Dumpling Lasagna

If you love dumplings but don’t love the fuss of folding, this dumpling lasagna recipe is for you. This recipe deconstructs Asian pork dumplings into a lasagna-style dish. With its layers of spicy pork filling and wonton wrappers, this steam-baked dish is an easy way to enjoy the dumpling flavors you love in a comforting casserole form.

Ingredients for ​​Dumpling Lasagna

• Ground pork: Ground pork makes up the base of the filling. You could also use ground chicken in place of ground pork if you prefer.
• Green onions: Finely sliced green onions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor to the pork filling.
• Ginger: A Microplane will make quick work of grating fresh ginger.
• Garlic: Using a garlic press to crush the garlic cloves yields finer pieces than you could achieve by mincing by hand.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a rich umami and salty flavor to the pork filling.
• Mirin: This Japanese ingredient adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the filling. If you don’t have it in the pantry, you can use rice wine vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
• Toasted sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty and rich flavor to the pork filling. You can also use regular sesame oil if that’s what you have on hand, although toasted sesame oil has a deeper and more intense flavor.
• Wonton wrappers: You can use round or square wonton wrappers for this dumpling lasagna recipe. Traditional wonton wrappers are made with wheat flour, eggs and water. You should be able to find wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of the produce department at your local grocery store.
• Optional garnishes: Garnish the final dish with soy sauce, extra green onions, sesame seeds and/or chili crisp before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Make the filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped green onion, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, mirin and toasted sesame oil. Mix well until combined.

Editor’s Tip: Dividing the ground pork mixture into three portions will help you with layering in the next steps.

Step 2: Layer the ingredients

Spread a third of the ground pork mixture into an even layer in the bottom of a 3-cup baking dish. Cut three wonton wrappers in half and place them around the edge of the dish, with the cut side in. Then, place one whole wonton wrapper in the center, creating the first layer.

Repeat with the remaining portions of the ground pork mixture and wonton wrappers.

Step 3: Steam

In a large saucepan, place a steamer basket over 1 inch of water. Place the wonton lasagna in the basket.

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Steam, covered, until a thermomter inserted into the center of the dish registers 160°F, 30 to 35 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Uncover and remove from the heat. Garnish with soy sauce, sliced green onions, sesame seeds and chili crisp, as desired.

Dumpling Lasagna Variations

• Add more veggies: Add more veggies, such as chopped red pepper, shredded green cabbage or chopped mushrooms, to the filling mix.
• Spice it up: Amp up the heat by adding chili crisp, crushed red pepper flakes or Sichuan peppercorns to the pork filling.
• Make it mini: Instead of layering the lasagna in a single 3-cup baking dish, you can make the lasagna in individual ramekins. You won’t need to steam them for the full 30 to 35 minutes, so make sure you check on them periodically so you don’t overcook the little lasagnas.

How to Store ​​Dumpling Lasagna

After allowing the lasagna to cool, transfer the lasagna to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

How long does dumpling lasagna last?

Dumpling lasagna lasts up to four days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

How should you reheat dumpling lasagna?

For the best texture, reheat leftover dumpling lasagna by steaming it again until the internal temperature reaches 165°.

Can you make dumpling lasagna in advance?

You can prep the pork filling up to two days in advance. For the best texture, do not assemble the lasagna until right before you plan to steam it.

​​Dumpling Lasagna Tips

What should you serve with dumpling lasagna?

Serve this rich and savory dumpling lasagna alongside a fresh vegetable dish such as ginger-sesame steamed vegetable salad, Thai salad with peanut dressing, glass noodle salad or crispy rice salad.