Name: Chilli Garlic Momos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Water, as needed to knead; 1 teaspoon oil; 1 cup finely chopped cabbage; 1/2 cup grated carrots; 1/4 cup finely chopped onions; 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic; 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger; 2 tablespoons red chilli paste (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons water

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Spicy, savory, and irresistibly flavorful, Chilli Garlic Momos are a beloved Indo-Chinese street food dish that combines the delicate texture of steamed dumplings with the bold punch of chilli garlic sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these fiery dumplings are sure to be a hit for spice lovers and dumpling enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chilli Garlic Momos offer the ideal fusion of textures and flavors—soft, steamed wrappers encasing a hearty vegetable filling, tossed in a bold, spicy, and slightly tangy sauce. This recipe is entirely homemade, allowing you to adjust spice levels and ingredients to your taste. It’s also vegan-friendly, versatile, and ideal for parties, weeknight treats, or as a unique addition to your dinner menu.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Momos Dough:

all-purpose flour
salt
water
oil

For the Filling:

cabbage
carrots
onions
spring onions
soy sauce
black pepper
salt

For the Chilli Garlic Sauce:

oil
garlic
ginger
red chilli paste
tomato ketchup
soy sauce
vinegar
sugar
salt
water

directions

In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead into a smooth, firm dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
In another bowl, prepare the filling by mixing finely chopped cabbage, grated carrots, onions, spring onions, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.
Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls. Roll each into a thin circular disc. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and fold into crescent or round-shaped momos, pleating as desired.
Steam the momos for 10–12 minutes until the wrappers turn slightly glossy and cooked through.
To prepare the sauce, heat oil in a pan. Sauté chopped garlic and ginger until golden.
Add red chilli paste, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Simmer briefly until well combined.
Toss the steamed momos in the prepared sauce until they are evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 198 kcal per serving

Variations

Non-Vegetarian Version: Replace the vegetable filling with minced chicken or paneer for a protein-rich alternative.
Pan-Fried Momos: Instead of steaming, pan-fry the momos after boiling them to create crispy edges for added texture.
Extra Spicy: Add fresh chopped green chillies or increase the amount of chilli paste in the sauce.
Cheesy Momos: Incorporate grated cheese into the filling for a gooey twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough to accommodate dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover momos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam them again for 5–7 minutes or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Avoid reheating the momos in the sauce as it may dry out; add a splash of water or fresh sauce when reheating.

FAQs

What are momos made of?

Momos are steamed dumplings made with a thin flour dough wrapper and filled with vegetables or meat, often flavored with spices and sauces.

Are chilli garlic momos spicy?

Yes, they are typically spicy due to the chilli paste and garlic in the sauce, but the heat level can be adjusted to your preference.

Can I make momos without a steamer?

Yes, you can steam momos using a covered colander placed over a pot of boiling water or use an idli stand or rice cooker with a steaming function.

Is it possible to freeze momos?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked momos on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. Steam them directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use store-bought wrappers?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, using store-bought dumpling wrappers is a convenient option.

What can I use instead of red chilli paste?

You can use sriracha, gochujang, or even crushed red pepper sautéed in oil as an alternative.

Are these momos vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the chilli garlic sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Why are my momos doughy or sticky?

Over-kneading or too much water can cause sticky dough. Ensure the dough is firm and smooth and avoid over-steaming.

What can I serve with chilli garlic momos?

They are often served with extra chilli garlic sauce or a tangy soy-vinegar dip on the side.

Conclusion

Chilli Garlic Momos are the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold flavor, bringing together the softness of steamed dumplings with the intensity of spicy, garlicky sauce. This versatile recipe allows endless customization and is ideal for gatherings, weeknight cravings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something hot and satisfying. Try it once, and it may just become your go-to appetizer.

Chilli Garlic Momos

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Chilli Garlic Momos are spicy steamed dumplings tossed in a fiery chilli garlic sauce—an Indo-Chinese street food favorite bursting with bold flavors, perfect as a party appetizer or comfort snack. #spicymomos #dumplingaddict #garlicchili

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add water to knead into a smooth, firm dough. Add oil, knead again, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, onions, spring onions, soy sauce, pepper, and salt.
Shape Momos: Divide dough into small balls. Roll each into thin discs. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold and pleat into crescent or round momos.
Steam Momos: Steam momos for 10–12 minutes or until the wrappers are cooked and glossy.
Make Sauce: In a pan, heat oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until golden. Add red chilli paste, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Stir and simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss steamed momos in the hot chilli garlic sauce until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with chopped spring onions. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.