Blog

The Palm Beach Home Show welcomed Chef Jennifer Parker to the Live Culinary Experience, where she wowed the crowd with her plant-based twist on a classic favorite: vegan dumplings with a rich, flavorful chili oil. 

Whether you’re looking to eat cleaner or simply explore new flavors, this recipe is packed with depth, texture, and a crave-worthy, flavor-packed punch that keeps you coming back for more.

Ginger sesame chili oil:

The ginger sesame chili oil delivers a bold, spicy finish with rich toasted notes and a hint of warmth in every drizzle.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sesame oil
  
• 2 tbsp finely chopped ginger
  
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  
• 2–3 tbsp Szechuan chili flakes (to taste)
  
• 1 tbsp Korean gochugaru
  
• 2 scallions, finely diced
  

Instructions:

1. Gently heat sesame oil (don’t let it smoke).
   
2. In a heat-safe bowl, combine all other ingredients.
   
3. Pour hot oil over the mixture and stir.
   
4. Let cool and store in a jar. (Optional: strain for a smoother texture.)

Vegan Dumplings with Tofu, Carrots, and Cabbage 

These vegan dumplings are filled with a hearty blend of tofu, cabbage, and carrots, offering a deliciously savory bite in every wrapper.

Ingredients – Filling:

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
  
• 1 cup carrots, grated or minced
  
• 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
  
• 2–3 tbsp fermented bean paste (adjust to taste)
  
• 2–3 green onions, finely chopped
  
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  
• 1 tsp ginger, minced (optional)
  
• Soy sauce, to taste
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For wrapping:

• Store-bought dumpling wrappers

Instructions:

Make the Filling:

• In a large bowl, mix crumbled tofu, grated carrots, shredded cabbage, and chopped green onions.
  
• Add fermented bean paste, garlic, ginger (optional), and soy sauce.
  
• Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  

Assemble the Dumplings:

• Place about 1 tbsp of filling in the center of each wrapper.
  
• Moisten the edges with water.
  
• Fold into a half-moon shape and press to seal. Add pleats if desired.
  

Cook the Dumplings:

• To steam:
  
  • Line a steamer basket with parchment paper.
    
  • Steam dumplings for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
    
• To pan-fry:
  
  • Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
    
  • Cook until the bottoms are golden brown.
    
  • Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for 5–7 minutes.
    

Serve:

• Serve warm with soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce.
  

Celebrity Guest in the Kitchen

Celebrity guest Craig Conover, known from Bravo’s Southern Charm, stopped by to learn how to make dumplings alongside Chef Jennifer Parker. From folding wrappers to taste-testing the final product, Craig jumped right in and brought great energy and his Southern Charm to the kitchen.

Want to recreate the moment? Scroll up for the full recipe and make them at home!

These dumplings were a crowd favorite during the Live Culinary Experience at the Palm Beach Home Show. Flavorful, satisfying, and a fun twist on a classic comfort dish.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking to try something new in the kitchen, this recipe brings chef-inspired flavor to your table with ease.

SHARE it with your foodie friends and tag us when you recreate it at home, we love seeing your creations!

We’d like to thank our Live Culinary Experience Sponsors, Thermador, Fuse Specialty Appliances, Lioher, and  Lifetime Kitchen.

And a special thanks to Chef Jennifer Parker for sharing her talents with us live at the show!

The Home Design and Remodeling Shows in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach are recognized among the top Home Shows in the nation and the largest in Florida.

FOLLOW US on Instagram @FLHomeShows and SAVE THE DATE for the Fort Lauderdale Home Design and Remodeling Show, August 29 – September 1 at the Broward County Convention Center.

We’ll see you there!