Baked Dumplings Recipe with a Crispy, Golden Bottom

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a homemade meal wafting through the kitchen, is there? Today, I’m bubbling with excitement to share a truly special creation that brings together savory goodness and that irresistible crunch we all adore: my Baked Dumplings Recipe with a crispy, golden bottom. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, transforming simple ingredients into a magical treat that feels both comforting and wonderfully unique.

I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, her hands deftly shaping dough, teaching me that patience and love were the secret ingredients. While she wasn’t making dumplings, her lessons about creating food that brought joy have stayed with me, inspiring experiments like this one to bring new flavors to the table. This particular recipe reminds me of those days, full of discovery and warmth.

This recipe is incredibly rewarding, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful weekend project with friends. It’s designed to be approachable, guiding you to a dish that’s not just delicious but also a beautiful testament to the joy of home cooking. My top tip? Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy – that’s where the magic truly begins!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful morsels hinges on a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Ground pork and napa cabbage form the hearty, juicy heart of our filling, beautifully complemented by the aromatic kick of fresh ginger and garlic. These simple elements come together to create a Baked Dumplings Recipe that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious, and you’ll find the full list with precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Baked Dumplings Recipe

Preparing this Baked Dumplings Recipe is a wonderfully hands-on journey that rewards you with incredible flavor! You’ll start by mixing a savory filling, then lovingly encase it in delicate wrappers. A quick bake in the oven transforms them into golden-bottomed wonders, and finally, you’ll whisk up a quick, savory broth dip to complete this comforting meal. It’s a process that feels incredibly rewarding from start to finish.

Baked Pork & Cabbage Dumplings with Savory Broth Dip

Enjoy a healthier, crispy twist on classic pork and cabbage dumplings, baked to golden perfection rather than fried or steamed. Served with a light, savory soy-ginger dipping broth, these dumplings are perfect as an appetizer or a delightful component to complement your favorite soup.

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 58 minutes mins

Servings: 20 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dumpling Filling

• 1 lb ground pork lean
• 2 cups napa cabbage finely chopped and squeezed of excess water
• 3 tbsp green onions finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
• 1 tbsp sesame oil toasted
• 1/2 tsp white pepper ground

For Assembly

• 25 round dumpling wrappers store-bought (gyoza wrappers)
• 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or other neutral oil, for brushing

For the Savory Broth Dip

• 1.5 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil toasted
• 1 tbsp green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Small saucepan
• Pastry Brush

Method

 

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, finely chopped napa cabbage (ensure excess water is squeezed out), chopped green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Assemble the Dumplings

1. Lay out a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Lightly moisten half of the edge with the beaten egg wash using your finger or a pastry brush.
2. Place about 1 teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper in half to form a semi-circle, pressing firmly to seal the edges. You can crimp the edges with a fork or create pleats for a more traditional look. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Bake the Dumplings

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the assembled dumplings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they don’t touch.
3. Lightly brush the tops of the dumplings with olive oil.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the filling is cooked through (internal temperature of pork should reach 160°F/71°C). Flip them halfway through baking for even browning, if desired.

Prepare the Savory Broth Dip

1. While the dumplings are baking, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat until gently simmering. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Serve

1. Transfer the baked dumplings to a serving platter.
2. Pour the warm savory broth dip into small individual bowls for dipping. Garnish the dip with thinly sliced green onions.
3. Serve immediately.

Notes

For crispier bottoms, you can lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray before placing the dumplings. Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer until crispy.

Pro Tips for Making This Baked Dumplings Recipe

To ensure your Baked Dumplings Recipe comes out perfectly crispy and utterly delicious every single time, I’ve gathered a few tried-and-true tips from my own kitchen adventures.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the shredded napa cabbage after salting it. This step is a game-changer for a firm, flavorful filling that won’t make your dumplings soggy.

When assembling your dumplings, don’t overfill them! A little less filling is always better than too much, which can lead to bursting during baking. I find about a tablespoon of filling is just right for standard round wrappers, ensuring they seal beautifully.

Brushing the bottom of your assembled dumplings with a touch of olive oil before baking is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy, golden crust. It creates a delightful contrast to the tender filling, making every bite a joy.

