Vegetarian Sago Dumplings: A Delicious Thai Street Snack Recipe
This Vegetarian Sago Dumpling recipe is a popular Thai street food delicacy that features an outer layer of translucent, soft tapioca pearls enveloping a flavorful vegetable filling. Light, satisfying, and packed with vibrant flavors, these dumplings are perfect for a quick snack or served alongside a hearty meal. With a combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of garlic oil, these dumplings are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12-14 dumplings
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) | 1/2 cup |
| Shallots | 1, finely chopped |
| Mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrot, beans) | 1 cup, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A few sprigs, finely chopped |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Oil (for cooking) | As needed |
| Water | 1/2 cup, adjusted as needed |
For Garlic Oil:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 1 tablespoon, lightly crushed |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
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Soak the Tapioca Pearls: Begin by soaking the sago (tapioca pearls) in 1/2 cup of hot water. Allow them to sit until they turn translucent—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Ensure that the pearls do not become over-soaked, as this will make the dough too soggy to handle.
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-
Prepare the Vegetable Filling:
- Mince the garlic and coriander leaves (dhania), including a couple of coriander roots if available.
- Heat oil in a wok or kadai on medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, coriander, and finely chopped shallots. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Add the finely chopped vegetables—cabbage, carrot, and beans—and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the soy sauce and add the black pepper powder, stirring everything together. Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool completely.
-
Prepare the Sago Dough:
- Once the sago is soaked and softened, drain the excess water. Wet your hands and knead the tapioca pearls for about 2-3 minutes, until they form a pliable, smooth dough.
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Shape the Dumplings:
- Wet your hands again and take a small portion of the sago dough. Flatten it into a round disc, approximately 6 cm in diameter.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled vegetable filling in the center of the disc. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling and seal it into a round ball.
- Place the formed dumplings on a lightly greased plate. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used up.
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Steam the Dumplings:
- Set up a steamer and lightly grease the steaming plate with oil. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring that they do not touch each other.
- Steam the dumplings for 15 minutes, or until the tapioca pearls become soft and translucent. Depending on the thickness of the dumpling wrapping, steaming time may vary, so keep an eye on them.
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Prepare the Garlic Oil:
- In a small pan, heat the oil for the garlic oil. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat once the garlic is fragrant and golden, then strain out the garlic, leaving just the infused oil.
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Finishing Touches:
- Once the dumplings are done, remove them from the steamer. Dip a spoon into the garlic oil to prevent the dumplings from sticking, and gently transfer each one to a plate.
- Brush each dumpling generously with the garlic-infused oil. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an added touch of flavor.
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Serve:
- Serve the Vegetarian Sago Dumplings hot as a snack or appetizer. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some soy sauce on top or serve with a side of Thai basil vegetarian fried rice with pineapple for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations:
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Vegetable Filling: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
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Vegan Option: To make this recipe fully vegan, ensure that the soy sauce used is plant-based and that the garlic oil is used as the primary source of flavoring.
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Serving Suggestions: These dumplings can be served with a side of chili sauce or tamarind dip for an extra kick of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Dumpling)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 40mg |
Vegetarian Sago Dumplings are a delightful treat that combines the chewy texture of tapioca pearls with the savory crunch of vegetables. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack or serving them as part of a larger meal, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
