Inspired by: @choyyuen
Looking for a heartwarming, delicious, and incredibly versatile plant-based dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, especially during festive seasons like Chinese New Year? These easy homemade vegan Omnimeat dumplings are your answer! Originally celebrated by the abillion community for their simplicity and satisfying results, this recipe transforms plant-based minced meat into a comforting and flavorful delight.
Omnimeat, a highly versatile plant-based minced meat, can be used in a variety of dishes, from pan-fries to steaming. Our community member choyyuen found it produced "satisfactory!" results when used for dumpling fillings, making it a fantastic alternative for traditional reunion dinner dishes. It's a great choice for those seeking dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan options without compromising on taste or texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Accessible: This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Family Favorite: Dumplings are a beloved comfort food, and this vegan version ensures everyone can enjoy them.
- Festive Flair: Perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations or any special occasion, bringing a delicious plant-based option to the table.
- Versatile: Once you master the filling, you can explore various cooking methods like pan-frying for crispy bottoms or steaming for a tender bite.
Vegan Omnimeat Dumpling Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pack (approx. 200-250g) Omnimeat (or your preferred plant-based minced meat)
- 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage (or green cabbage)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
- 2-3 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for binding)
- 1 pack round vegan dumpling wrappers (approx. 30-40 wrappers)
- Cooking oil (for pan-frying, if desired)
- Water (for sealing wrappers and steaming/pan-frying)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Chopping board and knife
- Large non-stick pan with lid (for pan-frying) or Steamer basket (for steaming)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Omnimeat, chopped napa cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped spring onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Season the Filling: Add the light soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch to the mixture. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is slightly sticky.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Place a dumpling wrapper in the palm of your hand.
- Place about a teaspoon of the Omnimeat filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.
- Fold the wrapper in half to create a semi-circle. Pinch the top center to seal, then create small pleats along the curved edge, pressing firmly to seal completely. Repeat until all filling is used.
- Cook the Dumplings (Pan-Frying Method):
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Place the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of water into the pan (it will sizzle). Immediately cover with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
- Cook the Dumplings (Steaming Method):
- Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper, ensuring space between them.
- Place the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked dumplings to a serving platter. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of chili oil.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free dumpling wrappers, often made from rice flour or cornstarch.
- Extra Veggies: Add finely diced mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha into the filling for a spicy kick.
- Deep-Fried: For an extra crispy treat, deep-fry the dumplings until golden brown and cooked through.
- Soup Dumplings: Add cooked dumplings directly to a hot vegetable broth for a comforting soup.
Tips & Hacks
- Sourcing Omnimeat: As shared by members of the abillion community, Omnimeat can often be found in the frozen section of major supermarkets like NTUC. Look specifically in the frozen mock meat or plant-based protein aisles. User comments indicate it might not be very visible, so keep an eye out!
- Perfect Pleats: Don't worry if your first few dumplings aren't perfect. Practice makes perfect! There are many online tutorials for different dumpling folding techniques.
- Batch Cooking: Make a large batch of these dumplings and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Dipping Sauce: Customize your dipping sauce with a splash of black vinegar, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro.
More Delicious Vegan Recipes
Discover more amazing plant-based dishes from the abillion community:
- Vegan Pan Fried Dumplings Recipe - For more dumpling inspiration!
- Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe - Explore another versatile use for plant-based proteins.
- Easy Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta - Another hearty family-friendly meal.
- Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup - For a different kind of comfort food.
Image Gallery
Dive into the deliciousness with these visuals of our Omnimeat dumplings!
Crispy pan-fried vegan dumplings filled with Omnimeat.
Perfectly steamed vegan dumplings, a wholesome comfort food.
Ready to try this amazing recipe? Whip up a batch of these easy homemade vegan Omnimeat dumplings for your next meal or family gathering! Share your delicious creations and tag us on abillion – we love seeing what you cook!
