Steamed Vegan Gluten-Free Rice Paper Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Steamed Rice Paper Dumplings are a delicious vegan and gluten-free treat packed with savory mushrooms, tofu, and fresh veggies. These delicate parcels are light yet flavorful, making them perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients
- 7 chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 200g extra firm tofu, broken apart
- 1 carrot, finely chopped into cubes
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (gluten free)
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 12 rice papers
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, ginger, garlic, spring onions, tofu, carrot, soy sauce, MSG, and sugar. Stir frequently and fry for 5 minutes until well combined.
- Step 2: Turn off the heat and set the pan aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Fill a large bowl with warm water and set it nearby.
- Step 4: Dip one rice paper completely into the warm water until soft and pliable. Shake off excess water and place it on a clean, dry chopping board.
- Step 5: Slice the softened rice paper in half.
- Step 6: Place a spoonful of filling on each half. When the rice paper feels sticky, fold in each corner to form a sealed parcel. Repeat with remaining rice papers and filling.
- Step 7: Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit your steamer, and poke small holes in it for steam circulation. Place the parchment in the steamer.
- Step 8: Arrange dumplings gently on the parchment, cover with the lid, and steam for 5 minutes.
- Step 9: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or chili oil and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the filling.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if preferred.
- Try adding finely chopped water chestnuts for a crunchy texture.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can improvise with a heatproof plate on a rack inside a covered pot with simmering water.
Storage
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam them again for a few minutes until warmed through, or gently microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute chestnut mushrooms with button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking together?
Work one dumpling at a time and keep your hands and surfaces lightly damp. Also, ensure each rice paper is set on a dry board before folding to help it stick to itself, not to other surfaces.
PrintSteamed Vegan Gluten-Free Rice Paper Dumplings Recipe
These Steamed Rice Paper Dumplings are a delicious vegan and gluten-free appetizer featuring a savory filling of tofu, mushrooms, and fresh vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper and steamed to perfection. Light and flavorful, they make a perfect healthy snack or party dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 dumplings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Filling
- 7 chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 200g extra firm tofu, broken apart
- 1 carrot, finely chopped into cubes
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (gluten free)
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Dumpling Wrappers
- 12 rice papers
Additional
- Oil for frying (a drizzle)
- Parchment or baking paper for the steamer
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Place a frying pan on medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add chopped mushrooms, ginger, garlic, spring onions, broken tofu, carrot, gluten-free soy sauce, MSG, and sugar. Fry for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently until everything is softened and well combined.
- Set Filling Aside: Turn off the heat and set the pan aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Rice Papers: Fill a large bowl with warm water. Take one rice paper and dunk it fully into the water so it softens. Shake off excess water and place the rice paper on a clean, dry chopping board.
- Slice Rice Paper: Carefully slice the softened rice paper in half to create two semicircles.
- Fill and Fold Dumplings: Place a spoonful of the prepared filling onto each half of the rice paper. Once the paper feels sticky, bring each corner towards the center to seal into a small parcel. Repeat this process with all rice papers and filling.
- Prepare Steamer: Cut parchment or baking paper into a circle matching the size of your steamer. Poke several small holes to allow steam to circulate. Place the parchment paper inside the steamer.
- Steam Dumplings: Arrange the dumplings gently on the parchment paper, cover with the steamer lid, and steam for 5 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve your steamed dumplings hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce or chili oil and enjoy!
Notes
- Use warm water to soften rice papers quickly without tearing.
- Ensure the filling is well cooled or warm, but not hot, before wrapping to prevent breaking the rice paper.
- MSG adds umami but can be omitted if preferred or replaced with a small amount of mushroom powder.
- To make this recipe nut-free and allergen-friendly, ensure soy sauce and tofu are suitable for your dietary needs.
- Serve with gluten-free soy sauce, chili oil, or a sweet chili dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.
Keywords: steamed dumplings, vegan dumplings, gluten free dumplings, rice paper dumplings, healthy appetizer, tofu dumplings, Asian vegan recipe

