Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked dumplings are a fantastic alternative to traditional pan-fried or steamed dumplings, offering the same satisfying flavors with a simpler, less hands-on cooking method. Baking allows the dumplings to develop a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the filling tender and juicy inside. This makes them perfect for busy days when you want comfort food without standing over the stove.
What I especially love about this recipe is how reliable it is. The oven does most of the work, and the dumplings cook evenly every time. I tested this method with different fillings, and it consistently produced golden bottoms and well-cooked centers. These baked dumplings are ideal as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, and they pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. If you enjoy dumplings but want an easier way to prepare them at home, this recipe is a great option.
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Baked Dumplings – Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 dumplings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Easy baked dumplings with a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, juicy filling, offering all the comfort of traditional dumplings without frying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken or pork
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 24 dumpling wrappers
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
- Moisten edges with water, fold, and seal tightly.
- Arrange dumplings on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Do not overfill dumplings to prevent bursting.
- Serve with soy sauce, chili oil, or dumpling sauce.
- Dumplings can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dumpling wrappers
Dumpling wrappers form the delicate outer shell. They crisp nicely in the oven while sealing in the filling.
Ground meat
Ground chicken, pork, or beef works well for the filling. Each option provides a slightly different flavor profile while staying juicy when baked.
Cabbage
Finely chopped cabbage adds moisture and texture, keeping the filling tender.
Green onions
Green onions add mild sharpness and freshness to the filling.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory depth of the dumplings.
Ginger
Ginger adds warmth and subtle spice that complements the meat.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami to the filling.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil adds aroma and richness with just a small amount.
Salt
Salt balances the flavors and should be used sparingly alongside soy sauce.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and complexity.
Oil
Oil helps the dumplings brown evenly during baking.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray the parchment with oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Moisten the edges lightly with water, fold, and seal firmly. Arrange the dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush or spray the tops lightly with oil.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the dumplings are golden and cooked through. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20 dumplings, serving 3 to 4 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a baking time of 22 minutes. Total time required is roughly 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover baked dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the wrappers.
Variations and Customizations
Baked dumplings are easy to customize. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of vegetables. Adding a small amount of grated carrot enhances sweetness and color.
You can also experiment with seasoning. Chili paste or red pepper flakes add heat, while a splash of rice vinegar brightens the filling. Different folding styles can be used depending on preference, as long as the dumplings are sealed well.
For extra crispness, place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats, then arrange the dumplings on the hot surface. This helps the bottoms brown more quickly.
FAQs
Are baked dumplings as crispy as fried ones?
They are lightly crisp, though not as oily as pan-fried dumplings.
Can I use frozen dumplings?
Yes, frozen dumplings can be baked directly with slightly longer cooking time.
Do I need to flip the dumplings?
Flipping helps achieve even browning on both sides.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
What dipping sauce works best?
Soy sauce, chili oil, or a soy-vinegar blend work well.
Can I air fry these instead?
Yes, they cook very well in an air fryer.
How do I prevent dumplings from drying out?
Do not overbake and brush lightly with oil.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, especially with mild seasoning.
Can I freeze baked dumplings?
Yes, freeze after baking and reheat in the oven.
What filling works best?
Ground chicken or pork provides the juiciest result.
Conclusion
Baked dumplings are an easy, satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite with minimal effort and less oil. With a crisp exterior, juicy filling, and endless customization options, they are perfect for weeknight meals, appetizers, or casual gatherings. This recipe proves that dumplings do not need to be fried to be delicious and comforting.
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