Chinese Dumpling Lasagna
Chinese Dumpling Lasagna! is a medium Chinese Fusion recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by MsQuiNicol33 on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $9.19 total, $2.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken Breast (preferably 93% lean)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 stalks Green Onions (white and green parts, diced)
- 2 cups Napa Cabbage (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste (can substitute fresh grated ginger)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted)
- 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 12 pieces Wonton Wrappers (store‑bought, 8‑inch round)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce for Topping
- 2 tbsp Crunchy Chili Onion (store‑bought or homemade fried onions)
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)
- 2 tbsp Sliced Green Onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the Ground Chicken
In a mixing bowl combine the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until evenly seasoned.
Time: PT5M
Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Stir in the diced green onions, finely chopped napa cabbage, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Mix thoroughly.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Sauces and Spices
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Continue mixing until the sauce coats the meat and vegetables uniformly.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Wonton Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl with water. Quickly dip each wonton wrapper in the water (about 2‑3 seconds) to soften, then lay them flat in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
Time: PT5M
Layer the First Meat Layer
Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture over the softened wrappers, pressing gently with your hands or a spatula to keep the wrappers in place.
Time: PT5M
Add Second Wonton Layer
Dip another set of wonton wrappers in water and arrange them over the meat layer, then spread the remaining meat mixture on top.
Time: PT5M
Top with Final Wrapper Layer and Broth
Place a final layer of softened wonton wrappers (no water dip needed) and pour the vegetable broth over the top to keep the dish moist during steaming.
Time: PT3M
Steam the Dumpling Lasagna
Add about 2 inches of water to a large pot, place the steamer rack inside, and set the baking dish on the rack. Cover tightly and bring to a gentle boil, then steam for 30‑35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: Medium heat to maintain a gentle boil
Finish and Garnish
Remove the dish from the steamer. Drizzle the soy sauce topping, sprinkle crunchy chili onion, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions over the surface.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free if using gluten‑free wrappers, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free
Allergens: Wheat (wonton wrappers), Soy (soy sauce, hoisin), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chicken Breast: Ground Turkey, Ground Pork
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives
- Instead of Napa Cabbage: Bok Choy
- Instead of Ginger Paste: Fresh Ginger
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut Oil
- Instead of Rice Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar
- Instead of Hoisin Sauce: Barbecue Sauce
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne Pepper
- Instead of Wonton Wrappers: Rice Paper
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: Chicken Broth
- Instead of Soy Sauce for Topping: Tamari
- Instead of Crunchy Chili Onion: Fried Shallots
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9x9‑inch Baking Dish
- Large Pot with Lid
- Steamer Rack or Heat‑proof Plate
- Small Bowl of Water
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seasoning the chicken evenly
- Softening the wonton wrappers without over‑soaking
- Pressing the meat layers without moving the wrappers
- Steaming for the full 30‑35 minutes to ensure chicken safety
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1‑2 minutes to enhance flavor before sprinkling.
- For extra crispness, brush the top wrapper layer with a little sesame oil before steaming.
Troubleshooting
Wonton wrappers tear when dipping in water
Dip quickly (2‑3 seconds) and handle with a gentle touch; you can also use a damp pastry brush to moisten the edges instead of submerging.
Filling is watery after steaming
Pat the cabbage dry before adding and squeeze excess moisture from the meat mixture before layering.
Chicken is undercooked
Increase steaming time by 5‑10 minutes and verify internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; wrappers become soggy when frozen and reheated.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the seasoned meat mixture up to step 3 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Assemble the layers (steps 4‑7) a day ahead, cover tightly, and steam when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of dumpling lasagna in Chinese‑American cuisine?
Dumpling lasagna is a modern fusion that blends the beloved Chinese dumpling concept with the layered structure of Italian lasagna, reflecting the creativity of Chinese‑American home cooks who adapt traditional techniques to new formats.
What traditional regional variations of dumpling‑style layered dishes exist in Chinese cuisine?
While not a classic Chinese dish, layered dumpling concepts appear in dishes like steamed pork belly with bao layers in Shanghai and multi‑layered dim sum platters in Cantonese cuisine, showing a cultural love for stacked textures.
How is chicken dumpling lasagna traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is typically served hot straight from the steamer, sliced into squares, and garnished with soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh green onions, often accompanied by a simple cucumber salad.
During which celebrations or occasions might a Chinese family serve a dish like dumpling lasagna?
Because it is hearty and visually impressive, it is popular for family gatherings, Lunar New Year feasts, and birthday celebrations where a communal, shareable dish is appreciated.
What makes chicken dumpling lasagna special or unique in Chinese fusion cuisine?
It combines the delicate texture of steamed wonton wrappers with a savory, soy‑ginger chicken filling, offering a comforting yet novel layered dish that showcases both steaming technique and Western plating style.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken dumpling lasagna?
Common errors include over‑soaking the wrappers, which makes them soggy; under‑steaming, leaving the chicken unsafe; and pressing too hard, which can tear the layers. Follow the timing and gentle handling tips to avoid these pitfalls.
Why does this recipe use steaming instead of baking for the dumpling lasagna?
Steaming preserves the soft, chewy texture of the wonton wrappers and ensures the chicken stays moist, whereas baking would dry out the delicate wrappers and alter the authentic dumpling feel.
Can I make chicken dumpling lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the seasoned filling and assemble the layers up to the final broth step, then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. Steam when ready and serve immediately; leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken dumpling lasagna is done?
The top layer should be glossy from the broth, the wrappers should be tender but not mushy, and the chicken filling should be fully cooked, no pink, with a uniform brown‑red hue from the sauces.
What does the YouTube channel MsQuiNicol33 specialize in?
The YouTube channel MsQuiNicol33 focuses on creative home‑cooked Asian-inspired recipes, often putting a twist on classic dishes and providing clear, step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel MsQuiNicol33's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
MsQuiNicol33 emphasizes fusion concepts and practical shortcuts, such as using store‑bought wonton wrappers and steaming instead of traditional hand‑folded dumplings, making Chinese flavors more accessible to busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








