Filipino-Inspired Crab and Vegetable Steamed Dumplings
Delight in tender steamed dumplings filled with fresh crab meat and seasonal vegetables, infused with classic Filipino flavors for a comforting weeknight meal. This skillet supper highlights a slow steaming technique that preserves delicate textures and vibrant tastes, celebrating a lesser-known culinary tradition.
Advert
Cook mode
Keep everything you need at arm’s reach - scaled servings, tidy checklists, and timers that stay on task.
Overview
These Filipino-inspired crab and vegetable steamed dumplings combine the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat with crisp, seasonal vegetables and aromatic Filipino seasonings. Wrapped in thin dumpling skins, they are slowly steamed in a skillet to preserve their tender texture and vibrant flavors. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
Why you’ll love it
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy light yet satisfying seafood dumplings without deep frying. The slow steaming method ensures the fillings remain juicy while the dumpling wrappers stay soft and delicate. Featuring indigenous Filipino ingredients and flavors, it’s a unique dish that showcases the versatility of dumplings with a delightful twist.
Advert
Ingredient notes
Fresh crab meat is preferred for its sweetness and texture, but you may substitute lump crab meat if fresh is unavailable. Seasonal vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and green beans provide crunch and color; feel free to adjust based on availability. Aromatics such as garlic, onion, and fish sauce bring authentic Filipino umami, while a hint of ginger adds warmth. Dumpling wrappers should be fresh or thawed if frozen, and kept covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while assembling.
Serving & storage
Serve these steamed dumplings hot with a tangy vinegar dipping sauce or a light soy-sesame dressing. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish alongside steamed rice or sautéed greens. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently by steaming again to retain moisture and texture. For food safety, ensure crab meat is fresh and stored correctly before use.
Advert
Chef tips
- Ensure crab meat is fresh and properly refrigerated before use to avoid spoilage.
- Do not overfill dumplings to prevent them from bursting during steaming.
- Keep assembled dumplings covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out before cooking.
- Slow steaming at medium-low heat ensures dumplings remain tender and moist.
- Use gloves or wet fingertips to seal dumpling edges for better grip and cleanliness.
Ingredients
- 250 g (8.8 oz) fresh crab meatcrab meat, picked over for shells
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cabbage, finely shreddedcabbage
- 50 g (1.75 oz) carrot, finely juliennedcarrot
- 50 g (1.75 oz) green beans, finely choppedgreen beans
- 2 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1 smallonion, finely chopped
- 1 tspfresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbspfish sauce
- 1/2 tspsalt, or to taste
- 1/4 tspblack pepper
- 30dumpling wrappers (round, about 7 cm/2.75 inches diameter)
- 2 tbspvegetable oil, for greasing the steaming surface
- Fresh coriander leavesfor garnish
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) waterwater for steaming
Advert
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- steaming skillet or wok with lid
- small bowl for sauce
- small brush or paper towel for oiling
Nutrition per serving
- Calories180
- Protein15 g
- Carbs15 g
- Fat5 g
Step-by-step
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, chopped green beans, minced garlic, chopped onion, grated ginger, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are well incorporated.Step 2
Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the crab and vegetable filling into the center of the wrapper.Step 3
Carefully fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. Pleat the edges if desired to ensure a tight seal and a decorative finish. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.Step 4
Lightly brush or wipe vegetable oil onto the bottom surface of the steaming skillet to prevent sticking. Arrange dumplings in the skillet in a single layer without touching, leaving space between each dumpling.Step 5
Add 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) of water to the skillet, cover immediately with a lid to retain steam.Step 6
Steam dumplings over medium-low heat for 12 minutes, ensuring water does not run dry. Adjust the heat if necessary to maintain a steady steam.Step 7
Carefully remove the lid, check that dumpling wrappers are tender and filling is cooked through. Remove dumplings using a spatula, taking care not to tear the wrappers.Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as spiced vinegar or soy sauce blend.
Advert
Tags
Advert
Related recipes
Filipino Chicken Adobo Stir-Fry Skillet
A vibrant Filipino-inspired skillet supper featuring tender chicken thighs stir-fried with seasonal vegetables and a tangy adobo sauce. This quick and flavorful weeknight dish highlights the classic adobo flavors balanced with the freshness of spring produce, making it a perfect easy-to-make meal.
Slow-Braised Adobo Chicken Grain Bowl
A comforting Filipino-inspired grain bowl featuring slow-braised chicken adobo served over fragrant garlic fried rice with sautéed greens and a soft-boiled egg, combining tender, flavorful protein with fresh seasonal produce.
Pressure-Cooked Chicken Siopao Dumplings
Delight in tender, fluffy siopao dumplings filled with savory chicken, using a pressure cooker to achieve quick, succulent results. This Filipino-inspired dish features a sweet and savory filling wrapped in soft, steamed dough, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.