Introduction

This Dumpling Bake is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender dumplings with a fragrant coconut curry sauce and fresh vegetables. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with two main layers: on the right side, there is a fluffy mound of white rice with a soft, glossy texture; on the left side, there are golden-brown dumplings coated in a rich, creamy orange sauce that pools slightly in the bowl. The dumplings have a slightly crispy edge and are topped with small green onion slices and white sesame seeds. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top and around the dumplings. A pair of light wooden chopsticks hold one dumpling above the rice, with the dumpling’s texture showing folds and a slight char on the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (13.5 fl oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
2–3 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 large garlic clove, grated
1 small cube of ginger, grated
16–20 dumplings of choice (frozen veggie dumplings recommended)
2 bok choy bulbs, chopped
1 zucchini or any other vegetable, sliced
Garnishes (optional): sesame seeds, sliced green onions, cilantro/coriander, chili crisp oil
To serve: white jasmine rice or noodles

Instructions

Step 1: In a large baking dish (approximately 12 x 8 inches / 30 x 20 cm), whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil until smooth and free of lumps. Grate in the garlic and ginger. For a more brothy consistency (especially if serving with rice or noodles), add ¼ cup of water.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Add the chopped bok choy and sliced zucchini to the baking dish and stir to coat them evenly in the curry broth.
Step 3: Arrange the frozen dumplings in the baking dish without overlapping, gently pressing them into the broth so the bottoms are submerged but the tops remain visible. Spoon some broth over the dumplings, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the broth is bubbly and the dumplings develop a slight crisp on top.
Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro, or chili crisp oil as desired. Serve hot over white jasmine rice or noodles and enjoy your delicious Dumpling Bake!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red curry paste or add a dash of chili flakes.
You can substitute the vegetables with any favorites like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
If fresh garlic and ginger aren’t available, use ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and ground ginger.
To make this meal vegan, ensure your dumplings are plant-based and use maple syrup or sugar instead of honey.
Adding a splash of lime juice before serving brightens up the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover Dumpling Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The dumplings may soften over time, so reheating uncovered in the oven can help maintain some texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains three golden-brown dumplings coated in a creamy orange sauce, layered over a bed of fluffy white rice on the right side. The dumplings have a slightly crispy texture on the edges and are garnished with bright green chopped scallions, white sesame seeds, and fresh green cilantro leaves. Two light wooden chopsticks hold one dumpling lifted slightly above the bowl, showing the sauce dripping gently onto the rice below. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh dumplings work well. Adjust baking time slightly, as fresh dumplings may cook faster—check after 15 minutes and bake longer if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free dumplings to keep the recipe gluten-free while maintaining great flavor.