the viral Dumpling lasagna
the viral Dumpling lasagna is a easy Chinese Fusion recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty UK on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $10.53 total, $2.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 pieces Round Dumpling Wrappers (store‑bought, about 10 cm diameter, kept covered to prevent drying)
- 500 g Ground Pork (preferably 20 % fat for juiciness)
- 200 g Napa Cabbage (finely shredded)
- 1 medium Carrot (peeled and grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted, for flavor)
- 2 stalks Scallions (thinly sliced, green parts only)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon White Pepper (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl combine ground pork, shredded napa cabbage, grated carrot, minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sliced scallions, salt and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
Time: PT10M
Set Up Steamer
Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water, bring to a rolling boil, then lower to a steady simmer. Place the steamer basket inside, ensuring the water does not touch the basket.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Assemble the Dumpling Lasagna
Lightly oil the heat‑proof dish. Lay a single layer of dumpling wrappers, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Spoon a third of the pork filling over the wrappers, spreading evenly. Repeat the layering two more times, ending with a final layer of wrappers on top.
Time: PT10M
Cover and Steam
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Place the dish on a heat‑proof plate inside the steamer basket. Steam for 25‑30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 100°C
Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the steamer, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra sliced scallions if desired and serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: contains gluten, contains soy, not vegetarian, can be made gluten‑free with rice paper wrappers
Allergens: wheat (dumpling wrappers), soy (soy sauce, oyster sauce), sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Round Dumpling Wrappers: square dumpling wrappers, rice paper (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Ground Pork: ground chicken, ground turkey
- Instead of Napa Cabbage: green cabbage, bok choy
- Instead of Carrot: daikon radish
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: hoisin sauce (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Sesame Oil: vegetable oil (omit)
- Instead of Scallions: chives
- Instead of Salt: soy sauce (increase)
- Instead of White Pepper: black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Steamer Basket
- Pot with Lid
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Heat‑proof Dish (9‑inch square)
- Aluminum Foil
- Knife and Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix the filling until slightly sticky to ensure cohesion
- Maintain a steady simmer – boiling water will overcook the wrappers
- Cover tightly with foil to prevent the steam from drying the top layer
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use frozen dumpling wrappers – they stay pliable and less likely to tear
- Add a drizzle of chili oil to the filling for a subtle heat
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese on the final wrapper before steaming (optional)
Troubleshooting
Wrappers become soggy and fall apart
Cover the dish tightly with foil and ensure the water level does not touch the steamer basket; also keep the steamer at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Filling is undercooked
Increase steaming time by 5‑10 minutes and check that the pork reaches 71°C (160°F) with a meat thermometer.
Filling is too dry
Add a splash of water or a teaspoon of oil to the mixture before assembling; keep the wrappers covered with a damp cloth while layering.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑steam for 5 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge and steam for 15‑20 minutes.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the dish contains meat and should be kept refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pork filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Assemble the layers, cover with foil, and keep refrigerated; steam just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of dumpling lasagna in Chinese‑Western fusion cuisine?
Dumpling lasagna is a modern fusion creation that blends the beloved Chinese dumpling filling with the layered presentation of Italian lasagna. It emerged on social media as a playful way to enjoy dumpling flavors without the labor‑intensive process of shaping individual dumplings, reflecting the global trend of hybrid comfort foods.
What are the traditional regional variations of dumpling lasagna in Chinese‑fusion cooking?
While the basic concept stays the same, some regions substitute pork with ground chicken or beef, add Sichuan peppercorns for heat, or replace wheat dumpling skins with rice‑paper sheets for a gluten‑free version. In coastal areas, shrimp is sometimes mixed into the filling for a seafood twist.
How is dumpling lasagna traditionally served in Chinese‑fusion restaurants?
It is typically served hot, sliced into squares, and garnished with sliced scallions and a light soy‑vinegar dipping sauce. Some chefs drizzle a touch of chili oil or serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.
What occasions or celebrations is dumpling lasagna associated with in modern Chinese‑Western cuisine?
Because it is easy to make in larger batches, dumpling lasagna is popular for family gatherings, pot‑lucks, and casual celebrations such as Lunar New Year brunches where guests appreciate familiar dumpling flavors presented in a new format.
What makes dumpling lasagna special or unique in Chinese‑fusion cuisine?
The dish captures the comforting, umami‑rich profile of traditional dumplings while eliminating the time‑consuming step of individually pleating each piece. Steaming the layered casserole keeps the wrappers tender and the filling juicy, offering a novel texture contrast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making dumpling lasagna?
Common errors include over‑boiling the water, which dries out the wrappers; not covering the dish tightly, leading to a dry top layer; and under‑mixing the filling, which can cause uneven seasoning. Follow the critical steps to ensure a cohesive, moist result.
Why does this dumpling lasagna recipe use steaming instead of baking?
Steaming preserves the delicate texture of the dumpling wrappers and keeps the pork filling moist without the need for added fats. Baking would dry out the layers, whereas steaming mimics the traditional dumpling cooking method while allowing a layered presentation.
Can I make dumpling lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day ahead and assemble the casserole, then refrigerate it covered with foil. Steam it directly from the fridge when ready to serve, or freeze the assembled, un‑steamed dish for up to a month and steam after thawing.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the dumpling lasagna is done?
The top layer of wrappers should be translucent and slightly glossy, while the interior layers are plump and moist. The pork filling should be fully cooked, no pink remaining, and the dish should hold together when sliced.
How do I know when the dumpling lasagna is finished cooking?
Check that the wrappers have turned soft and translucent and that the internal pork reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). A quick poke with a fork should glide through the layers without resistance.
What does the YouTube channel Tasty UK specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tasty UK specializes in quick, visually engaging recipe videos that showcase popular dishes from around the world with a focus on easy‑to‑follow, home‑cook friendly techniques and modern twists on classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Tasty UK’s approach to Chinese‑fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Tasty UK blends high‑energy editing with clear step‑by‑step visuals, often simplifying traditional techniques—like steaming a layered dumpling dish—so viewers can recreate restaurant‑style flavors at home without specialized equipment, setting it apart from more traditional, technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
