Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings

spatchcock's Note:

An Alton Brown original. I have not yet made this, but plan to. These looked amazing on his show!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 2 mins
• Prep Time: 50 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 35 dumplings

• 1/2 lb firm tofu
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated carrot
• 1/2 cup shredded napa cabbage
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red peppers
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
• 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaf
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• bowl water, plus additional water for steamer
• 35 -40 small wonton wrappers
• vegetable oil cooking spray, for the steamer

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
2. Cut the tofu in half horizontally and lay between layers of paper towels. Place on a plate, top with another plate, and place a weight on top (a 14-ounce can of vegetables works well). Let stand 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the carrots, cabbage, red pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Lightly stir to combine.
5. To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth.
6. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water.
7. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired.
8. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.
9. Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat.
10. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking.
11. Place as many dumplings as will fit into a steamer, without touching each other. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat.
12. Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm.
13. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.

Reviews

[bowedbookshelf]

This was delish. Didn't follow exactly, but pretty close. Used bok choy and spinach, and added a little bit of seitan for chewiness. Would dearly love to find an alternative to egg or cornstarch, but I was satisfied.

[Rcberry]

Yummy! This is the only recipe for vegetarian dumplings I have tried but I don't really see a reason to try a different one. Very good!

[mmm...donuts]

Quite a bit of work, but absolutely worth it. Thanks for posting!