Vegan Soup Dumplings Recipes

Soup dumplings originated from China, but have received widespread attention globally particularly due to the popularity of Din Tai Fung, a Taiwanese restaurant chain known for its 18-fold xiaolongbao, which has received a michelin star. 

Though it is traditionally made with meat and gelatin, it is entirely possible to veganise soup dumplings with the most delicious results. Here are some of the best soup dumpling recipes for those on a plant-based diet.

Vegan Xiaolongbao — Best of Vegan

Credits: Best of Vegan

This xiaolongbao recipe from Best of Vegan makes for deliciously soft and flavourful soup dumplings. The filling is a simple mix of tofu, cabbage, carrots and mushrooms and with a vegetable broth this is a great and easy way of making xiaolongbao using ingredients you probably already have lots of at home.

Vegan Shengjianbao — The Plant-Based Wok

Credits: The plant-Based Wok

Shengjianbao are also soup dumplings, but while xiaolongbao is steamed, shengjianbao is pan-fried. This recipe from The Plant-Based Wok makes 24 perfectly crisp, soft and savoury soup dumplings using soy curls to replace minced meat traditionally found in soup dumplings. 

Vegan Dim Sum xiaolongbao — East Meets Kitchen

Credits: East Meets Kitchen/Youtube

This video from East Meets Kitchen provides an amazing tutorial to making your own vegan xiaolongbao at home. Using vegetable stock, agar agar and wheat gluten, these dumplings have the perfect consistency for the soup base and also have great bite. 

These soup dumplings go beautifully with a dipping sauce. We recommend a black vinegar sauce, or soy sauce and apple cider vinegar dip if that’s what you have available. They’re also great with Aliza’s vegan garlic chilli oil to give your dumplings a bit of a kick.