Short Description
Steamed momos are a popular and delicious dumpling dish enjoyed across many Asian cuisines. Filled with a savory mixture of vegetables or meat, these dumplings are steamed to perfection and served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and light due to steaming instead of frying
- Customizable with different fillings
- Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meal
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
- Pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Water
- Salt
- Minced garlic
- Minced ginger
- Onion, finely chopped
- Cabbage, finely chopped
- Carrot, grated
- Ground chicken, pork, or tofu (optional)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper
- Chili flakes (optional)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, water, and salt to form a smooth dough. Knead well and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix minced garlic, ginger, onion, cabbage, carrot, and meat or tofu if using. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Roll out the dough into small circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold and seal the edges, forming pleats to secure the filling inside.
- Arrange momos in a steamer basket and steam for 12-15 minutes until the wrappers turn translucent and the filling is cooked.
- Serve hot with a spicy tomato chutney or soy-based dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Momos: Add extra chili flakes or chopped green chilies to the filling.
- Cheese Momos: Mix in some grated cheese for a creamy texture.
- Vegan Momos: Skip the meat and use a combination of tofu and mushrooms.
- Pan-Fried Momos: After steaming, pan-fry the momos for a crispy texture.
- Soup Momos: Serve in a flavorful broth for a comforting meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover momos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat by steaming for 5 minutes or microwaving with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser than traditional momos.
What dipping sauce pairs best with momos?
A spicy tomato chutney, soy sauce with vinegar, or chili oil works well.
How do I prevent momos from sticking to the steamer?
Lightly grease the steamer or place parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered.
What vegetables work best for the filling?
Cabbage, carrots, onions, and mushrooms are great options.
How do I get perfectly pleated momos?
Practice folding and pinching the edges to form neat pleats.
Can I make momos without a steamer?
Yes, you can use a colander over boiling water or a makeshift steaming setup.
Are momos gluten-free?
Traditional momos are not, but you can use rice flour or a gluten-free alternative.
Can I bake momos instead of steaming?
Yes, but they will have a different texture; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
What is the best way to serve momos?
Serve hot with dipping sauces and a side of hot soup or salad.
Conclusion
Steamed momos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer a classic filling or a creative twist, these dumplings are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Try making them at home and enjoy a flavorful, homemade treat!
PrintSteamed Momos
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 momos 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Tibetan, Nepali, Indian-Chinese
Description
These Steamed Momos are soft, juicy dumplings filled with a delicious mix of vegetables or meat, wrapped in a thin dough, and steamed to perfection. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, served with spicy dipping sauce!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tbsp oil (optional, for softer dough)
For the Filling (Vegetarian Option):
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
For the Filling (Chicken Option):
- 200g ground chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Gradually add water while kneading until a smooth, firm dough forms.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add onions and cook until soft.
- Add cabbage, carrots (or chicken, if using), soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes (for vegetables) or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Let the filling cool before using.
Step 3: Assemble the Momos
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a thin 3-4 inch circle.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center.
- Fold the edges and pleat them together, sealing the top. Repeat for all.
Step 4: Steam the Momos
- Grease a steamer basket and place momos in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Steam over boiling water for about 10-12 minutes until the wrappers turn slightly translucent.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with spicy momo chutney or soy sauce!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped spring onions to the filling.
- If you don’t have a steamer, place a metal sieve over a boiling pot and cover with a lid.
- Try paneer, tofu, or mushroom filling for variations!
Nutrition
- Calories: ~35 kcal
- Sodium: ~100mg
- Fat: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~1g
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *