Servings: 12–14 dumplings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
⭐ Ingredients
Filling
- 1 small head cauliflower, finely grated or processed into small rice-like pieces (~2 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp ginger, grated
Dumpling Wrapper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ~⅓ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For Cooking
- 1–2 tbsp oil for pan-frying (optional)
- Water for steaming
Optional Dipping Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chopped green onion or chili
🥣 Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, combine flour + salt.
- Gradually add warm water while stirring until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
- Knead 2–3 minutes, then cover with a damp cloth to rest while preparing filling.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Steam or lightly sauté cauliflower and carrot 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix with onion, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, pepper, and optional ginger.
- Let cool slightly.
3. Shape the Dumplings
- Roll dough into a long log, divide into 12–14 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a small circle (~3 inches diameter).
- Place 1–2 tsp filling in the center.
- Fold in half and pinch edges to seal (like a half-moon).
- Optional: pleat edges for a decorative finish.
4. Cook the Dumplings
Option 1: Steam
- Place dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment.
- Steam 8–10 minutes until tender.
Option 2: Pan-Fry (“Potstickers”)
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium.
- Place dumplings flat side down, cook 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Add ¼ cup water, cover, and steam 5–6 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove lid and cook 1 more minute to crisp bottom.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with dipping sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
🍽 Tips
- Firmer Filling: Squeeze out excess moisture from cauliflower before mixing.
- Make Ahead: Freeze shaped dumplings uncooked. Steam/fry directly from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).
- Flavor Boost: Add a few drops of sesame oil or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling.
🌱 Variations
- Vegan Cheese Cauliflower Dumplings: Add 2 tbsp vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast.
- Spicy Dumplings: Add 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste to the filling.
- High-Protein Version: Mix in ½ cup cooked lentils, edamame, or crumbled tofu to the filling for extra protein.
