One Pan Baked Dumplings Recipe

There are few things as satisfying as gathering everyone around the table for a dish that looks fancy but secretly comes together in a snap, and that’s exactly the magic of these One Pan Baked Dumplings. Creamy coconut milk meets a swirl of warm red curry, blanketing juicy dumplings and a tumble of spinach in a luscious, aromatic sauce — all in one baking dish. Whether you’re fueling a busy weeknight or searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers that “how did you make this?” moment, every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple pantry heroes and fresh fridge staples that come together effortlessly, but each one pulls its weight in the finished dish. From the silken coconut milk to the fiery punch of chili crisp, every element brings out unique flavor, color, or texture notes for unforgettable One Pan Baked Dumplings.

• Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates that luxuriously creamy base, perfect for melding spices and keeping the dumplings moist.
• Red curry paste: Add color and a vibrant, aromatic kick; if you like extra spice, increase the amount slightly.
• Garlic (minced): Four cloves give a fragrant, savory backbone that infuses the sauce as it bakes.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Brings depth and a gentle saltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Fish sauce: Just a tablespoon, but don’t skip it — this is your umami powerhouse, lending unmistakable complexity.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness rounds out all the savory and spicy notes.
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds a gorgeous, nutty aroma that perfumes the whole dish.
• Fresh spinach: Wilts down beautifully, soaking up the rich, spiced sauce and adding color and nutrients.
• Frozen dumplings: Use 20-24 of your favorite type — vegetarian, chicken, pork, or mixed — no need to thaw them first!
• Chili crisp: For an irresistible finishing drizzle that adds heat, crunch, and extra bursts of flavor.
• Green onions: Sliced thin for freshness and a pop of color.
• White and black sesame seeds: Sprinkled over the top, they amp up texture and visual appeal at the finish.

How to Make One Pan Baked Dumplings

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set the mood by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures an even, steamy bake so your One Pan Baked Dumplings come out perfectly tender and the flavors meld together from the get-go.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce

Grab your favorite baking dish and add coconut milk, red curry paste, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk everything together until the curry paste is dissolved and honey is incorporated. Your kitchen will already smell amazing — and this beautiful pinkish sauce will be the soul of your One Pan Baked Dumplings.

Step 3: Add the Spinach

Toss the fresh spinach right into your sauce, letting it sink and settle. The spinach will wilt down during baking and soak up all those rich, creamy, spiced juices, turning into vibrant green ribbons beneath the dumplings.

Step 4: Layer the Dumplings

Arrange the frozen dumplings in a single layer on top of the spinach and sauce. No thawing, no fuss — just nestle them in gently so they’ll steam and soak up flavor as they bake.

Step 5: Steam in the Oven

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake for 20-25 minutes. This traps in moisture so the dumplings cook through and the spinach melts into the sauce, giving you perfectly plump One Pan Baked Dumplings every time.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Pull the pan from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two, then gently spoon some sauce over the dumplings for a glossy, irresistible finish. This step ensures every bite is packed with rich, balanced flavor.

Step 7: The Grand Garnish

Just before serving, drizzle the dumplings generously with chili crisp, then shower with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds. All those pops of color, heat, and crunch make your One Pan Baked Dumplings absolutely party-ready.

How to Serve One Pan Baked Dumplings

Garnishes

Finish your One Pan Baked Dumplings with a flourish. A good drizzle of chili crisp, lots of fresh green onions, and a scattering of sesame seeds give contrasting flavor, spice, and crunch. For extra color, add a handful of fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Side Dishes

These dumplings are a meal on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or garlicky stir-fried veggies. A simple cucumber salad or a bowl of steaming hot miso soup balances richness with cool, crisp flavors on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out your One Pan Baked Dumplings family-style and let everyone serve themselves, or portion out individual mini skillets for a restaurant-worthy vibe. For parties, tuck dumplings into Chinese soup spoons with a little sauce and garnish for a playful, bite-size appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Baked Dumplings keep surprisingly well! Cover the baking dish tightly or transfer the extras to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they’ll happily last for up to 3 days without losing their vibrant flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dumplings and sauce cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to two months. Remember to leave a little room at the top for sauce expansion, and label your containers for a future treat!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently either in the microwave (covered, on medium power so dumplings don’t dry out) or in a low oven until warmed through. If the sauce needs loosening, splash in a tablespoon or two of coconut milk or water before heating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dumplings instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have homemade dumplings ready, just use them as you would store-bought ones. They may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early and make sure the wrappers are cooked through.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for coconut milk?

Full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can swap in unsweetened soy or cashew cream for a non-dairy alternative. The flavor will be different but still absolutely delicious in your One Pan Baked Dumplings.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of heat depends on your red curry paste and how much chili crisp you use at the end. For milder palates, use less chili crisp or choose a gentler curry paste; spice lovers can go wild!

Which kind of frozen dumplings work best?

You can use any variety of frozen dumplings — pork, chicken, shrimp, or veggie all work beautifully in this recipe. Go with your favorites or mix and match for more flavors.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish (or two) and increase baking time by a few minutes if necessary to ensure everything cooks through evenly. One Pan Baked Dumplings are perfect for sharing.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion — treat yourself and your crew to the creamy, savory, flavor-packed delight of One Pan Baked Dumplings. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or your next gathering, I guarantee they’ll disappear in record time. Give it a try and see how easy (and addictive) this dish can be!

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