This Vegan dumplings recipe features a simple and delicious, plant-based filling pan-fried with a crispy skirt. These fluffy dumplings are the perfect snack or appetizer for meal prep or a fun gathering.

What Makes This Recipe Great

Comfort food does exist on a plant-based diet, and my vegetable dumplings recipe is here to prove it! These delicious and easy Vegan Dumplings are a plant-based version of traditional dumplings, filled with a mixture of vegetables, and your choice of plant-based meat (tofu, etc). 

The filling includes a variety of finely chopped vegetables such as cabbage, mushrooms, and green onion, and is seasoned with Tamari (soy sauce alternative), garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. The filling is wrapped in a thin sticky dough and then pan-fried and served with dipping sauce. There are different ways to make dumplings, and today we’re making ours with a crispy skirt.

The crispy skirt of a dumpling, often referred to as “dumpling lace” or “dumpling skirt,” is a thin, crispy layer that forms around the base of pan-fried dumplings. This effect is achieved by adding a mixture of water and a small amount of flour or starch to the pan during the cooking process. As the water evaporates, the flour or starch creates a lacy, golden crust that adds a delightful crunch to the homemade dumplings. 

The best part? All of this can be done right in your home kitchen! You’ll need fresh veggies and other simple ingredients, a frying pan, and a mixing bowl. The resulting dumplings are delicious morsels filled with all the good stuff! 

Ingredient Notes

See detailed ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below. 

Vegan Dumpling Filling

• green cabbage
• salt
• vegan ground meat of choice: Beyond meat, or another alternative.
• shiitake mushrooms
• green onions
• fresh garlic
• fresh ginger
• corn
• toasted sesame oil
• tamari
• black pepper
• dumpling skins
• dumpling wrappers: You can use homemade dumpling wrappers or store-bought dumpling wrappers, depending on what you have time for! Store-bought wrappers can be found at Asian markets or local grocery store. 

Dumpling Skirt

• neutral oil: Use olive oil, coconut oil, or another neutral oil. 
• cornstarch
• warm water: You’ll need a couple tablespoons of water to seal the dumpling wrappers. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Finely dice cabbage into small pieces and add to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the salt and use your hands to massage the salt into the cabbage to ensure it’s covered. Let the cabbage sit for about 10 minutes, while you prep the other ingredients. The cabbage will soften and release some of its moisture.

Step 2

Finely dice your shiitake mushrooms and thinly slice your green onions. Add it to a large bowl with grated garlic, grated ginger, corn, and seasonings. Add your vegan meat and using your hands or a spatula, stir to evenly combine. 

Step 3

Use your hands to squeeze the cabbage to remove excess moisture and toss it into the mixing bowl with the vegan meat. Mix again to incorporate the cabbage into the mixture. 

Step 4

Prepare a small bowl of water, your dumpling skins, and a tray to hold your prepared dumplings. 

Step 5

Grab a dumpling skin, add about a tablespoon of filling into the center, dip your finger into the water, and rim the edges of the skin to moisten, and then fold in half (without fully sealing the two halves). Start making pleats towards the center of the dumpling, about 4 on the right side followed by 4 on the left. Tightly press with your fingers to seal and set aside. Repeat with the remaining filling. 

Step 6

To cook the dumplings, simply heat 2 tsp of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add dumplings to the pan once hot. Let cook until the bottom is crisp, about 2-3 minutes, then add a splash of water and cover to let steam for 3 minutes. Remove the lid and let the steam evaporate and you’re ready to serve.

Step 7

To create a dumpling skirt, add 2 tsp of neutral oil to the pan over medium heat and add dumplings to the pan once hot. Let cook in the hot oil until the bottom is crisp, about 2-3 minutes and then mix together cornstarch and warm water and add it to the pan. Cover with a lid and let steam for 5-10 minutes, then remove the lid and let cook, uncovered for about 5-8 minutes, or until the mixture completely crisps up. Don’t be afraid if it looks wet/gooey, the starch will cook off. You can also increase the heat to help it along or add additional neutral oil to the pan. Once the edges are golden brown, run a spatula around the edges of the pan, then flip the cooked dumplings over onto a plate and enjoy. 

Expert Tips

• This is another recipe where you can really customize your filling based on what you have on hand. No matter what, you’ll have delicious dumplings in the end. 

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or over the stove to crisp them up. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes. 

More Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

The Best Cheesy Vegan Broccoli Soup

High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese

Easy Vegan Dumpling Filling

Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

One Pot Vegan Lasagna Soup

If you make this vegan dumpling recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a star rating and comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!

This post may contain affiliate links.