Is Dumpling Lasagna Good?
Is Dumpling Lasagna Good? is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 2. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by emmymade on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $16.62 total, $8.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.75 pound Ground Pork (fresh, 80% lean)
- 0.25 pound Raw Shrimp (coarsely chopped, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup Cabbage (finely shredded, about a handful)
- 0.25 cup Green Onions (chopped)
- 2 clove Garlic (minced)
- 0.25 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- 3 tablespoon Soy Sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil)
- 0.5 teaspoon White Pepper (ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (pinch, optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon MSG (optional, enhances umami)
- 1 teaspoon Oyster Sauce (adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (or tapioca flour, for binding)
- 6 pieces Wonton Wrappers (thin, round, kept damp)
- 1 tablespoon Water (for a splash between layers (optional))
- 1 tablespoon Chili Crisps (for garnish, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl combine ground pork, coarsely chopped raw shrimp, shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, pinch of salt, MSG (if using), oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
Time: PT5M
Keep Wrappers Moist
Lay a damp paper towel over the remaining wonton wrappers and cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
Time: PT1M
Assemble First Layer
Place about 2‑3 tablespoons of the meat filling into the bottom of each ramekin, spreading it evenly to form a thin layer.
Time: PT2M
First Wrapper Layer
Lay one wonton wrapper over the meat layer, gently pressing to seal any air pockets.
Time: PT1M
Add Cabbage Layer
Scatter a thin layer of shredded cabbage (about 1/4 cup) over the wrapper.
Time: PT1M
Second Meat Layer
Add another thin layer of the meat filling on top of the cabbage.
Time: PT2M
Second Wrapper Layer
Place a second wonton wrapper over the second meat layer.
Time: PT1M
Optional Water Splash
Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of water over the top layer to create steam inside during cooking (optional).
Time: PT30S
Final Wrapper
Cover with a third wonton wrapper, sealing the edges tightly.
Time: PT1M
Steam the Lasagnas
Place the assembled ramekins in a steamer basket or a saucepan with about 1 inch of simmering water. Cover and steam over medium‑low heat for 20 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked (internal temperature 160°F).
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Medium‑low heat
Garnish and Serve
Remove from steamer, sprinkle with chili crisps and sliced green onion. Serve hot in a shallow bowl.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains shrimp, Contains gluten
Allergens: Shellfish (shrimp), Soy, Wheat (wonton wrappers)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Pork: Ground chicken, Ground turkey
- Instead of Raw Shrimp: Finely diced crab meat, chopped fish fillet
- Instead of Cabbage: Napa cabbage, green leaf lettuce (for less crunch)
- Instead of Green Onions: chives, shallots (finely minced)
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: ground ginger (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Shaoxing Wine: Dry sherry, Mirin (reduced)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (small amount)
- Instead of White Pepper: Black pepper
- Instead of Salt: Low‑sodium soy sauce
- Instead of MSG: Mushroom powder
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Soy sauce + a dash of sugar
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Wonton Wrappers: Gyoza skins, Spring roll wrappers (cut to size)
- Instead of Chili Crisps: Crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Fine Grater
- Measuring Spoons
- Steamer Basket or Large Saucepan with Lid
- Ramekins or Small Casserole Dishes (ramicans)
- Silicone Spatula (optional)
- Paper Towel (optional)
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the filling with cornstarch to achieve the right binding consistency.
- Keeping the wonton wrappers moist until assembly.
- Sealing each wrapper layer tightly to prevent leaks.
- Steaming at a gentle simmer to avoid wrapper rupture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a very fine grater for ginger to avoid fibrous bits that can break the wrapper.
- A pinch of MSG enhances the umami without making the dish salty.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of chili oil to the filling.
Troubleshooting
Wrappers burst during steaming.
Make sure the filling is not over‑filled and that the cornstarch is fully incorporated to bind moisture.
Filling is too watery and leaks.
Add an extra half‑teaspoon of cornstarch or gently squeeze excess moisture from shredded cabbage before mixing.
The top wrapper becomes soggy.
Steam on a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and avoid adding extra water beyond the recommended splash.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unsteamed assembled lasagnas (wrapped tightly in plastic) for up to 1 month; steam directly from frozen.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate in a sealed container.
- Assemble the lasagna layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate; steam when ready.
- Uncooked assembled lasagnas freeze well; steam from frozen for about 5‑7 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chinese Dumpling Lasagna in modern Asian fusion cuisine?
Chinese Dumpling Lasagna is a recent internet‑driven fusion that reimagines the classic soup dumpling (xiao long bao) as a layered casserole. It reflects the trend of adapting traditional street‑food concepts for home cooks seeking convenience while preserving the iconic “pop‑of‑soup” experience.
How does Chinese Dumpling Lasagna differ from traditional Chinese soup dumplings in texture and presentation?
Traditional soup dumplings are individual parcels with a thin skin that burst open to release broth. The lasagna version stacks meat, cabbage, and wrappers, creating a thicker, cake‑like texture where the broth is distributed throughout the layers rather than concentrated in a single pocket.
What regional variations of dumpling‑style casseroles exist in Chinese cuisine?
While the layered “lasagna” style is a modern invention, Chinese home cooking includes dishes like steamed pork and cabbage “bao” stacks and hot‑pot style dumpling soups where dumplings sit in broth. Some regions, especially in Shanghai, serve “steamed bun cakes” that resemble layered dumplings.
What occasions or celebrations is Chinese Dumpling Lasagna traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
There is no traditional holiday linked to this fusion dish; however, dumplings (jiaozi) are commonly enjoyed during Chinese New Year and family gatherings. The lasagna version offers a quick, crowd‑pleasing alternative for casual get‑togethers.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Chinese Dumpling Lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?
Key authentic ingredients include ground pork, raw shrimp, napa or green cabbage, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and thin wonton wrappers. Substitutes can be ground chicken for pork, crab meat for shrimp, and spring‑roll wrappers cut to size if wonton skins are unavailable.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Chinese Dumpling Lasagna?
Serve it alongside a light cucumber‑sesame salad, a simple miso‑style broth, or a plate of pickled vegetables (suan cai). A chilled jasmine tea or a sparkling ginger‑lime mocktail complements the rich, savory layers.
What makes Chinese Dumpling Lasagna special or unique in Chinese‑inspired cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in combining the handheld dumpling concept with a baked‑like layered format, allowing home cooks to achieve the juicy, broth‑filled experience without shaping dozens of individual dumplings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chinese Dumpling Lasagna?
Common errors include over‑filling the layers, letting wrappers dry out, and steaming at a rolling boil. Each mistake can cause wrappers to tear, filling to leak, or the final dish to become soggy.
Why does this Chinese Dumpling Lasagna recipe use cornstarch in the filling instead of extra liquid broth?
Cornstarch binds the moisture from pork, shrimp, and cabbage, creating a cohesive filling that stays inside the thin wrappers during steaming. Adding broth would make the mixture too runny, causing leaks and a soggy texture.
Can I make Chinese Dumpling Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it before cooking?
Yes. Assemble the layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the unsteamed lasagnas; steam directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What does the YouTube channel emmymade specialize in?
The YouTube channel emmymade focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, often featuring Asian-inspired recipes, kitchen hacks, and playful food experiments that make traditional dishes accessible to everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel emmymade's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
emmymade blends casual, personality‑driven storytelling with clear step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing time‑saving shortcuts like the dumpling lasagna. Unlike many technique‑heavy channels, emmymade prioritizes simplicity and fun, encouraging viewers to experiment without fear.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
