One Pan Baked Dumplings Recipe

Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or simply craving a little comfort, One Pan Baked Dumplings are here to save the day! These golden, pillowy dumplings are nestled in a luscious coconut curry sauce packed with spinach and garlic, making every bite rich, comforting, and absolutely loaded with flavor. The best part? With minimal prep and just one dish to wash, you get a seriously crowd-pleasing meal with zero fuss. Trust me, One Pan Baked Dumplings are about to make your dinner rotation way more exciting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simple magic: With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each one plays a key role in building bold flavors, dreamy textures, and an eye-catching pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you absolutely don’t want to skip any of them.

• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates that creamy, velvety curry sauce everyone will want to spoon up.
• Red Curry Paste: Brings in fragrant heat and lovely color, instantly boosting the depth of the sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: Four cloves for a signature aromatic kick—trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami and perfectly balances both salty and sweet notes in the dish.
• Fish Sauce: A single tablespoon gives a subtle, irresistible depth (if you’re hesitant, don’t be—it’s pure magic in sauces like this).
• Honey: Just a splash to round out the flavors with gentle sweetness.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Infuses everything with a warm, nutty aroma right from the start.
• Fresh Spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and soaking up every bit of flavor.
• Frozen Dumplings: No need to thaw—let them steam right in the sauce for perfect, tender bites every time.
• Chili Crisp: Drizzle on top for a spicy, crunchy finish that takes things over the top.
• Green Onions: Bright, fresh, and snappy, these are the essential finishing touch.
• White and Black Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle to make every serving look and taste extra special.

How to Make One Pan Baked Dumplings

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, grab a medium-sized baking dish (something sturdy that looks good at the table!)—one pan is all you need. This little bit of prep ensures a hot, bubbly finish and helps the sauce and dumplings cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In the bottom of your baking dish, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and toasted sesame oil. Really whisk until the curry paste and honey are fully dissolved—the sauce should look smooth, creamy, and beautifully red-tinged! This is what will infuse every bite of One Pan Baked Dumplings.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Spinach

Next, toss four cups of fresh spinach right into the sauce. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot! The heat will wilt it down to the perfect amount, and the greens add a much-needed lightness and color to balance the rich curry base.

Step 4: Arrange the Frozen Dumplings

Now for the star ingredient: Place the frozen dumplings in a single layer over the sauce and spinach mixture. There’s no need to thaw—straight from the freezer is perfect. Tuck them in so each one gets cozy with the sauce for maximum flavor!

Step 5: Bake and Steam

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the steam. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes. This allows the dumplings to steam to pillowy perfection, while the spinach gently wilts and the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy.

Step 6: Uncover and Garnish

Remove the pan from the oven and give things a gentle rest for a minute or two. Spoon some sauce over the tops of the dumplings, then finish with a generous drizzle of chili crisp, sliced green onions, and a pretty sprinkle of both white and black sesame seeds. Your One Pan Baked Dumplings are officially ready to impress!

How to Serve One Pan Baked Dumplings

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the garnishes! Spoon on lots of chili crisp for an irresistible kick, and scatter plenty of sliced green onions and sesame seeds to make the dish pop. Each finishing touch doesn’t just look gorgeous, it adds brilliant texture and a bright bite to balance the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

While One Pan Baked Dumplings are definitely satisfying enough on their own, you can easily round out your meal. Serve with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the extra sauce, or alongside simple pickled veggies for a refreshing contrast. Crisp cucumber salad or ginger-dressed greens are also wonderful partners!

Creative Ways to Present

This dish begs to be shared family-style! Bring the whole bubbling baking dish to the table for an impressive centerpiece, or serve portions in shallow bowls with extra sauce and toppings on the side. For a fun twist, arrange dumplings on individual plates with delicate spoonfuls of the curry sauce and tiny towers of garnishes—dinner party perfection!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, though the sauce will thicken a bit and the dumplings get extra tender. It’s total comfort food, reheated!

Freezing

While the finished sauce can separate if frozen after baking, you can prep this meal in stages for future convenience. Combine the uncooked sauce and frozen dumplings in your dish, then wrap tightly and freeze until ready to bake (just be sure to add extra baking time straight from the freezer).

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding just a splash of water to loosen the sauce and restore its silky texture. Or pop a single portion in the microwave for 60–90 seconds until piping hot. Either way, One Pan Baked Dumplings rewarm like a dream!

FAQs

Can I use homemade dumplings instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite homemade dumplings—just make sure they’re uncooked so they steam and absorb all the flavor from the sauce. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Is there a good vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply omit the fish sauce (or use a vegan fish sauce alternative) and choose vegetarian or vegan dumplings. The sauce will still be rich, creamy, and irresistible.

What kind of frozen dumplings work best?

You can use any variety you love—chicken, pork, veggie, shrimp, or a mix! Go for dumplings that are meant to be steamed or boiled rather than fried, as these will get pillowy and tender in the sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots along with the spinach for extra color and nutrition. Just keep the total quantity similar so the sauce doesn’t get too crowded or thick.

How spicy is the sauce?

The red curry paste provides a gentle, warming heat. You’re in control here—add more or less depending on your spice preference, and let the chili crisp at the end bring even more kick for those who want it hot!

Final Thoughts

If you need one more reason to make One Pan Baked Dumplings, let it be this: every bite brings pure joy, and the entire meal comes together with such little effort. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for cozy nights in, sharing with friends, or whenever you need a guaranteed dinner win. I can’t wait for you to make this your new go-to!

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