Homemade Vegan Xiao Long Bao Dumplings
Ingredients
Broth
- 2 cup water
- 1 tbl tamari
- 1 tbl veggie bouillon/paste
- 1 1/2 tsp agar agar
Wrapper
- 200 g flour (double zero flour recommended but you can use all purpose flour)
- 2 tsp neutral oil
- 1/2-3/4 cup hot water
Filling
- 4 ounces store bought pre pressed extra firm tofu (1/2 cup when packed)
- 1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms (6-7 ct) hydrated in cold water then finely chopped
- 3 green onions finely chopped (whites & light green parts)
- 1/4 cup each of cabbage & carrots shredded & finely chopped
- 1/2 tbl sesame oil
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
Preparation
Bring broth ingredients to a boil on the stovetop for about a minute while stirring. Pour into a shallow pan and refrigerate for at least half an hour until the agar sets and firms.
In a food processor, add flour and process on high. Slowly add hot water and oil until a smooth ball forms. Knead with hands for a couple of minutes, then wrap with a kitchen towel and rest for 1 hour.
For the filling, mash tofu in a bowl until crumbly. Add the remaining filling ingredients.
Once the agar has set, finely dice it into tiny cubes. Add half of the agar to the filling.
Cut the dough into three equal pieces. Take one piece and wrap the remaining pieces. On a well-floured surface, roll it into a log about 3/4 inch thick, then cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Roll each piece into a 4-inch disk, leaving the center thicker than the edges. Ensure the edges are thin for easy pleating.
To assemble, add 1 tablespoon of filling to the center of each dumpling wrapper. Top with 1 teaspoon of the remaining agar. Pleat to seal, or for an easier option, fold the top, bottom, left, and right edges and join them in the middle, then firmly seal any open seams with fingers.
In a steamer lined with parchment paper, steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes until the broth returns to a liquid.
Tips
This recipe yields 20-22 dumplings. For pleating help, check highlights or use the easier folding method described.
