Viral Dumpling Lasagna
Viral Dumpling Lasagna! is a medium Asian Fusion recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Merrick on YouTube.
Prep: 29 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 4 min
Cost: $74.35 total, $18.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Shallots (finely chopped)
- 4 stalks Scallions (white parts sliced for cooking, green parts saved for garnish)
- 8 Nappa Cabbage Leaves (large outer leaves, kept whole for layering)
- 2 cups Cabbage (chopped; any green cabbage works)
- 1 lb Ground Pork (prefer 80% lean)
- 2 tbsp Black Garlic Shoyu (premium black garlic soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 tbsp High‑Quality Soy Sauce (light soy preferred)
- 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Mirin
- 2 cups Ramen Stock (reduced to a thick, flavorful broth)
- 12 Frozen Pork Dumplings (thawed slightly for easier layering)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (to top the jar before steaming)
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)
- 1 tsp Spicy Chili Oil (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Prepare Aromatics
Mince the garlic and shallots, slice the white parts of the scallions, and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Prep Cabbage
Separate 8 large nappa cabbage leaves, rinse and pat dry. Chop the remaining cabbage into roughly 2 cups.
Time: PT5M
Mix Seasoning Sauce
In a small bowl combine black garlic shoyu, oyster sauce, high‑quality soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and mirin. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Cook the Pork Filling
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the minced garlic, shallots, and white scallion parts; sauté 2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground pork, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Pour in the seasoning sauce, stir to coat, and cook an additional minute. Remove from heat.
Time: PT7M
Reduce Ramen Stock
In a saucepan bring 3 cups of ramen broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it reduce to about 2 cups, concentrating flavor (about 8‑10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Assemble the Lasagna in the Jar
Place a cabbage leaf at the bottom of the Pyrex jar. Spoon a layer of the pork mixture, then add 3‑4 dumplings, followed by a thin drizzle of reduced ramen stock. Repeat the layers (leaf, meat, dumplings, stock) until the jar is full, ending with a leaf on top. Finally, pour the remaining chicken stock over the top to cover the contents.
Time: PT10M
Steam the Jar
Set the assembled jar in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam on high heat for 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Time: PT20M
Garnish and Serve
Remove the jar from the steamer, let it rest 2 minutes, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, the green parts of scallions, and drizzle spicy chili oil. Serve directly from the jar or invert onto a plate.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 38g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Contains shellfish, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Wheat (dumplings), Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Shallots: red onion
- Instead of Scallions: green onions
- Instead of Nappa Cabbage Leaves: Swiss chard leaves
- Instead of Cabbage: Napa cabbage
- Instead of Ground Pork: ground chicken, ground turkey
- Instead of Black Garlic Shoyu: regular soy sauce
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: hoisin sauce (less briny)
- Instead of High‑Quality Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Cracked Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Mirin: sweet rice wine
- Instead of Ramen Stock: chicken broth, dashi
- Instead of Frozen Pork Dumplings: fresh dumplings, potsticker style
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: black sesame seeds
- Instead of Spicy Chili Oil: sriracha mixed with oil
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Pyrex Glass Jar (2‑quart)
- Steamer Basket or Large Pot with Steamer Insert
- Lid for Steamer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pork with the seasoning sauce without over‑cooking.
- Reducing the ramen stock to a thick, flavorful broth.
- Layering the cabbage leaves and dumplings evenly in the jar.
- Steaming for the correct time to ensure dumplings are fully cooked.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality black garlic shoyu for depth; it adds a subtle sweetness.
- Toast sesame seeds dry in a skillet for extra nuttiness before sprinkling.
- For extra heat, mix a pinch of Sichuan peppercorn powder into the chili oil.
Troubleshooting
The dumplings are still hard after steaming.
Increase steaming time by 5‑7 minutes and ensure the water is at a rolling boil throughout.
The broth is too watery.
Reduce the ramen stock further before assembling, or add a splash of soy sauce to intensify flavor.
Cabbage leaves become soggy and fall apart.
Blanch the leaves briefly (30 seconds) and pat dry before layering; this strengthens their structure.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool the jar to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; the texture of cabbage leaves changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Only safe for up to 2 hours while hot; otherwise refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the reduced ramen stock a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Cook the pork filling and let it cool; refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Assemble the layers in the jar up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered and refrigerated, then steam when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Soup Dumpling Lasagna in Asian‑fusion cuisine?
Soup Dumpling Lasagna is a modern internet‑born fusion that marries the beloved Chinese xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) with the layered concept of Italian lasagna. It reflects the global food‑culture trend of re‑imagining classic dishes by swapping starches for vegetables and incorporating umami‑rich broths.
What are the traditional regional variations of soup‑dumpling‑style dishes in Chinese cuisine?
In Chinese cuisine, soup‑filled dumplings appear as xiaolongbao in Shanghai, har gow in Cantonese dim sum, and mandu in Korean cuisine. Each region varies the wrapper thickness, broth seasoning, and filling protein, but the core idea of a liquid‑filled bite remains consistent.
How is Soup Dumpling Lasagna traditionally served in Asian‑fusion restaurants?
Chefs typically serve it in a heat‑proof jar or ramekin, allowing diners to steam‑heat it at the table. It is finished with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil for visual contrast and a burst of flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is Soup Dumpling Lasagna associated with in modern food‑blog culture?
The dish has become popular for casual dinner parties, food‑blog challenges, and social‑media “viral recipe” moments. Its dramatic presentation makes it a crowd‑pleaser for gatherings where guests enjoy watching the steam rise.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic‑tasting Soup Dumpling Lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?
Key authentic ingredients include high‑quality black garlic shoyu, oyster sauce, mirin, and a reduced ramen stock. Acceptable substitutes are regular soy sauce for the shoyu, hoisin for oyster sauce, and chicken broth in place of ramen stock, though flavor depth may shift.
What other Asian‑fusion dishes pair well with Soup Dumpling Lasagna?
Pairs nicely with a light cucumber‑sesame salad, pickled radish, or a simple miso soup. A crisp Asian slaw balances the richness of the lasagna, while a chilled jasmine tea cleanses the palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Soup Dumpling Lasagna?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pork before steaming, using too much liquid stock (resulting in a soggy dish), and not sealing the steamer tightly, which lets steam escape and lengthens cooking time.
Why does this Soup Dumpling Lasagna recipe use reduced ramen stock instead of regular broth?
Reduced ramen stock provides a concentrated umami base that mimics the rich soup inside traditional dumplings, ensuring each bite is flavorful without making the layers watery.
Can I make Soup Dumpling Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the pork filling and reduced stock up to a day ahead, refrigerate separately, and assemble the jar the night before. Keep the assembled jar covered in the fridge and steam it directly before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Merrick specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Merrick focuses on inventive, high‑impact home cooking, often blending classic techniques with modern viral trends and providing detailed, step‑by‑step guidance for home chefs.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Merrick's approach to Asian‑fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Merrick emphasizes rigorous flavor layering, precise seasoning, and visual storytelling, often using upscale ingredients (like black garlic shoyu) to elevate everyday dishes, whereas many channels prioritize speed over depth of flavor.
What is the best way to check if the Soup Dumpling Lasagna is done cooking?
After the 20‑minute steam, insert a thin skewer into the center; it should glide through the dumplings and cabbage easily, and the pork should be no longer pink. The broth should be hot and slightly thickened.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
