Viral Dumpling Lasagna
Viral Dumpling Lasagna 🤤 is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Flavour Network on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $18.10 total, $4.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Ground Pork (lean, finely minced)
- 200 g Shrimp (peeled, deveined, finely chopped)
- 100 g Shiitake Mushrooms (stems removed, minced)
- 3 stalks Green Onions (white and green parts, finely sliced)
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch (for binding)
- 0.5 tsp Baking Soda (helps tenderize the meat)
- 1 Tbsp Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (adds umami)
- 30 pieces Dumpling Wrappers (round, about 8‑cm diameter)
- 1 medium Carrot (julienned for decorative cut‑outs)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped for garnish)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (for garnish) (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (optional drizzle at serving)
Instructions
Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl combine ground pork, chopped shrimp, minced shiitake mushrooms, sliced green onions, cornstarch, baking soda, Shaoxing wine and oyster sauce. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes a smooth, slightly sticky paste.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the Dumpling Wrappers
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. Quickly dip each dumpling wrapper in the water to soften, then lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Layer the Casserole Dish
Grease the small casserole dish lightly. Begin with a single layer of softened wrappers covering the bottom. Spoon a thin layer of the meat paste over the wrappers, spreading evenly. Repeat the wrapper‑meat layering until all filling is used, finishing with a top layer of wrappers.
Time: PT10M
Create Decorative Cut‑outs and Add Carrots
Using the cookie cutter, cut one small circle in the center of the top wrapper layer and another on a corner. Place the carrot julienne strips into the cut‑outs, arranging them like flower petals.
Time: PT5M
Steam the Dumpling Lasagna
Place the casserole dish in a steamer basket or a large frying pan with about 2‑3 cm of boiling water. Cover tightly and steam over medium‑high heat for 15‑20 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and the wrappers are tender.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Add Final Garnishes
Remove the dish from the steamer. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onion over the top. Drizzle a little soy sauce if desired.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Slice the dumpling lasagna into squares and serve hot directly from the dish or on a serving platter.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains shellfish, Not vegetarian, Contains pork
Allergens: Shellfish (shrimp), Wheat (dumpling wrappers), Soy (oyster sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Pork: ground chicken, ground turkey
- Instead of Shrimp: imitation crab, finely diced fish
- Instead of Shiitake Mushrooms: button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms
- Instead of Green Onions: chives, scallions
- Instead of Cornstarch: potato starch, tapioca starch
- Instead of Baking Soda: baking powder (half amount)
- Instead of Shaoxing Wine: dry sherry, mirin
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: soy sauce mixed with a dash of sugar
- Instead of Dumpling Wrappers: store‑bought wonton wrappers
- Instead of Carrot: red bell pepper strips
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Thai basil
- Instead of Green Onion (for garnish): chives
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Cookie Cutter (round with small hole)
- Small Casserole Dish (8×8‑inch)
- Steamer Basket or Large Frying Pan with Lid
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix the filling until it becomes a smooth paste; under‑mixing leaves lumps
- Layer the wrappers and filling evenly to avoid dry spots
- Steam with a tight‑fitting lid and ensure water does not touch the casserole dish
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ice‑cold water for dipping wrappers to keep them pliable
- For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil to the filling
- If you like a bit of heat, stir in a teaspoon of chili oil with the filling
Troubleshooting
Filling is too watery and the layers separate
Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch and mix; let the mixture rest 5 minutes to absorb moisture
Dumpling wrappers tear when cutting the decorative holes
Soften the top layer a few seconds longer in the water, then gently press with fingertips instead of forcing the cutter
Steam escapes and the lasagna is undercooked
Ensure the lid fits tightly; use a clean kitchen towel around the lid to seal any gaps
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool completely, then cover and store for up to 2 days
Freezer: Not recommended – wrappers become soggy after thawing
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours of cooking
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the meat paste up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before assembling
- The assembled, uncooked lasagna can be covered and refrigerated for up to 12 hours before steaming
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Sumai Dumpling Lasagna in modern Chinese fusion cuisine?
