This one-pan dumpling bake is my own take on the viral trend that has recently taken the internet by storm! Every time I saw a dumpling bake video pop up on my feed, I was drooling - and I'm so glad I tried this myself!

This cozy and easy dumpling bake has fast become one of my favorite quick comfort meals - a cozy, hands-off dinner that takes minimal effort but still feels like a treat. Imagine soft vegetable dumplings baked in a rich, fragrant Thai-style red curry sauce made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and ginger, all topped with chili crisp, sesame seeds, and plenty of fresh herbs.

It's creamy, spicy, and full of flavor - basically everything you want in a weeknight dinner that doesn't require standing over the stove. Plus, the whole thing comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup blissfully easy. You might also like my red curry lentil soup or my classic red Thai curry with crispy tofu.

Ingredient Notes

Here are a few notes on the ingredients you need for this recipe - plus a few potential substitutions.

• Vegetable Dumplings or Gyoza - Store-bought dumplings work great here. You can use fresh or frozen - I used the Itsu frozen veggie gyoza. I love veggie-filled ones, but this recipe works with chicken or prawn too.
  
• Red Curry Paste - This gives your sauce a deep, savory flavor base. I recommend using a Thai-style red curry paste.
  
• Coconut Milk - The key to a silky, rich sauce. Use full-fat for the best flavor and consistency.
  
• Ginger & Garlic Paste + Lemongrass Paste - These aromatics bring the sauce to life. You can substitute fresh grated ginger and garlic if you prefer, or use 1 stalk of finely chopped lemongrass instead of paste.
  
• Soy Sauce + Rice Wine Vinegar - Add salty depth and a touch of tanginess to balance the creamy coconut milk.
  
• Chili Crisp - Optional, but highly recommended for topping. It adds crunch and a punch of umami heat at the end.
  
• Spring Onions, Cilantro, Sesame Seeds - Bright, fresh garnishes that contrast beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

How to Make This Easy Dumpling Bake Recipe

Here is a quick overview of how to make this recipe - scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for the full ingredient quantities and instructions. 

Step 1) Mix the Sauce

In a medium baking dish, combine the red curry paste, ginger & garlic paste, lemongrass paste, soy sauce, and a splash of rice wine vinegar.

Pour in the coconut milk and stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

2) Add the Dumplings

Arrange the dumplings in the baking dish in neat rows, making sure they're at least partially submerged in the sauce.

3) Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the dumplings are tender and the edges are slightly golden.

Remove from the oven and top with chili crisp, sliced spring onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips / Cooking Hacks

• Add veggies: You can bulk out the dish by scattering broccoli, spinach, or snap peas around the dumplings before baking. Bok choi is also a great addition!
  
• Use what you have: No red curry paste? Try green curry paste or even a miso-chili-garlic mix for a similar flavor profile.
  
• Crispy edges: If you like your dumplings a bit crispier, remove the foil halfway through and drizzle a tiny bit of oil over the top before the final bake.
  
• Spice level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less curry paste or topping with extra chili crisp.
  
• Serve your dumpling bake with fluffy white rice or noodles, and steamed veggies to bulk it out into a meal.

Storage

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce. The dumplings will soften slightly but still taste amazing.

I don't recommend freezing this one - the texture of the dumplings and coconut milk sauce changes quite a bit after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dumplings?
Absolutely! If you have homemade dumplings, just make sure they're sealed well so they don't split in the sauce.

Can I use frozen dumplings?
Yes, but let them thaw slightly before baking or add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with this?
It's delicious on its own, but I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed greens to soak up the extra sauce.

Can I make it spicier?
Definitely - try adding a teaspoon of sriracha or sambal oelek to the sauce before baking.

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