Name: Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped; 1/2 cup cabbage, finely chopped; 1/4 cup carrots, grated; 1/4 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional); 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 package dumpling wrappers (round, about 3 inches in diameter); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying); 1/4 cup water (for steaming)

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If you’re a fan of juicy, tender dumplings filled with a flavorful mix of shrimp and fresh vegetables, you’re going to absolutely love these Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings. Imagine a bite-sized bundle of goodness, with a delicate wrapper encasing a savory filling that’s light, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you steam them, boil them, or pan-fry them to crispy perfection, these dumplings will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or a fun cooking project, these dumplings are surprisingly easy to make and full of fresh, satisfying ingredients. They’re the perfect appetizer or main course, and trust me, once you make them, they’re going to be your go-to dumpling recipe.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings

Delicious Flavor Combination

The combination of shrimp and vegetables creates a delicate yet savory filling that’s absolutely irresistible. The crunch of the vegetables paired with the tender shrimp makes every bite a delightful experience.

Customizable Filling

Feel free to swap out vegetables to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. You could add mushrooms, spinach, or even cabbage to mix it up.

Versatile Cooking Methods

You can steam, boil, or pan-fry these dumplings to suit your preferred texture. Whether you like them soft and pillowy or with a crispy golden bottom, they’re delicious in every form!

Perfect for Meal Prep

These dumplings freeze beautifully! You can make a big batch, freeze them, and cook them up whenever you’re in the mood for something tasty.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings:

For the Dumpling Filling:

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp adds a sweet, succulent flavor to the dumplings. Chop them finely for the perfect texture.
Cabbage: Thinly shredded cabbage adds crunch and freshness to the filling. You can use napa cabbage or regular cabbage.

Carrots: Grated carrots provide a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions bring a mild onion flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warming, aromatic kick to the filling.

Garlic: Minced garlic gives depth and flavor to the dumpling mixture.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce for umami richness.
Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil enhances the overall flavor with a subtle nutty taste.

Cornstarch: Helps to bind everything together and gives the dumplings a nice, smooth texture.

For the Dumpling Wrappers:

Dumpling Wrappers: You can find these pre-made in most grocery stores, or you can make your own! If you’re short on time, the pre-made wrappers are a great shortcut.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings? Here’s how:

Prepare the Dumpling Filling

Chop the Shrimp: Finely chop your shrimp into small pieces. You want them to be small enough to create a uniform filling that holds together well.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir everything together until fully combined. The cornstarch will help the filling hold its shape when cooking.

Assemble the Dumplings

Prepare the Wrappers: Lay out a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. If you’re using round wrappers, place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill them!
Seal the Dumplings: Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water using your finger, then fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together tightly, making sure there are no air bubbles inside. You can also fold them into pleats for a traditional dumpling shape.
Repeat: Continue the process until all of your dumplings are assembled. You can place them on a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cook the Dumplings

There are a few ways to cook these dumplings—choose whichever method you prefer:

Steaming: Place your dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves, making sure they’re not touching. Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes, until the filling is fully cooked and the dumplings are tender.
Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your dumplings. Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until they float to the top and the filling is cooked through.

Pan-Frying: Heat a little oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dumplings, making sure they’re not overcrowded, and fry for about 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Then, add a splash of water to the pan, cover, and steam for another 5-6 minutes until fully cooked.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve with Dipping Sauce: Once the dumplings are cooked, serve them hot with a simple dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 200-250 calories (depending on size and cooking method)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings

These dumplings are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:

With Steamed Rice: Serve the dumplings with a side of steamed white or brown rice for a well-rounded meal.

In Soup: Drop them into a light broth for a comforting dumpling soup.
With a Side Salad: Pair them with a fresh Asian-inspired salad with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips

Freezing: Dumplings freeze incredibly well! After assembling them, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook them, just steam, boil, or pan-fry them from frozen—no need to thaw!
Wraps: If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free dumpling wrappers at your local store or use rice paper wrappers for a lighter option.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different veggies in the filling. Mushrooms, bok choy, or bell peppers would work beautifully here.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for these dumplings?

A1: Yes, frozen shrimp will work! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before chopping and mixing with the other ingredients.

Q2: Can I make dumpling wrappers from scratch?

A2: Absolutely! Homemade wrappers are delicious, but they do take a little more time and effort. You can find plenty of recipes online if you’d like to try making them.

Q3: How do I store leftover dumplings?

A3: Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them by steaming or pan-frying.

Q4: Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can prepare the dumplings in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Or freeze them for later use.

Q5: Can I use ground shrimp instead of chopped shrimp?

A5: Yes, ground shrimp works well for these dumplings. It will give them a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat dumplings?

A6: The best way to reheat dumplings is by steaming them again for a few minutes. You can also pan-fry them to re-crisp the bottoms if you prefer.

Q7: Can I pan-fry the dumplings without steaming them?

A7: You can pan-fry dumplings without steaming, but they may not cook through evenly. It’s best to either steam or boil them first, then finish with a crisping step in the pan.

Q8: Can I make these dumplings spicy?

A8: Yes! Add some finely chopped chili peppers to the filling or drizzle some spicy chili oil on top before serving for an extra kick.

Q9: Can I use other meats instead of shrimp?

A9: Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or beef all work well in dumplings. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the different meats.

Q10: How do I know when my dumplings are fully cooked?

A10: Dumplings are fully cooked when the filling reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, when they float in boiling water or the wrapper is tender and no longer doughy, they’re ready!

Conclusion

These Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings are a fresh and flavorful take on a classic dish, packed with all the right ingredients to make every bite pop. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer, a fun cooking project, or a meal prep favorite, these dumplings are sure to satisfy. Once you make them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite!

Shrimp and Vegetable Dumplings