Savory Shiitake Tofu Dumplings with Zesty Dipping Sauce
Inspired by the vibrant recipes of the renowned 'Rebar' cookbook from a local vegan and organic restaurant, this delicious Shiitake Tofu Dumpling recipe is a culinary delight that is definitely worth the time spent. With its versatile filling, this dish can easily be adapted for your taste—swap the tofu for ground pork, omit the wonton wrappers for a low-carb delight, or serve the delectable filling over a bed of rice. The accompanying dipping sauce is not only perfect for these dumplings, but it works wonders as a marinade or a flavor enhancer for a variety of dishes. Preparing the dipping sauce and the tofu mixture a day in advance can streamline your cooking process, allowing you to focus on making the dumplings when you're ready to serve. Packed with umami flavors, these dumplings are sure to impress your guests and become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
26
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried shiitake mushrooms
1 ounce (Soaked and finely chopped)
Firm tofu
500 g (Drained and crumbled)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Minced ginger
1 tablespoon (Fresh)
Minced fresh garlic cloves
3 (Fresh)
Scallions
4 (Finely minced)
Red chili pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (For flavor)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Cracked pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Minced cilantro
2 tablespoons (Fresh)
Wonton wrappers
30 (Fresh or frozen)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (For sealing)
Water
4 tablespoons (For sealing and sauce)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (For sauce)
Chili oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (For sauce)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced for sauce)
Red chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (For sauce)
Rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (For sauce)
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Water
1 cup (For sauce)
Honey
1/4 cup (For sauce)
Cornstarch or arrowroot
1 teaspoon (For thickening)
Limes
2 (Juiced for sauce)
Minced cilantro
2 tablespoons (For garnish)
Instructions
1
To prepare the wonton filling, place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with boiling water, placing a plate on top to ensure they're submerged. Let them soak for 1 hour, then drain, cool, and chop finely. Set aside.
2
Drain the pressed tofu and crumble it into a large bowl. If you're using ground pork, add it to the skillet during the next step instead of tofu. Heat a mixture of vegetable and sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, scallions, and red chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown.
3
Add the crumbled tofu (or pork) along with salt, cracked pepper, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir and cook until the mixture is heated through and most of the moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and let it cool before stirring in the chopped cilantro.
4
Prepare the wontons by whisking together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Take a wonton wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center. Brush the edges lightly with the cornstarch mixture and fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape, securing the edges tightly to prevent any filling from escaping. You can freeze the formed dumplings for up to one month if desired.
5
To cook the dumplings, heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the dumplings in batches, cooking them for a few minutes until they are golden brown on one side. Carefully flip them to cook the other side, then remove them and drain on paper towels.
6
For the dipping sauce, heat a separate pot over medium-low heat, and add a combination of oils. Once hot, add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing briefly without letting them burn. Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and water, bringing the mixture to a boil and then reducing it to a simmer.
7
Add honey and stir until it's completely dissolved. Whisk together cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water, then slowly add it to the simmering mixture, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, let it cool, and stir in the lime juice and minced cilantro.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
13g
Carbs
7g
Protein
2g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Shiitake Tofu Dumplings with Zesty Dipping Sauce.
What inspired the creation of these dumplings?
This recipe was inspired by the vibrant dishes in the 'Rebar' cookbook from a local vegan and organic restaurant.
How long should the dried shiitake mushrooms be soaked?
The dried shiitake mushrooms should be covered with boiling water and soaked for 1 hour.
Can I substitute the tofu in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap the tofu for ground pork if you prefer a meat-based filling.
How should I prepare the tofu for the filling?
Drain the pressed tofu and crumble it into a large bowl before cooking.
What aromatics are used in the dumpling filling?
The filling uses minced garlic, ginger, scallions, and red chili flakes.
When do I add the cilantro to the filling?
The chopped cilantro should be stirred into the mixture after it has been removed from the heat and allowed to cool.
How do I seal the wonton wrappers?
Whisk together cornstarch and water, then brush the edges of the wrapper with this mixture to secure them.
What is the recommended shape for the dumplings?
The instructions recommend folding the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape.
Can these dumplings be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the formed dumplings for up to one month.
What is the cooking method for the dumplings?
The dumplings are pan-fried in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides.
How much filling should I put in each wonton?
Place about one teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
What ingredients are used for the dipping sauce base?
The sauce base includes sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, red chili flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and water.
How is the dipping sauce sweetened?
The sauce is sweetened by stirring in 1/4 cup of honey until completely dissolved.
How do I thicken the zesty dipping sauce?
Whisk cornstarch (or arrowroot) with water and slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring for about 5 minutes.
What is added to the sauce after it is removed from the heat?
Once removed from heat and cooled, stir in the lime juice and minced cilantro.
Can I make components of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the dipping sauce and the tofu mixture a day in advance can help streamline the cooking process.
What are other uses for the dipping sauce?
The sauce works well as a marinade or a flavor enhancer for a variety of other dishes.
How can I make this recipe low-carb?
You can make it low-carb by omitting the wonton wrappers and serving the filling on its own or over rice.
What are the primary flavor profiles of these dumplings?
They are packed with savory umami flavors complemented by a zesty, slightly spicy dipping sauce.
Is this recipe considered vegan?
The recipe is tagged as vegan; however, it contains honey which some vegans may choose to substitute.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 133 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of the recipe?
Each serving contains 7g of protein.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for these dumplings?
There are 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber do these dumplings provide?
Each serving provides 2g of fiber.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There is 2.5g of sugar per serving.
How many wonton wrappers are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 30 fresh or frozen wonton wrappers.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the filling?
A mixture of vegetable oil and sesame oil is used for sautéing.
How many ingredients in total are used in this recipe?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 26.