While the recipe calls for baking, I often pop a test dumpling into a pan with a tiny bit of oil on the stovetop first. This lets me taste and adjust the seasoning of the filling before committing to baking the whole batch of this delicious Baked Dumplings Recipe.

Fun Variations for Baked Dumplings Recipe

One of the most delightful aspects of home baking and cooking is the freedom to play and make a recipe truly your own! This Baked Dumplings Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to experiment with flavors and ingredients.

Flavorful Filling Twists

For a different savory experience, consider swapping out half of the ground pork for ground chicken or turkey. My sister loves when I add finely chopped mushrooms to the filling; it deepens the umami flavor beautifully! You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little warmth in your bite.

Vegetarian Delights

Transform this into a vibrant vegetarian dish by using firm tofu or a mix of finely chopped shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts as the base. My friend, who is vegetarian, taught me to sauté these with extra ginger and garlic before mixing with the cabbage for an equally satisfying filling that makes a wonderful Baked Dumplings Recipe.

Herb & Spice Adventures

Don’t be shy with herbs! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chives mixed into the filling can offer a lovely aromatic boost. Sometimes, I like to swap a bit of the soy sauce for hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness and richness, which pairs wonderfully with the savory broth dip.

What to Serve With Baked Dumplings Recipe

This delightful Baked Dumplings Recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, especially with its savory broth dip, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments to complete your culinary experience.

I love serving these crispy-bottomed dumplings alongside a light, refreshing cucumber salad tossed with a rice wine vinaigrette. The cool, crisp cucumber offers a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory dumplings. It’s a combination my mom always raves about!

Another fantastic pairing is a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra broth dip and rounds out the meal beautifully. For a touch of green, a quick sauté of bok choy with a drizzle of sesame oil also makes a lovely side.

And for a truly comforting touch, especially on a chilly evening, a steaming cup of green tea or a light, clear vegetable soup would be simply perfect to accompany your Baked Dumplings Recipe.

How to Store Baked Dumplings Recipe

Ensuring your delicious Baked Dumplings Recipe stays fresh means you can enjoy those wonderful flavors for days to come! Proper storage is key to preserving their taste and texture.

Fridge & Freezer Friendly

Once baked and cooled, any leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for longer, they freeze beautifully! Lay cooled dumplings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.

Bringing Them Back to Life

To reheat, I like to gently warm them in a lightly oiled pan on the stovetop until heated through and slightly re-crisped, or you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot. My personal tip? A quick sprinkle of fresh green onions or a fresh drizzle of sesame oil after reheating truly brings this Baked Dumplings Recipe back to life, making them taste almost as good as fresh!

Nutritional Benefits

While we often focus on the joy of taste, this Baked Dumplings Recipe also offers some lovely nutritional benefits. Packed with protein from the ground pork and vitamins from the napa cabbage and fresh ginger, it’s a delightful dish that truly satisfies. It’s a wonderful example of how a comforting treat can be both nourishing and incredibly flavorful, reflecting my philosophy of baking with wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I pan-fry these dumplings instead of baking?
Absolutely! While this Baked Dumplings Recipe highlights a crispy baked finish, you can pan-fry them. Heat a little oil in a non-stick skillet, place dumplings flat side down, and cook until golden. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam until cooked through, then uncover to crisp.

Faq 2

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you certainly can! Preparing the filling for your Baked Dumplings Recipe up to a day in advance is a great time-saver. Simply mix all the filling ingredients, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your dumplings.

Faq 3

What if I can’t find round dumpling wrappers?
No worries at all! If you can’t find round dumpling wrappers, square wonton wrappers are a fantastic substitute. You can either leave them square or use a round cookie cutter to shape them if you prefer the traditional look for your Baked Dumplings Recipe.

Faq 4

Can I make these gluten-free?
To make this Baked Dumplings Recipe gluten-free, you’ll need to use gluten-free dumpling wrappers, which are available in many specialty stores or online. Also, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is an excellent substitute).

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends — a truly heartwarming and delicious Baked Dumplings Recipe that promises a delightful meal for any occasion. From the savory, juicy filling to that irresistible crispy, golden bottom, every bite is a testament to the magic that happens when we infuse our cooking with a little love and creativity. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones, step into the kitchen, and create sweet (or in this case, savory!) memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking, or should I say, happy dumpling-making!