Tofu and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings is a popular recipe among vegetarian and Asian communities.
It’s not only popular because of its meaty and delicious taste, but also because of its numerous health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them.
The Health Benefits of Tofu and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings
Benefit #1: Keeps your heart healthy
Shiitake mushroom has Eritadenine, sterols, and beta-glucans. On the other hand, tofu contains saponins.
These compounds help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. They also aid in boosting heart health.
The phytonutrients of shiitake help keep cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque buildup. It helps to prevent high blood pressure and improves blood circulation.
Benefit #2: Strengthens your bones
Shiitake mushrooms and tofu are good sources of Vitamin D, which helps to build stronger bones.
Moreover, isoflavones found in tofu may help reduce bone loss and increase bone density.
Benefit #3: Boosts your immune system
In addition, shiitake mushrooms contain high levels of nutrients. These include B vitamins, vitamin D, selenium, niacin, and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids.
All of these are needed to boost immunity. Shiitake also has enzymes that aid in good absorption of our food.
Likewise, tofu is rich in proteins, nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. This helps improve the functioning of the immune system.
Benefit #4: Fights cancer
Several anticancer substances have been found in shiitake mushrooms, including lentinan. This has been studied in Japan as a treatment for cancer in the stomach and colorectal.
It also contains antioxidants that protect the body from damaging free radicals.
On the other hand, studies today are supporting another idea. It is believed that tofu and other soy foods might be good for women with breast cancer.
With the numerous health benefits of Tofu and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try it.
Looking for a healthy and yummy recipe to serve your guests on a special occasion? Or are you just looking for something to devour on an ordinary day? This excellent Asian recipe will surely make your day.
Discover more Shiitake mushroom recipes here:
Shiitake with Tofu Fried Dumpling
Ingredients
2 oz (50 g) shiitake mushrooms (cleaned, stems removed and diced)
2 cups (256 g) Napa cabbage (sliced lengthwise)
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups (380 g) baked tofu
3 scallions (thinly sliced)
1/2 tbsp ginger (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper (ground)
2 eggs (beaten)
Gyoza wrappers (as per the number of servings)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Wait for the oil to warm then toss in the shiitake mushrooms. Saute until golden brown.
- Mix the cabbage into the pan. Sprinkle salt. Continue to stir until cabbage is tender. Set aside to cool.
- Place the baked tofu into a mixing bowl. Add the ginger, garlic, and scallions. Pour the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Sprinkle ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- When the cabbage and mushroom mixture has cooled, squeeze excess moisture out. Move this into the bowl containing the tofu mixture. Stir well and adjust seasoning.
- Add in the eggs. Stir thoroughly into the mixture.
- When the mixture is ready, place a small amount into the center of the Gyoza wrapper. Fold.
- Pinch edges of the wrapper to make sure that it is sealed.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining wrappers. Set aside.
- Place a pan over medium heat. Pour in olive oil. Fry some of the dumplings. Keep the dumplings well separated to prevent them sticking to each other.
- Cook until golden brown.
- In another skillet, pour 2 tablespoons of water and cover. Reduce the heat. Steam the dumplings for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Repeat steps 10 and 11 with the remaining dumplings.
- Serve while hot. Pair it with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and red chili flakes.
- Enjoy!
