Steamed Momos Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Steamed Momos Recipe: Asian Dumplings Joy!

Savoring these delectable steamed momos transports you to the heart of himalayan cuisine with every delightful bite.

Soft, pillowy dough wraps around a medley of spiced fillings that dance on your palate.

Nepali street food culture comes alive through this simple yet magical preparation.

Crafting these delicate parcels requires patience and a gentle touch.

Steam transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that whispers comfort.

Delicate wrappers hugging seasoned vegetables or tender meat promise an adventure for your taste buds.

You’ll fall in love with this authentic recipe that brings mountain traditions right to your kitchen.

Tricks and Tips for Steamed Momos Success

  • Knead with Care: Develop a soft, pliable dough by using lukewarm water and kneading gently to prevent tough momo wrappers.
  • Rest Matters: Allow the dough to relax for at least 30 minutes, which helps gluten develop and makes rolling easier.
  • Seal Perfectly: Pinch and pleat edges tightly to prevent momos from opening during steaming, creating beautiful and secure dumplings.
  • Steam Smartly: Line your steamer with cabbage or parchment paper to prevent sticking and add extra flavor to your momos.
  • Filling Balance: Keep filling ingredients finely chopped and not too wet to ensure even cooking and prevent soggy wrappers.

Save and Reheat Steamed Momos

  • Store leftover momos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Place momos in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly and regain their soft, tender texture.
  • Wrap momos in a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to ensure even heating.
  • Pack momos in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen momos will stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Favorite Pairings for Steamed Momos

  • Create a fiery dipping experience with homemade red chili sauce that complements the mild momo flavors, adding a vibrant kick to each bite.
  • Brew a warm, soothing ginger lemon tea that cuts through the rich dumpling texture and cleanses the palate with its bright, refreshing notes.
  • Prepare a light, cool cucumber salad with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the steamed momos' warmth and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Choose a cold, crisp pilsner that offers a clean, neutral taste which enhances the delicate momo filling without overpowering its subtle flavors.

New Takes on Steamed Momos to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or a blend of chickpea and rice flour for a celiac-friendly momo that maintains a soft, pliable texture.
  • Vegan Protein Option: Substitute meat filling with crumbled tofu, finely chopped mushrooms, and mixed vegetables seasoned with soy sauce and ginger for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Wrapper: Use thinly sliced cabbage leaves as a wrapper instead of dough, creating a lighter, vegetable-based momo suitable for keto and low-carbohydrate diets.
  • Protein-Packed Filling: Incorporate quinoa or lentils mixed with traditional ground meat to boost nutritional value and add extra protein to the classic momo recipe.

Common Questions About Steamed Momos

  • What are momos?

Momos are popular dumplings originating from Nepal, Tibet, and parts of India, typically filled with vegetables or meat and steamed to perfection.

  • How do I know when the dough is ready?

The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and not sticky. When you press it, it should spring back gently, indicating proper kneading and hydration.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough several hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.

  • What's the best way to prevent the dough from drying out?

Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while working to keep it moist and prevent cracking during shaping.

What’s Special About Steamed Momos

  • Unbelievably Simple Preparation demonstrates how anyone can master these delicious dumplings without advanced cooking skills.
  • Family Favorite Fun lets everyone participate by filling and shaping momos together, creating memorable mealtime moments that spark joy and connection.
  • Versatile Filling Options allow endless creativity with vegetable, meat, or cheese combinations, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Healthy Cooking Technique steaming preserves nutrients and reduces oil usage, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional fried dumpling recipes while maintaining incredible flavor.

Everything Needed to Make Steamed Momos

Flour Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Soft wheat flour that creates a tender, stretchy dough for momo wrappers.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and helps develop gluten in the dough structure.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Water: Essential for binding flour and creating a smooth, pliable dough consistency.
Dough Preparation Notes:
  • Flour should be fresh and free from lumps for best texture.
  • Salt helps strengthen the dough's elasticity and improves overall taste.
  • Water temperature matters- lukewarm water helps develop better dough structure.

Cooking Instructions for Steamed Momos

Prepare Dough Base

Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Slowly incorporate water while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for half an hour.

Prepare Filling

Gather ingredients for the filling:
  • Ground meat (chicken or pork)
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Combine all filling ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.

Roll And Shape Dough

Divide the rested dough into small, equal portions. Using a rolling pin, flatten each portion into thin, circular shapes on a lightly floured surface.

Assemble Momos

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold and pleat the edges to create a sealed dumpling shape. Use water to help seal the edges securely.

Set Up Steaming Station

Fill a steamer pot with water. Ensure the water does not touch the steamer basket. Line the basket with cabbage leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Steam Momos

Arrange momos in the steamer basket, leaving space between each dumpling. Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until the dough looks translucent and the filling is cooked through.

Serve Hot

Transfer steamed momos to a serving plate. Accompany with spicy chili sauce or tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

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Steamed Momos Recipe

Steamed Momos Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delectable Nepali Momos weave culinary magic with delicate dumplings packed with savory spiced fillings. Handcrafted dough envelops tender vegetables or meat, steamed to perfection and served with zesty chili sauce for a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (½ pound) ground chicken
  • 1 cup cabbage (finely shredded)
  • ½ cup carrots (grated)
  • ½ cup mushrooms or tofu (finely chopped, optional)
  • ½ cup onions (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1-inch ginger (grated)
  • ¼ cup green onions or cilantro (chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Dough Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (optional, for softer dough)

Seasoning:

  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Craft a silky, pliable dough by combining flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Gradually introduce water while methodically kneading, transforming the mixture into a uniform, stretchy consistency that springs back when touched.
  3. Drape a clean kitchen cloth over the dough, allowing it to relax and develop optimal texture for approximately half an hour, which helps gluten strands soften and become more malleable.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature water when kneading momo dough to ensure smooth, consistent texture.
  • Resting the dough allows gluten to relax, making the wrapper more pliable and easier to stretch without tearing.
  • Roll the dough into thin, uniform circles for even cooking and delicate, tender momos that won’t become chewy or tough.
  • For a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value without compromising the traditional momo texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Tibetan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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