Vegan Wontons: Simple Recipe for Delicious Dumplings

Craving something savory, crispy, and plant-based? These vegan wontons are the perfect solution! 

If you try to google the wonton recipe, you will find that it usually uses meat as its main ingredient. A similar thing will happen if you visit a regular Chinese restaurant. It is pretty rare to find a vegan or vegetarian version of the wonton; therefore, if you are a vegan and crave it, one solution is to try to make it!

This post is the first part of the Vegan Wonton series, where I will share how to make the wonton from scratch until it is ready to be cooked. In the second and third parts (both are coming soon), I will share how to cook this wonton into wonton soup and fried wonton (with tomato sauce).

This recipe is challenging and time-consuming, but I bet it is worth it. To make all of the effort worthwhile, you can store this wonton in the fridge and enjoy it for multiple days.

There are many ways to fold the wonton. In this recipe, I will focus on two types of folding: the diamond and triangle. I will use the diamond for the wonton soup, whereas the triangle for frying. The compact form of the diamond folding style will be useful when you boil the wonton since it won’t easily break. The triangle wonton form is great for frying because the flat form enables you to fry them with less oil.

Packed with a flavorful vegetable filling, these wontons are easy to make and perfect as appetizers. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy more plant-based meals, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Everything You Need for Vegan Wontons

If I were to categorize all of the ingredients for this wonton, I would group them into two categories: the main mixture and the seasoning (and, of course, the wonton skin)

Main Mixture

• Tofu: Tofu is an excellent source of protein. Its neutral flavor absorbs the seasonings well, helping to create a satisfying, hearty feeling.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots contribute a bright color and slight sweetness that complements the other vegetables.
• Broccoli: Finely chopped broccoli adds a nice crunch and a boost of vitamins and minerals to the wontons.
• Enoki Mushrooms: These delicate, long-stemmed mushrooms add a unique texture and mild flavor to the filling. They’re rich in nutrients and have a slightly crunchy bite.
• Oyster Mushrooms: These mushrooms have a rich, savory flavor and a meaty texture that enhances the overall taste of the filling.

Seasoning

• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that balances the savory flavors in the filling.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and mushroom stock powder provide depth and umami, making the filling flavorful and aromatic.
• Soy Sauce and Vegan Oyster Sauce: These sauces add a salty, umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• Sesame Oil: This oil has a distinctive nutty flavor that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way in adding depth to the dish.

Wonton Wrappers

Please ensure that the wonton wrappers are vegan, as traditional wrappers may contain eggs.

Vegan Wontons Preparation Steps

What I meant by the main mixture is the main filling of the wonton itself. It is very flexible as you can add any vegetables or protein you want, as long as it is vegan. I use carrots, broccoli, mushrooms (enoki and oyster), and tofu in this recipe.

1. Blend the Ingredients for Your Vegan Wontons

Select the Right Equipment:

• Use a food processor capable of handling both soft and harder textures. Ensure that the blades are sharp and the processor is clean before starting.

Prepare Ingredients for Blending:

• Broccoli: Finely chop the broccoli in a food processor. This ensures even cooking and a smooth texture in the filling.
• Carrots: Process the carrots until they are finely shredded or chopped, adding a subtle sweetness and color.
• Mushrooms: Blend the enoki and oyster mushrooms together until finely chopped. This will contribute a meaty texture and rich flavor.
• r smooth consistency (whichever you prefer), which is ideal for absorbing the other flavors.

Blending Each Ingredient:

• Sequential Blending: Start with the hardest vegetables, like carrots and broccoli. Pulse several times until the pieces are small and uniform. Transfer each batch to a separate mixing bowl after reaching the desired consistency.
• Mushrooms and Tofu: Blend the mushrooms and tofu last as they are softer and require less processing time. Pulsing them too much can turn them mushy, so use short bursts until just blended.

Check Consistency:

• After each ingredient is processed, check for consistency. The goal is for each to be finely chopped but not pureed. Small, even pieces ensure that the filling mixes evenly and cooks uniformly.
• If any large pieces remain, return them to the processor for a few more pulses.

Combine Ingredients:

• Once all ingredients are blended to satisfaction, combine them in a large bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to mix them thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of all the vegetables and tofu. This step is crucial as it impacts the overall texture and flavor of your wontons.

Set Aside for Cooking:

• Set the blended mixture aside while you prepare the skillet or wok for cooking. At this point, the filling is ready for the next step of cooking to reduce moisture and develop flavors.

2. Cook the Vegan Wonton Filling

Objective: The main aim of this step is to cook the blended ingredients to reduce their inherent moisture content. This not only prevents the wonton wrappers from becoming soggy during assembly but also enhances the flavors of the filling.

Heat the Skillet:

• Prepare Your Pan: Select a large skillet or wok that can accommodate the volume of ingredients without overcrowding. A non-stick skillet can be particularly useful to prevent sticking without needing too much oil.
• Heating: Place the skillet on the stove over medium heat. Wait until the pan is warm but not smoking hot. The correct temperature is crucial to avoid burning the ingredients, especially since no oil is added yet.

Add the Blended Ingredients:

• Transfer Ingredients: Carefully add your blended mixture of broccoli, carrots, enoki mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and tofu to the heated skillet. Ensure it’s spread evenly across the pan to facilitate uniform cooking.

