Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings

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  • 35

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound firm tofu
  • 1/2 cup coarsely-grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup shredded Napa cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons finely-chopped red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely-chopped scallions
  • 2 teaspoons finely-minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 egg -- lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • Bowl of water -- plus
  • additional water for steamer
  • 35 small wonton wrappers - (to 40)
  • Non-stick vegetable spray -- for the steamer

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

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.

After 20 minutes, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the carrots, cabbage, red pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Lightly stir to combine.

To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.

Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4- to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. 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.

Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.

This recipe yields 35 to 40 dumplings.