Sumai Dumpling Lasagna is a playful fusion that emerged from the recent “dumpling lasagna” trend on social media, combining traditional Chinese shumai‑style fillings with the layered presentation of Italian lasagna. It reflects the contemporary Chinese diaspora’s love for remixing classic comfort foods into novel, shareable dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of dumpling‑based casseroles in Chinese cuisine?
While there is no historic Chinese casserole, regional dishes like Cantonese steamed pork buns (cha siu bao) and Sichuan dry‑pot chicken use layered steaming techniques. Modern chefs adapt these concepts, swapping wheat buns for dumpling wrappers and adding decorative toppings, as seen in Sumai Dumpling Lasagna.
How is Sumai Dumpling Lasagna traditionally served in Chinese home cooking?
In Chinese households that experiment with fusion, Sumai Dumpling Lasagna is served hot straight from the steamer, sliced into squares, and garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a light drizzle of soy sauce. It is often enjoyed with a side of plain rice or a simple cucumber salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Sumai Dumpson Lasagna traditionally associated with in contemporary Chinese food culture?
The dish is popular at casual gatherings, birthday parties, and food‑trend challenges because its dramatic layers make for an impressive visual. It’s also a crowd‑pleaser at pot‑luck events where guests appreciate a handheld, steaming‑hot main dish.
How does Sumai Dumpling Lasagna fit into the broader Chinese comfort‑food tradition?
It incorporates familiar comfort‑food elements—savory pork‑shrimp filling, oyster‑sauce seasoning, and soft steamed wrappers—while presenting them in a novel, layered format. This mirrors Chinese cuisine’s emphasis on texture contrast and communal sharing.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Sumai Dumpling Lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground pork, raw shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, and wheat‑based dumpling wrappers. Acceptable substitutes are ground chicken or turkey for pork, minced fish or imitation crab for shrimp, button mushrooms for shiitake, dry sherry for Shaoxing wine, and gluten‑free rice‑flour wrappers for those avoiding wheat.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Sumai Dumpling Lasagna?
Pair it with a light Asian cucumber salad dressed in rice‑vinegar, a simple miso‑style soup, or steamed bok choy with garlic. A chilled jasmine tea or lightly carbonated plum soda also balances the richness of the lasagna.
What makes Sumai Dumpling Lasagna special or unique in Chinese‑inspired fusion cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the marriage of a classic Chinese dumpling filling with the visual drama of lasagna layering, plus decorative cut‑outs that add color and texture. The steaming method keeps the dish moist without the need for oven baking, preserving the delicate flavor of the filling.
How has Sumai Dumpling Lasagna evolved over time in modern Chinese food trends?
Initially a TikTok‑style experiment, the dish has evolved from using basic store‑bought wrappers to incorporating hand‑rolled wrappers, adding vegetable “petals” for visual appeal, and experimenting with flavored steam broths. Chefs now often finish with a drizzle of chili oil for a modern twist.
What are common misconceptions about Sumai Dumpling Lasagna?
Many think the dish must be baked like Italian lasagna, but authentic versions are fully steamed. Another misconception is that the wrappers must be boiled; they only need a quick dip in water to become pliable before layering.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sumai Dumpling Lasagna?
Common errors include under‑mixing the filling, which leaves lumps; over‑wetting the wrappers, causing them to tear; and opening the steamer too early, which releases essential steam and leads to uneven cooking. Follow the critical steps to ensure a smooth texture.
Why does this Sumai Dumpling Lasagna recipe use baking soda in the meat paste?
Baking soda raises the pH of the meat mixture, breaking down protein fibers and resulting in a more tender, juicy filling after steaming. It also helps the paste bind together, giving the layers a cohesive structure.
Can I make Sumai Dumpling Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and keep it refrigerated for up to 12 hours before steaming. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What does the YouTube channel Flavour Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Flavour Network specializes in exploring global food trends, creating inventive fusion recipes, and breaking down complex cooking techniques into clear, step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Flavour Network's approach to Chinese fusion cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
Flavour Network focuses on modern, trend‑driven twists—like the dumpling‑lasagna concept—while emphasizing scientific explanations of flavor pairing and texture. Unlike traditional Chinese channels that stick to classic recipes, Flavour Network blends culinary science with pop‑culture inspiration.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
