The Creamiest Dumpling Filling You Haven't Tried Yet
There is something incredibly therapeutic about folding dumplings on a quiet evening, but the real magic happens when you take that first bite. If you’ve never thought to put warm, creamy avocado inside a steamed wrapper, you are in for a serious treat! These Vegetarian Avocado and Shiitake Pot Stickers completely changed my dim sum game. They offer an amazing texture contrast between the rich, buttery avocado and the earthy, savory bite of shiitake mushrooms and balsamic vinegar. Best of all? They are shockingly budget-friendly and light, making them the perfect guilt-free comfort food for any weeknight.
Yields: 12 pot stickers Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 4 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium avocado, diced small (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g)
- 0.5 cup (1.4 oz / 40g) fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and diced
- 0.5 block (6 oz / 170g) silken tofu, crumbled (based on a standard 12oz package)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (approx. 0.1 oz / 3g)
- 2 tsp (10 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) soy sauce
- 12 vegan dumpling wrappers
- Small bowl of water (for sealing)
- Serving Suggestions: Freshly grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and hot chili oil.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a small mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocado (5.3 oz / 150g), diced shiitake mushrooms (0.5 cup / 40g), crumbled silken tofu (6 oz / 170g), minced garlic, balsamic vinegar (2 tsp / 10 ml), and soy sauce (1 tsp / 5 ml); mash slightly until just mixed and crumbly, being careful not to overwork the avocado into a puree.
- Assemble the Dumplings: Place a single dumpling wrapper in the palm of your non-dominant hand and spoon approximately 1.5 tsp (0.25 oz / 7g) of the filling directly into the center of the wrapper.
- Seal the Wrappers: Dip your fingertip into a small bowl of water and run it along the rim of the wrapper to moisten the starch; fold the wrapper in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges closed tightly, adding small pleats for decoration if desired.
- Prepare the Steamer: Bring a pot of water to a boil; meanwhile, line a bamboo or metal steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking, and carefully arrange the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch one another.
- Cook: Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 3–4 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and tender.
- Serve: For a traditional experience, serve immediately with a dipping sauce made by pouring rice vinegar and a splash of soy sauce over freshly grated ginger, finishing with hot chili oil to taste.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 3 pot stickers
- Calories: 83 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 65mg
Chef's Pro Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Don't Over-Mash the Filling: When mixing the avocado and tofu, stop before it becomes a smooth paste. You want small chunks of avocado and mushroom to remain intact. This ensures the dumplings have a satisfying mouthfeel rather than a mushy interior.
- Combat Oxidation: Avocado browns quickly once exposed to air. To keep your filling vibrant green, work relatively quickly once the avocado is cut. The balsamic vinegar in the recipe helps slightly, but it is best to steam these immediately after wrapping.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: Dumpling skins dry out incredibly fast, leading to cracking edges. Keep a slightly damp kitchen towel or paper towel over the stack of unused wrappers while you work on folding the others.
- Spacing is Key: Silken tofu and avocado make for a delicate filling. When steaming, ensure the dumplings are not touching each other or the sides of the steamer, as they will stick and might tear when you try to remove them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Vegetarian Avocado Pot Stickers? Yes, you can! Place the uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag. Note that because avocado texture can change slightly when frozen and reheated, these are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious. Cook directly from frozen; just add 1–2 minutes to the steaming time.
Can I pan-fry these instead of steaming them? Absolutely. To make them true "pot stickers," heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the dumplings flat-side down and cook until the bottoms are golden brown (about 2 minutes). Then, add a splash of water, cover immediately with a lid, and steam for another 2–3 minutes until the water evaporates and the wrappers are tender.
What is a good substitute for Shiitake mushrooms? If you cannot find shiitake mushrooms, cremini or button mushrooms work well as a substitute. For a more intense umami flavor similar to shiitake, you can use rehydrated dried porcini mushrooms. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid so the filling isn't too wet.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free? The filling is naturally gluten-free if you use Tamari instead of standard soy sauce. However, standard wonton or dumpling wrappers are made of wheat. To make this gluten-free, you will need to buy specific gluten-free dumpling wrappers (often rice flour-based) or make your own dough using a gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Vegetarian Avocado and Shiitake Pot Stickers a try! They are a fantastic example of how simple, plant-based ingredients can come together to create something sophisticated and deeply satisfying. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just craving a healthy comfort meal, these dumplings are sure to impress. Don't forget to snap a picture and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful pleating work!
