplings with Shiitake and Napa Cabbage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Handmade dumplings stuffed with a savory mixture of shiitake mushrooms and napa cabbage, perfect for steaming or pan-frying. This Asian-inspired dumpling recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, green onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 45 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 45 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, 2 cups finely shredded napa cabbage, 3 chopped green onions, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp ground white pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place one dumpling wrapper on a clean surface, spoon about 1 tbsp filling into the center. Dip your finger in 1/4 cup water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.
  3. Step 3: Fold the wrapper in half and press edges firmly to seal, pleating the edges if desired. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  4. Step 4: To pan-fry, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange dumplings in the pan without crowding and cook for 2 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium. Steam the dumplings for 5 minutes until the water evaporates and the wrappers become tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottom before serving with soy dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Dumplings with Shiitake and Napa Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Vegetarian Dumplings with Shiitake and Napa Cabbage?

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 shiitake mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Dumplings with Shiitake and Napa Cabbage?

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 Vegetarian Dumplings with Shiitake and Napa Cabbage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Vegetarian Dumplings with Shiitake and Napa Cabbage 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.

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