Instant Pot Steamed Dumplings

Name: Instant Pot Steamed Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 25 Dumpling wrappers; 7 oz Firm Tofu (1 cup, minced); 1 cup Cabbage (minced); ½ cup Carrot (minced); ¼ cup Green Onions (minced); ½ cup Spinach (minced); ½ cup Broccoli (minced); ¾ cup Cilantro (minced); 1 tsp Salt; ¾ tsp Pepper powder; 2 tsp Soy Sauce; 1 tsp Vinegar; 1 tsp Chili Sauce; 2 tsp Sesame Oil; 2 cups Water to seal the dumplings and steam

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Delicious, flavorful and easy to make vegetable steamed dumplings at home.

Steam them in a bamboo steamer over the instant pot to get a batch of piping hot dumplings in a jiffy!

Top view of a black plate with instant pot steamed dumplings and chili sauce in a bamboo basket.

Asian food is always amazing to enjoy for a meal. It is the second popular cuisine in our house after Indian food. From Fried Rice and Teriyaki Noodles to Black Pepper Tofu or Lettuce Wraps and Quinoa Fried Rice; we love them all for weeknight dinner.

Along with these popular ones, there are an array of dumplings that we love. From steamed dumplings to pan fried and even deep fried ones, we love them all. Plus soups made with steamed dumplings are great for winter meals.

While we can easily make these on the stove top; a lot of these recipes are perfect to make using the instant pot. From cooking jasmine rice for recipes to completely making these lettuce wraps and noodles; we love using this appliance. Moreover, it works so well to make vegetable steamed dumplings.

Jump to:

What are Dumplings
Why this recipe works
Using the Instant Pot
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to make this recipe
Expert Tips and Notes
Serving
Making ahead of time and using
Recipe FAQs
Pairings
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Steamed Dumplings

What are Dumplings

Dumplings are a kind of Asian delicacy made by filling a mix of vegetables, meat or paste in a wheat or rice wrapper.

Potstickers, wontons, gyoza, siu mai etc are all kinds of dumplings based on the shape and the covering used. Dumplings can be steamed, pan fried or even deep fried. They taste delicious in all these ways!

The two main components of any dumpling recipe includes the filling and the cover. It is easy to swap either of these and make a different kind of dumpling recipe. And yes, it is perfect to swap the serving sauce to make a different flavor too.

Why this recipe works

This recipe of dumpling is naturally Vegan.

We can make this dumpling recipe gluten-free by two simple swaps.

These are easy to steam over the instant pot.

This method is easy for trips, camping etc. once we fill and freeze the dumplings.

The fillings are easy to modify in this recipe for a new variation each time.

It is easy to scale the recipe up or down.

Using the Instant Pot

There are several ways to cook prepared dumplings. One of the most common way is to add them to boiling water and letting them float. This way we know when they are cooked perfectly. Other ways include pan frying or even deep frying the dumplings.

I often like to use my instant pot to steam the dumplings. This steaming method is so good when you do not have access to a kitchen and gas. Moreover, once you have the dumplings ready; it is easy to steam them quickly without making a mess or using multiple utensils.

This method is also great for camping, in an RV or picnic. Moreover, it is great to use it when we have multiple things to make on the stove.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients to make instant pot steamed dumplings in small plates on a dark surface.

Dumpling Wrappers: I like to use thin square wrappers (Hong Kong style) for the recipe. They are easy to fold, stay well when steamed and are easy to find. However, the same recipe works for the thicker Shanghai style wrappers too. Moreover, we can use round wrappers or even homemade wrappers for the same.

Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables make the best dumplings. I always have carrots and cabbage with some kind of greens like cilantro, bok choy or spinach. Plus, I added broccoli and scallions. However, adding mushrooms, green beans, baby corn etc are great too. Skip soggy vegetables like tomato in this mix.

Tofu: Firm or extra firm tofu is great in the recipe. I like to mince into tiny cubes. However, it is easy to grate and add to the dumplings too.

Seasonings: Salt and pepper are the seasonings I use in the recipe. However, it is great to add mushroom seasoning or a pinch of schezwan chili powder too.

Sauces: A bunch of sauces make the dumplings flavorful. Soy sauce, vinegar and a dash of chili sauce are great. Adjust them based on what you intend to serve the dumplings with.

Sesame Oil: Like most Asian recipes, this is best made in sesame oil. Use regular sesame oil or spicy sesame oil based on preference. Alternatively, use a mix of both of these.

Water: We need water to steam the dumplings. Also, we need some to seal the dumplings too.

See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

How to make this recipe

1- Press firm tofu in kitchen towels and place a weight on it. This helps remove all the water. Then mince the tofu. Also, mince all the vegetables and set aside.

2- In a pan add sesame oil. Once hot, add minced tofu.