Cook to Reduce Moisture:

• Stirring Constantly: Begin stirring the ingredients immediately to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Continuous stirring is crucial as it helps expose all parts of the mixture to heat, which aids in moisture evaporation.
• Monitor the Cooking: As the vegetables cook, they will release moisture. It’s important to keep the mixture moving in the pan to ensure that the water evaporates evenly. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes but watch the mixture rather than the clock.

Assess Moisture Levels:

• Visual Cues: You should see a noticeable reduction in the amount of steam rising from the pan as the moisture content decreases. The ingredients will also begin to look drier and might start to stick slightly, which indicates that most of the water has evaporated.
• Taste Test: Optionally, taste a small bit of the mixture to ensure that the textures are softening and the flavors are concentrating. Adjust the heat if the ingredients are browning too quickly without drying out.

Final Adjustments Before Seasoning:

• Add Sesame Oil:
  • Introduce Oil: Once the moisture has mostly evaporated from the vegetables and tofu, pour 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the hot mixture in the skillet. The oil will help distribute heat more evenly and add a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.
  • Stir to Coat: Mix thoroughly so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with sesame oil. This not only prevents any part of the filling from drying out but also enhances the flavor absorption.
• Incorporate Ginger:
  • Add Ginger: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger over the oiled mixture. Ginger brings a fresh, zesty note that can brighten the overall flavor profile.
  • Cook Until Fragrant: Stir the ginger into the mixture and sauté for about 1 minute. It’s important to cook the ginger just until its aroma is noticeable, ensuring it does not burn, which could introduce a bitter taste.

This detailed approach ensures that the vegan wonton filling is cooked just right — adequately dry to avoid sogginess, yet flavorful with well-developed tastes, setting the stage for a successful assembly and cooking of the wontons.

3. Add Flavor to Your Vegan Wonton Filling

Season with Powders and Sauces:

• Garlic and Onion Powders: Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. These ingredients contribute depth and a slightly sweet savoriness without the moisture that fresh garlic and onion would introduce.
• Mushroom Stock Powder: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of mushroom stock powder into the skillet. This enhances the umami presence in your filling, which is particularly important in plant-based recipes for a richer taste.
• Soy Sauce and Vegan Oyster Sauce: Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari and 1 tablespoon of vegan oyster sauce. These sauces not only season the mixture with saltiness and depth but also help to deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits that might have stuck to the bottom.

Mix and Simmer:

• Thorough Mixing: After adding all seasonings, stir the mixture vigorously to ensure every piece of vegetable and tofu is beautifully seasoned. This integration is crucial for a consistent flavor throughout the wontons.
• Simmer to Combine Flavors: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the seasonings. This brief cooking period helps the flavors to meld together and infuse into the tofu and vegetables, enhancing the overall taste.

Taste and Adjust:

• Final Taste Test: Sample a small spoonful of the mixture to check if the seasoning levels are to your liking. Look for a balance of salty, umami, and aromatic flavors.
• Adjust if Necessary: If the filling tastes too bland, consider adding a bit more soy sauce or a pinch of salt. If it’s too salty, adding a bit more crumbled tofu can help balance the flavors.

Cool Before Filling:

• Prepare to Cool: Once the filling is fully flavored and cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the filling to a shallow dish to cool. Spreading it out will help it cool faster and stop the cooking process, ensuring the flavors are locked in and the filling is easy to handle when assembling the wontons.

Assembling the Vegan Wontons: How to Perfectly Assemble Vegan Wontons

Diamond Folding Style

Fold in Half: Lift one corner of the wrapper and fold it over to the opposite corner to form a triangle. Press around the filling to push out any air pockets and seal the edges well.

Moisten Edges: Dip your finger in the cornstarch slurry and run it along the two edges of the triangle.

Second Fold: Take the two farthest corners of the triangle and bring them together below the filled pouch. You may dab a little more slurry on one corner to help stick it securely to the other. This creates a diamond-like shape with a neat, compact appearance.

Triangle Folding Style

• Form a Rectangle: Orient the wrapper so it’s a diamond shape in front of you (one corner pointing towards you). Fold it in half by bringing the bottom corner up to the top corner, forming a triangle.
• Moisten Edges: Use the cornstarch slurry on the edges to seal. Press down firmly to ensure the filling is snugly encased.
• Adjust Shape: If needed, gently adjust the shape by pressing the edges to sharpen the triangle’s points. This results in a simple yet classic triangle appearance, which is easy to handle and perfect for dipping.

Finalizing

• Press Seals Firmly: Double-check the edges of each wonton to make sure they are well sealed. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
• Arrange for Cooking: As you complete each wonton, arrange them in a single layer on a tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching, as they can stick together.

Ready for Cooking

• Once all wontons are assembled, they can be cooked immediately or refrigerated for a few hours until ready to cook. If you plan to freeze them, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.

By mastering these folding techniques, you’ll ensure your vegan wontons are not only visually appealing but also well-sealed for cooking. This care in preparation will pay off in the form of perfectly cooked, delicious wontons that are sure to impress.

Nutritional Information: Health Benefits of Vegan Wontons

Each serving of these vegan wontons is not only low in calories but also high in protein and essential nutrients, thanks to the rich vegetable and tofu content. They are cholesterol-free and a good source of fiber, making them a heart-healthy choice in any meal.

These vegan wontons are a testament to the versatility and delicious possibilities of vegan cuisine. By preparing this recipe, you’re not just making a meal; you’re embracing a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle. Give these wontons a try, and share your creations online! Don’t forget to tag us in your culinary adventures.