Let’s make 100s of Momo
Let’s make 100s of Momo🥟🧅😋 is a medium Tibetan/Nepalese recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Gom Yang on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min
Cost: $15.91 total, $3.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 3/4 cup Water (lukewarm for dough)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (optional, for dough flavor)
- 1 cup Soy Chunks (TVP) (dry, rehydrated in hot water)
- 2 cups Hot Water (for soaking soy chunks)
- 4 stalks Spring Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Green Chili (finely chopped, optional for heat)
- 1/2 tsp MSG (Ajinomoto) (enhances umami)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (adds saltiness and color)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing fillings)
- 3 medium Potatoes (peeled, boiled and mashed)
- 1 tbsp Oil for Steamer (brush steamer basket to prevent sticking)
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl combine the sifted all‑purpose flour and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water while mixing until a soft, non‑sticky dough forms. Knead for 5‑7 minutes until smooth, then cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Boil and Mash Potatoes
Place peeled potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork‑tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth; set aside to cool.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 100°C
Soak Soy Chunks
Put the dry soy chunks in a large bowl and pour 2 cups hot water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes until softened, then drain in a colander and squeeze out excess water.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Fillings
Finely chop the spring onions and green chilies. In a skillet heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil, add the chopped spring onions, chilies, and the squeezed soy chunks. Stir‑fry for 3 minutes, then add MSG, soy sauce, and salt. Mix well and remove from heat. For the potato filling, combine the mashed potatoes with half of the chopped spring onions, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp oil; mix until smooth.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 180°C
Roll Dumpling Wrappers
Divide the rested dough into 20 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle about 8‑9 cm in diameter. Keep rolled wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
Time: PT20M
Fill and Shape Momos
Place 1‑2 teaspoons of soy filling (or potato filling) in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edge with a little water, fold the wrapper over, and pleat the edges to seal tightly, forming the classic half‑moon shape.
Time: PT30M
Steam Momos
Brush the steamer basket with 1 tbsp oil or line with parchment paper. Arrange momos in a single layer, leaving space between each. Steam over boiling water for 12‑15 minutes for soy momos and 10‑12 minutes for potato momos. They are done when the wrapper becomes translucent and the filling is hot.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 100°C
Rest and Serve
Remove momos from the steamer and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., spicy tomato chutney).
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan soy sauce)
Allergens: Soy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour (will be denser)
- Instead of Soy Chunks (TVP): Minced mushrooms, Crumpled tofu, Ground meat
- Instead of Spring Onion: Leeks, Green onions
- Instead of Green Chili: Red chili flakes
- Instead of MSG (Ajinomoto): Soy sauce, Mushroom powder
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Liquid aminos
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sesame oil (for flavor)
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Oil for Steamer: Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Steamer Basket
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Basting Brush (optional)
- Large Bowl for Soaking
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Knead the dough to the right softness and let it rest.
- Soak and thoroughly squeeze the soy chunks to remove excess water.
- Seal the momos tightly to prevent filling from leaking.
- Steam at full boil without opening the lid early.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a small amount of oil in the filling to keep the momos juicy.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of toasted cumin powder to the potato filling.
- If you like extra heat, include finely chopped garlic with the spring onions.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too sticky and tears when rolling.
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time, knead briefly, and let rest longer.
Soy filling is watery.
After squeezing the soaked soy chunks, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel before sautéing.
Momos stick to the steamer.
Brush the steamer basket with oil or line with parchment paper before arranging the momos.
Fillings leak during steaming.
Make sure the edges are fully sealed and press the water‑moistened edge firmly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked momos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, sealed momos on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag; keep for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before rolling.
- Fillings can be made 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Uncooked momos freeze well; steam directly from frozen for a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Soy Chunk Momos and Potato Momos in Tibetan/Nepalese cuisine?
Momos originated in Tibet and spread to Nepal and surrounding Himalayan regions as a beloved street‑food snack. Traditionally filled with meat, vegetarian versions using potatoes or soy protein became popular among Buddhist communities, reflecting the region’s emphasis on plant‑based meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Momos in Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine?
In Tibet, momos are often steamed and served with a simple tomato‑chili sauce. In Nepal, they may be fried (kothey) or steamed and paired with achar (spicy chutney). Fillings range from minced yak meat to cabbage, spinach, or lentils, showing local ingredient availability.
How are Soy Chunk Momos traditionally served in Tibetan households?
Soy Chunk Momos are usually served hot, accompanied by a spicy tomato‑onion chutney or a sesame‑based dipping sauce. They are eaten as a snack, a light meal, or during festivals where communal cooking is celebrated.
During which celebrations or occasions are Momos traditionally prepared in Himalayan culture?
Momos are a staple during Losar (Tibetan New Year), Dashain in Nepal, and family gatherings. Making momos together is a social activity that brings relatives together to share stories and enjoy the communal feast.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Momos versus acceptable modern substitutes?
Authentic momos use wheat flour dough, fresh spring onions, and either minced meat or simple vegetables. Modern substitutes like soy chunks (TVP) replace meat, and MSG or soy sauce add umami. You can swap soy chunks with minced mushrooms or tofu without losing the classic texture.
What other Tibetan/Nepalese dishes pair well with Soy Chunk Momos and Potato Momos?
Momos pair beautifully with thukpa (noodle soup), butter tea, or a side of sautéed greens like spinach with garlic. A simple cucumber‑tomato salad with a dash of lemon also balances the richness of the dumplings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Soy Chunk Momos and Potato Momos at home?
Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, not draining the soy chunks enough, and failing to seal the edges tightly. These lead to tough wrappers, soggy fillings, or leaking steam during cooking.
Why does this recipe use a high amount of oil in the soy chunk filling instead of a low‑oil method?
Soy chunks absorb oil during sautéing, which keeps the filling juicy and prevents the dumpling from drying out during steaming. The oil also helps the MSG and soy sauce distribute evenly for better flavor.
Can I make Soy Chunk Momos ahead of time and how should I store them before cooking?
Yes. Prepare the dough and fillings a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and assemble the momos the night before. Store uncooked momos on a parchment‑lined tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours or freeze for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Momos are done steaming?
The wrapper should become translucent and slightly glossy, while the filling should be hot and steam‑soft. The edges will look firm and the dumpling will retain its shape without puffing up excessively.
What does the YouTube channel Gom Yang specialize in?
The YouTube channel Gom Yang focuses on easy-to‑follow Asian home‑cooking tutorials, especially Tibetan and Nepalese street‑food recipes, with an emphasis on group cooking and sharing cultural stories.
How does the YouTube channel Gom Yang's approach to Tibetan/Nepalese cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?
Gom Yang blends detailed step‑by‑step instructions with cultural anecdotes, encourages cooking in groups, and often showcases lesser‑known vegetarian adaptations like soy‑chunk momos, setting it apart from channels that focus solely on meat‑centric dishes.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