Collage steps to make instant pot steamed dumplings; prep the vegetables and tofu and saute the tofu in sesame oil.

3- Sauté for 2-3 minutes till it begins to look dry and add the minced vegetables.

4- Mix well and cook uncovered on high flame for 5-6 minutes.

Collage steps to make instant pot steamed dumplings; add the vegetables and cook with salt and pepper till dry.

5- Then add in salt and pepper powder. Mix everything well.

6- Next, add the chopped cilantro; mix well and cook for an extra minute.

Collage steps to make instant pot steamed dumplings; add cilantro and cook the mixture well.

7- Once the moisture evaporates, add chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar. Then turn down the flame and let the mixture cool.

8- Once the mixture is cool, start rolling the dumplings. To do so, place a dumpling wrapper and add a tablespoon of the filling to one corner. Apply water on the edges and fold them over to make the dumpling as shown. Repeat for all the wrappers and make sure the folded dumplings are always covered with a wet kitchen towel.

Collage steps to make instant pot steamed dumplings; cook and cool the mixture and fold the dumplings as shown.

9- Line a bamboo steaming basket with parchment paper. Place the dumplings on it, spacing them out.

10- Add 2 cups water in the instant pot and set the mode to Sauté. Let the water come to a boil, then change the mode to steam. Then place the bamboo steamer on it and cover.

Collage steps to make instant pot steamed dumplings; place the dumplings in a bamboo basket and steam over the instant pot.

11- Let the dumplings steam for 10 minutes. Open the lid and remove the dumplings.

12- Repeat for the remaining dumplings. Enjoy with hot sauce or soy sauce and garlic!

Collage steps to make instant pot steamed dumplings; steam and serve.

Expert Tips and Notes

Do not overcook the filling: It is important to cook the filling till dry but not soggy. As we steam the dumplings after filling, it is okay to leave some crunch in the vegetables. Together with the soft tofu, it makes a great texture in them.

Uniformity is key: Make sure all the vegetables and tofu are even in size. This way they distribute evenly in the dumplings and cook well. Also, if making the skins from scratch, make them even in size and thickness. Plus, fold them into same shape so they steam evenly.

Seal the dumplings well: Seal the dumplings completely on all sides. Make sure there is no air bubble while sealing. Also, work in batches and keep the folded dumplings and the skins covered at all times. This way they do not dry out.

Do not overcook the dumplings: Simply steam the dumplings till the skins cook. The filling is already cooked. That way they do not turn chewy or soggy.

Line the steamer basket: It is important to line the bamboo basket. Lettuce leaves, spinach leaves, parchment paper or baking sheet works well. Without lining the dumplings will stick to the bamboo steamer.

Bring the water to boil before steaming: Do not place the dumplings before boiling the water. The dumplings tend to become soggy as they heat up with the water.

Serving

Steamed dumplings are perfect to enjoy in so many ways. The best way is to serve these with a dipping sauce. Mix together minced garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Also add some chili crunch if desired. Alternatively, these dumplings are great with some chili sauce too.

These dumplings can be served with a vegetable broth as a soup too. Plus I also like these in some piping hot manchow soup for spice, crunch and taste.

A bamboo basket with steamed dumplings on a parchment paper.

Making ahead of time and using

Once you start to enjoy dumplings; you would want to make them often at home. To do so, it is easy to make each step at a different time to make the process easier. Here is how I make it:

Make ahead: Make the filling ahead of time. Either chop everything ahead of time or even make the filling. It is easy to store this in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make dumpling wrappers ahead of time too (if making from scratch).
Store: Wrap the filling into the wrappers and keep them covered while working on the rest. Store at room temperature for up to 4-5 hours. Refrigerate them in airtight container for upto 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer safe bag. Freeze till ready to use.
Prepare: To make the dumplings, simply steam them straight from the refrigerator or freezer. If they are frozen, increase the steaming time by 2 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Can we make gluten-free dumplings?

Yes for sure. However, it is difficult to find gluten-free wrappers in the store. Either use rice papers to make the recipe or use a gluten-free recipe to make the wrappers from scratch. Also, use gluten free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Why are my dumpling wrappers white in color and not yellow?

The wrappers I have used in the recipe are the thin Hong Kong style wrappers. These are generally yellow in color. However, Shanghai style white wrappers are perfect for the recipe too.

Can we make steamed dumplings without a bamboo basket?

Yes certainly. It is easy to steam dumplings without a bamboo basket too. Simply use a steel insert that comes with the instant pot or even a plate with holes that is available in various Indian stores. Both of these work well to steam them.

My dumplings are sticking to the bamboo basket. What can I do?

It is important to line the basket with lettuce leaves, cabbage leaves, parchment paper or silicone steamer insert. This way the dumplings will not stick to the steamer basket.