1 March 2024 Cuisine

Dumpling Noodle Soup with Sesame Broth

Name: Dumpling Noodle Soup with Sesame Broth
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 8-10 frozen dumplings; 2 servings of noodles of choice; 4 heads of bok choy (or other greens); 1 liter water; 2 tbsp sesame paste (or tahini); 2 tbsp miso paste (white or red miso work); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp chili powder (or chili flakes); 4 tsp soy sauce; 4 tsp sugar; 200 ml soy milk; 1 scallion (thinly sliced); Toasted sesame seeds; Chili oil (or hot sauce)

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This Dumpling Noodle Soup with Sesame Broth combines the richness of sesame with the umami goodness of dumplings. It makes a quick and easy weeknight meal in under 20 minutes!

If you are a busy working person looking for an easy and quick plant-based lunch idea, this Dumpling Noodle Soup is perfect for you!

The heart of this dish is the rich and nutty sesame broth. Toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and miso come together in a harmonious blend, creating a base that is both flavorful and warm. Imagine the first spoonful – a savory wave infused with the toasty aroma of sesame that instantly awakens your taste buds.

Nestled within this flavorful broth are dumplings bursting with deliciousness. I use frozen dumplings in this recipe, which makes it much faster and easier for a weeknight meal! If you want to make your own dumplings, check out this Vegan Gyoza recipe!

The result is a balance of flavors that dance on your taste buds—a comforting hug in a bowl.

If you enjoyed this delightful Dumpling Noodle Soup with Sesame Broth, check out another flavorful creation: Vegan Miso Ramen. Inspired by the same roots as our Tantanmen, this ramen promises a symphony of umami, warmth, and comfort.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Storage
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Ingredients

Frozen Dumplings: These dumplings are the star of our soup. They’ll add a delightful texture and flavor to your dish while making the cooking process much faster.
Noodles: Select your favorite vegan noodles, such as ramen, udon, soba or even rice noodles.
Bok Choy (or other greens): Bok choy, with its tender leaves and crunchy stalks, adds freshness and a hint of bitterness. You can also use spinach, kale, or any leafy greens you prefer.

To make the flavorful sesame broth, you'll need:

Sesame Paste (or Tahini): brings a rich, nutty flavor to the broth. You can use Asian sesame paste or Tahini.
Miso Paste: Miso is a fermented soybean paste. It’s salty, savory, and full of umami. Use white or red miso, depending on your preference.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a gentle acidity that balances the richness of the sesame broth. It adds brightness to the overall flavor.
Chili Powder (or Chili Flakes):Add a touch of heat to your soup. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Soy Sauce: A classic umami booster. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Sugar: A pinch of sweetness balances out the flavors. Adjust to your liking.
Soy Milk: Creamy soy milk adds body and richness to the broth. It’s our secret ingredient for a velvety texture.

For garnish, you could use scallions, sesame seeds, and chili oil.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Divide the sauce ingredients into two separate bowls. Mix well in each bowl.

Combine sauce ingredients in the bowl.

Mix until well combined.

Cook the Noodles and Dumplings:

In a pot, bring 1 liter (4 cups) of water to a boil.
Add the noodles and frozen dumplings.
Cook for 5 minutes. During the last 2 minutes, add the bok choy to the pot.
Carefully drain the cooked noodles, dumplings, and bok choy.
Keep the cooking water aside for later.
Rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Bowls:

In the two bowls:
- Divide the soy milk.
- Add enough of the reserved cooking water to each bowl (about one bowl’s worth). Mix well with the sauce.
- Place the cooked noodles, dumplings, and bok choy into the bowls.
Garnish the bowls with chopped scallion, sesame seeds and

Add soy milk

And the reserved cooking water

Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds and hot sauce

Garnish the Dumpling Noodle Soup and enjoy!

Substitutions

These tweaks allow you to customize the dish to your liking and adapt it based on what ingredients you have on hand.

Gluten-Free: Instead of regular wheat-based noodles, use rice noodles or any other gluten-free noodle variety.
Sesame paste: If you don’t have sesame paste or tahini on hand, you can use peanut, cashew or almond butter as an alternative. While it won’t have the exact same flavor profile, it will still contribute creaminess and a hint of nuttiness to the broth.

Variations

Here are some variations you can add to this recipe:

Spicy kick: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding
- Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil over your soup for an extra kick.
- Sriracha: A spoonful of Sriracha sauce will elevate the spiciness.
Extra veggies: While bok choy is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other greens like baby spinach, kale, broccolini or choy sum.

Storage

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers or prepare components in advance:

Broth and Dumplings: Store any leftover sesame broth and cooked dumplings separately up to 2 days. Refrigerate them in airtight containers.
Noodles: If you have extra cooked noodles, store them separately as well up to 2 days. They tend to absorb liquid, so keeping them apart prevents them from becoming mushy.

When reheating, gently warm the broth and dumplings on the stovetop. Add the noodles just before serving to maintain their texture.