Dumplings are soft on the top, crunchy on the bottom and filled with savoriness. This recipe calls for yaki tofu — a super-firm grilled or broiled tofu.
The locally made Aloha Tofu version is called deep-fried tofu, or atsuage.
As a substitute, use firm or extra-firm tofu and brown it before adding to the filling.
Vegan Gyoza
Ingredients:
• 40-50 pieces mandu pi
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
Ingredients for filling:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 -12 dry shiitake mushrooms, minced
• 4-inch square piece yaki tofu, well drained and minced
• 1 small carrot, minced
• 1 pound cabbage, minced
• 2 ounces softened long rice, chopped
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetarian stir-fry sauce
• 2 teaspoons mushroom seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Ingredients for dipping sauce:
• 2 tablespoons each sugar sesame oil and vinegar
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in skillet. Stir-fry mushrooms until soft; remove to a bowl. Repeat with tofu, carrots and cabbage, cooking separately. Add cooked ingredients to mushrooms. Stir in long rice; add seasonings and mix. Wipe out skillet.
Place a spoonful of filling in center of a wrapper. Fold wrapper over, seal edge with water and form pleats to close. Repeat. Place skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange dumplings in single layer; drizzle 1 tablespoon oil around them. Add 1 cup water; cover skillet. When water boils, reduce heat. Cook covered, until water is almost gone. Remove cover; let remaining water evaporate and bottoms of dumplings brown slightly.
Combine sauce ingredients. Makes 40-50 dumplings.
Approximate nutrient analysis per dumpling (based on 50 dumplings): 50 calories, 2 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 250 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 2 g protein.
Nutritional analysis provided by Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., CNS.
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is an international nonprofit with a local office in Kaimuki. Its mission of community service includes the promotion of a healthy vegetarian lifestyle. To learn more, visit facebook.com/hawaiitzuchi or call 808-737-8885.
