Marry Me Dumplings

Marry Me Dumplings: A Plant-Based Twist on a Viral Classic

If you’re looking for a dish that will steal hearts, impress dinner guests or just yourself, these Marry Me Dumplings are it. You’ve probably seen these recipes all over the internet – they are hard to miss! But, I decided to put my own spin on it. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this vegan version swaps the poultry for potsticker-style dumplings and bathes them in a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused stew that’s both comforting and indulgent. The best part? These dumplings get a crispy golden crust before steaming in the sauce, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavour.

Marry Me Dumplings: A Dish Worthy of a Proposal?

While the idea that a single meal would elicit a marriage proposal is quite a silly concept, whether you believe in the marriage institution or not, these viral variations were enticing. Now that I have made my own version, I understand why these dishes are so popular!

“Marry Me” dishes are known for their rich, creamy, and indulgent flavours, often featuring a luscious sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Originally popularized with “Marry Me Chicken,” these recipes have since evolved to include plant-based and creative variations, such as tofu, vegan chicken, chickpeas or even gnocchi. Seeing that many plant-based versions have been made, I decided to make a version made with dumplings, made of tofu and mushrooms, with all the other saucy goodness for these Marry Me Dumplings to inspire nuptials.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Dumplings with a crispy exterior and soft, pillowy inside

✔ Rich, creamy stew packed with flavour

✔ Plant-based, indulgent and filling

✔ Perfect for dinner or make it into a cozy meal prep

Marry Me Dumplings: Everything You’ll Need

Ingredients:

Dumpling Filling:

• ½ block of extra firm or firm tofu, crumbled
• 2 cup of mushrooms, whole or halved 
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp paprika 
• ¼ cup vegan chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper

Dumpling Wrappers:

• 1 pack dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking the Dumplings:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
• ¼ cup vegan chicken broth (for steaming)

Marry Me Stew:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional for extra umami)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1tsp parsley
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2½ cups vegan chicken or vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup coconut cream
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Arrowroot Starch Slurry (to thicken the stew):

• 1 ½ tbsp arrowroot starch
• 3 tbsp cold water

Serving

• fresh basil leaves

Marry Me Dumplings: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. Make the Dumpling Filling

1. Add crumbled tofu and mushrooms to a food processor and chop until it’s a chunky mince.
2. Heat skillet on medium heat with oil. Once heated, add garlic and saute until fragrant. Next, add the tofu and mushroom mixture, followed by the paprika. Cook for about 2-3 minutes and add broth. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes and set aside to cool.

2. Assemble the Dumplings

1. Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface.
2. Add 2-3 teaspoons of filling to the center.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edge of the wrapper.
4. Fold the dumpling in half and press the edges together, pleating if desired.
5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3. Quick Pan Fry for Dumplings

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Add the dumplings in a single layer, pleated side up.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms turn golden brown.
4. Add ¼ cup broth, cover the pan with a lid, and let the dumplings steam for 4-5 minutes until tender.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. The Making of Marry Me Stew

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Stir in mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, parsley and red pepper flakes, then stir everything together.
5. Pour in broth, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to infuse flavours.
6. Lower the heat and stir in coconut cream and nutritional yeast—season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Thicken the Marry Me Stew & Add Dumplings

1. In a small bowl, mix arrowroot starch with cold water until smooth.
2. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew, stirring continuously.
3. Let the stew thicken for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the pan-fried dumplings into the stew and gently simmer for 5 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavours.

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Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Dumplings

This recipe for Marry Me Dumplings makes about 28 dumplings, making this meal perfect to share with the family or pack up for meal prep during the week.

To complete the meal, serve these Marry Me Dumplings with:

Arborio Rice: The slightly creamy texture of Arborio rice pairs beautifully with the stew. Just cook it with broth and season with salt and pepper. Or, add a dash of garlic, and seasonings for a simple, flavourful side.

Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed go perfectly with this dish. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, or toasted almonds for a fresh contrast to the richness of the stew.

Make These Marry Me Dumplings Your Own!

Extra protein? Add chickpeas or white beans to the stew.
Flavour Booster? Toss in caramelized onions or roasted red peppers in the dumplings or the stew.
Want a spicier kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or use chili oil when heating your pans.

Final Thoughts

These Marry Me Dumplings are cozy and delicious, and while I can’t confirm because I’m already affianced, they seem totally proposal-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, this dish you’ll be making the commitment to keep this recipe in your repertoire.

Would you try these Marry Me Dumplings? Let me know in the comments below! ⬇️

If you enjoy this cozy dish, be sure to check out these other recipes! Let me know if you try it, and leave a comment below (it helps others to find the recipe). Or, snap a photo and be sure to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest so that I can see your yummy dishes!

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