Crispy Cabbage Dumplings

This Crispy Cabbage Dumplings recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and uses a simple pan-frying method for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

Ingredient Breakdown

To whip up these crispy treats, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage: This is your main ingredient, and it adds that satisfying crunch.
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot: Adds sweetness and color.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: A nice flavor kick and freshness!
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a warm, zesty undertone.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: For that umami punch.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Enhances the nutty flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A couple pinches to season it perfectly.
• 24 round dumpling wrappers: Your vehicle of deliciousness!
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (for pan-frying): Essential for that crispy outside.
• 1/4 cup water (for steaming during pan-frying): Helps steam the dumplings so they’re cooked through.
• For the dipping sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes (optional): If you like a little kick.
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion (for garnish): Always a fresh touch!

Gather these ingredients, and let’s start cooking!

How to Make Crispy Cabbage Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrot, sliced green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper; toss thoroughly to distribute the seasoning. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to soften the cabbage and allow the flavors to meld, then give it a final stir and drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings

Now, here comes the fun part! Place one dumpling wrapper on a clean surface, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center, moisten the wrapper edge with water, fold it in half, and press to seal firmly. You can pleat the edge if desired to ensure a tight closure. Repeat until all wrappers are filled, keeping assembled dumplings covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Arrange half of the dumplings in a single layer with the flat side down, ensuring you don’t crowd the pan. Cook the dumplings for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of water, immediately cover the skillet, and steam for about 3 to 4 minutes until the wrappers turn translucent and the filling is heated through. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms.

Transfer to a warm plate and repeat the process with the remaining dumplings, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil if needed.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and red chile flakes in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the seasoning to taste and sprinkle with chopped green onion before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the dumplings hot with the ginger soy sauce on the side. They pair beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens for a refreshing touch. Enjoy immediately for the best texture!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

These crispy cabbage dumplings are perfect for busy weeknights. They come together in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic option when time is tight but you still want to enjoy something homemade and delicious.

Comfort Food

I think we can all agree that dumplings feel like a warm hug, right? The combination of textures, from the crispy outside to the tender filling, makes every bite a comfort food classic.

Customizable

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can absolutely switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. Add some mushrooms or ground meat if you like, there are endless possibilities!

Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, these crispy cabbage dumplings are sure to impress. They’re fun to eat, packed with flavors, and make for a great appetizer or main entrée.

Budget-Friendly

Using economical ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and garlic doesn’t just keep the cost down, it also makes this recipe accessible for any budget. Plus, fresh produce and pantry staples make for a wholesome dish!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

These crispy cabbage dumplings are delightful on their own, but for a more complete meal, consider serving them with a light cucumber salad, some steamed broccoli, or even a bowl of miso soup.

Storage

If you have leftovers (though, let’s be real, they might disappear quickly), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

For the best texture, reheat your dumplings in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of oil, just until heated through and crispy again. You can also steam them gently; they won’t be quite as crispy, though!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked dumplings. Just arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my air fryer bacon!

Crispy Cabbage Dumplings are a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade meal that’s quick and fun to make. They tick all the boxes: they’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and you can customize them endlessly based on your preferences or your pantry situation. So, the next time you’re in a pinch for dinner, remember this recipe. It’s bound to be a hit at your table.

Happy cooking! And follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!

Crispy Cabbage Dumplings

These delightful and crispy cabbage dumplings are a quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for using up leftovers or a delicious family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 dumplings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 90

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dumpling Filling

• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage Main ingredient for crunch.
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot Adds sweetness and color.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced Provides freshness and flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced Enhances overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Adds a zesty undertone.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce For umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Enhances nuttiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt Essential seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For a bit of spice.
• 24 round dumpling wrappers For wrapping the filling.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided For pan-frying.
• 1/4 cup water For steaming the dumplings.

Dipping Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce Base for the dipping sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Adds acidity.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar Balances flavors.
• 1 tablespoon water For the sauce consistency.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated Enhances ginger flavor.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil For a nutty finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes Optional for heat.
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrot, sliced green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper; toss thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
3. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to soften the cabbage and allow the flavors to meld, then drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Assembling Dumplings

1. Place one dumpling wrapper on a clean surface, spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center, moisten the wrapper edge with water, fold it in half, and press to seal.
2. Repeat until all wrappers are filled, keeping assembled dumplings covered with a damp towel.

Cooking Dumplings

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Arrange half of the dumplings in a single layer with the flat side down and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the skillet, and steam for about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms.
5. Repeat with remaining dumplings, adding more oil if needed.

Making Dipping Sauce

1. Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and red chile flakes in a small bowl.
2. Adjust the seasoning to taste and sprinkle with chopped green onion before serving.

Serving

1. Serve the dumplings hot with the ginger soy sauce on the side.
2. Pair with cucumber salad or steamed greens for a refreshing touch.

Notes

For better texture, reheat dumplings in a skillet with a splash of oil. You can freeze uncooked dumplings by arranging them in a single layer and transferring them to a freezer bag.