Alton's steamed dumplings are filled with tofy, grated carrots, Napa cabbage, red pepper, fresh ginger, cilantro and scallions.
Directions for: Vegetarian Steamed Dumplings
Ingredients
lb(s) firm tofu
cup coarsely grated carrots
cup shredded Napa cabbage
2 Tbsp finely chopped red pepper
2 Tbsp finely chopped scallions
2 tsp finely minced fresh ginger
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp kosher salt
tsp freshly ground black pepper
Bowl of water, plus additional water for steamer
35 - 40 wonton wrappers
Non-stick vegetable spray, for the steamer
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 200F.
2. Cut the tofu in half horizontally and lay between layers of paper towels. Place on a plate, top with another plate, and place a weight on top (a 14-ounce can of vegetables works well). Let stand 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, cut the tofu into 1/4-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the carrots, cabbage, red pepper, scallions, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Lightly stir to combine.
3. To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.
4. Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Place as many dumplings as will fit into a steamer, without touching each other. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat. Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.
Source and Credits
Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, 2004
See more: Vegetables, Appetizer, Asian, Chinese, Chinese New Year, Eggs/Dairy, Main, Vegetarian, Tofu/Soy