Appetizer

Steamed Chinese Rice Momo (Jasmine)

A bamboo steamer basket filled with white steamed dumplings, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a small bowl of dark dipping sauce on a wooden table.
Prep
30 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
NepaliIntermediateLunchDinnerVegetarianGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

These delicate steamed dumplings use jasmine rice flour for a fragrant twist on classic Nepali momo. The light, slightly sweet rice wrapper pairs beautifully with a spiced vegetable or meat filling.

Perfect for a comforting appetizer or a weekend project with friends.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Jasmine rice flour

grain

200 g

Imperial measurement: 1 2/3 cups

Salt

seasoning

1/2 tsp

Boiling water

liquid

120 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

Vegetable oil

fat

1 tbsp

Cabbage, finely chopped

vegetable

200 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

Carrot, grated

vegetable

1 medium

Onion, finely chopped

vegetable

1 small

Garlic cloves, minced

herb

2 cloves

Fresh ginger, grated

herb

1 tsp

Soy sauce (or tamari for GF)

seasoning

1 tbsp

Black pepper

spice

1/2 tsp

Cilantro, chopped

herb

2 tbsp

Method

1

Make rice dough

10 minutes

In a large bowl, mix jasmine rice flour and salt. Add boiling water gradually, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Let cool slightly, then knead for 2 minutes until smooth. Cover and set aside.

2

Prepare filling

10 minutes

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes. Add cabbage and carrot, cook for 3 minutes until soft. Remove from heat, stir in soy sauce, black pepper, and cilantro. Let cool.

3

Shape momo

15 minutes

Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a thin circle (about 3 inches wide) on a lightly oiled surface. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center. Fold edges into pleats, pinching to seal.

4

Steam momo

12 minutes

Line a bamboo steamer with parchment paper or lightly oil. Arrange momo without touching. Cover and steam over boiling water for 12 minutes. Remove carefully.

5

Serve

2 minutes

Serve hot with momo dipping sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil). Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Bamboo steamer with lid
  • Steamer pot
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
5 g
Protein
42 g
Carbohydrates
4 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
480 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while shaping to prevent drying.
  • If the dough cracks, add a splash more warm water and knead again.
  • For a non-stick surface, grease your hands and work surface with a little oil.
  • These momo freeze well: arrange on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. Steam from frozen for 15 minutes.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a classic tomato achar or a simple soy-vinegar dip. Pair with a light salad or a bowl of clear soup.

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Sita Thapa

Recipe by

Sita Thapa

Specialises in Nepalese cuisine

Sita is a dal bhat specialist. She says the secret is burning the garlic just a little.

Describe yourself in three words: Warm, laughing, generous portions.