How to Make the Viral Dumpling Lasagna
How to Make the Viral Dumpling Lasagna! is a medium Thai Fusion recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Andy Hay on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $16.16 total, $4.04 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Ground Pork (80% lean, preferably fresh)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and minced)
- 1/4 cup Thai Basil (chopped; can substitute with regular basil)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 piece Thai Chili (finely sliced; adjust for heat)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (helps bind the filling)
- 30 pieces Dumpling Wrappers (store‑bought round wrappers, thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup Water (for steaming; no seasoning needed)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (for serving) (optional dip)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Crisp (optional topping for heat and crunch)
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Filling
In a mixing bowl combine ground pork, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped Thai basil, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, sliced Thai chili, sliced green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
Time: PT10M
Layer Dumplings in the Ramekin
Place a dumpling wrapper at the bottom of the ramekin, add about 1 teaspoon of pork filling, then drizzle a few drops of water over the filling. Repeat the layer (wrapper → filling → water) until the ramekin is full, ending with a wrapper on top.
Time: PT15M
Steam the Dumplings
Add 1 cup of water to a pot, bring to a gentle boil, then place the steamer basket (or colander) over the pot. Carefully set the ramekin inside the steamer, cover with a lid, and steam for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 100°C
Finish and Serve
Remove the ramekin from the steamer, drizzle with a little soy sauce and top with chili crisp. Serve hot directly from the ramekin or transfer to a plate.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with rice paper wrappers
Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Pork: Ground chicken, Ground turkey
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger
- Instead of Thai Basil: Holy basil, regular sweet basil
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, shallots
- Instead of Cilantro: Coriander leaves
- Instead of Thai Chili: Bird's eye chili, red pepper flakes
- Instead of Green Onion: Scallions
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, coconut aminos
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Lime Juice: Rice vinegar (less bright)
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour
- Instead of Dumpling Wrappers: Rice paper (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Soy Sauce (for serving): Tamari
- Instead of Chili Crisp: Sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Ramekin (or small heat‑proof dish)
- Steamer Basket or Steamer Insert
- Pot with Lid
- Tongs (optional)
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix the pork filling until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Layer the dumplings with water between each layer to ensure even steaming.
- Steam for the full 20 minutes without opening the lid.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑heat, rapid boil for steaming to create a true vapor environment.
- For extra aroma, add a few kaffir lime leaves to the steaming water.
Troubleshooting
Dumplings stick to each other or the ramekin.
Brush a thin layer of oil on the ramekin before layering and ensure each wrapper is fully moistened with water.
Filling is watery after steaming.
Pat the pork mixture dry with paper towels before mixing and add a little extra cornstarch.
Dumplings are undercooked in the center.
Steam for an additional 3‑5 minutes and verify the internal temperature reaches 71°C.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze unserved dumplings (assembled but not steamed) on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pork filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Assemble the dumplings, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze; steam directly from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Thai‑style pork dumplings in Thai‑influenced cuisine?
While traditional Thai cuisine does not feature dumplings, the rise of street‑food fusion in Thailand has popularized steamed parcels filled with seasoned pork, blending Chinese dumpling techniques with Thai aromatics like basil, lime, and chilies. They are now a trendy snack found in night markets and social‑media food challenges.
What are the traditional regional variations of pork dumplings in Southeast Asian cuisine?
In Vietnam, pork dumplings (bánh bao) are often baked and filled with wood ear mushrooms. In Malaysia and Singapore, the same concept appears as “siu mai” with a mix of pork and shrimp. The Thai version swaps soy‑heavy seasoning for fresh herbs, lime, and Thai chilies, giving it a bright, spicy profile.
How is Thai Basil Pork Dumplings traditionally served in Thailand?
They are typically served hot, directly from the steamer, with a side of light soy sauce, a drizzle of chili crisp, and sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime. Street vendors often garnish with extra chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.
During which celebrations or occasions are Thai‑inspired dumplings commonly enjoyed?
These dumplings have become popular at modern food‑festival events, social‑media challenges, and casual gatherings among friends. They are also served during Lunar New Year celebrations in Thai‑Chinese communities, where the bright green basil symbolizes freshness and prosperity.
What authentic ingredients give Thai Basil Pork Dumplings their unique flavor compared to Chinese pork dumplings?
The key differences are the use of Thai basil, fresh lime juice, Thai chilies, and a splash of toasted sesame oil. These ingredients add a fragrant, citrusy, and mildly spicy dimension that is not typical in classic Chinese pork dumplings.
What other Thai dishes pair well with Thai Basil Pork Dumplings?
Serve them alongside a light cucumber‑mint salad, a bowl of jasmine rice, or a simple tom yum soup to balance the richness of the pork and the heat from the chilies.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Thai Basil Pork Dumplings?
Common errors include over‑mixing the pork which makes it tough, not adding enough water between layers causing the top wrapper to dry out, and opening the steamer lid too early which drops the temperature and leads to uneven cooking.
Why does this recipe use a ramekin for layering instead of folding individual dumplings?
Layering in a ramekin simplifies the process for home cooks, ensures uniform steaming, and creates a visually appealing “dumpling cake” that mimics the viral trend. Folding each dumpling individually would be more time‑consuming and harder to achieve consistent size.
Can I make Thai Basil Pork Dumplings ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble the dumplings. Unsteamed dumplings can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a zip‑top bag; steam directly from frozen when ready to serve.
What does the YouTube channel Andy Hay specialize in?
The YouTube channel Andy Hay focuses on quick, trend‑driven home cooking videos that blend popular internet food challenges with practical, easy‑to‑follow recipes for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Andy Hay's approach to Asian fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Andy Hay emphasizes minimal equipment, short prep times, and a playful tone, often recreating viral TikTok or Instagram food trends while adding his own twists, whereas many other channels prioritize traditional techniques or elaborate presentations.
Last updated: September 1, 2026








