Save to Pinterest Imagine the comforting familiarity of lasagna transformed through an Asian-inspired lens. This Dumpling Lasagna Bake marries the best of both culinary worlds—the layered, cheesy goodness of Italian-American casseroles with the savory, umami-rich flavors of Asian dumplings. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of juicy ground pork seasoned with ginger and garlic, tender cabbage, and chewy dumpling wrappers that replace traditional pasta sheets.
Save to Pinterest This dish was born from a desire to use up leftover dumpling wrappers and transformed into a family favorite. The layering technique mimics traditional lasagna but the flavor profile takes you straight to the heart of Asian cuisine. The sauce thickens as it bakes, coating each layer with savory goodness while the cheese creates an irresistible golden crust.
- Pork Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground pork, 1 tbsp ginger (freshly grated), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 3 green onions (finely chopped), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp ground white pepper, 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots, 2 cups (150 g) napa cabbage (finely chopped)
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat), 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
- Assembly: 24-30 round dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade), 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional), 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Prepare the oven and baking dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Make the filling
- In a large bowl, mix ground pork, ginger, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, carrots, and cabbage. Combine thoroughly.
- Prepare the sauce
- In a saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cook until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes), then remove from heat.
- Begin assembly
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange a single layer of dumpling wrappers to cover the bottom. Top with half of the pork mixture and a drizzle of sauce.
- Continue layering
- Add another layer of wrappers, then the remaining pork mixture and more sauce. Top with a final layer of wrappers. Pour any remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese and sesame seeds.
- Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Finish and serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Don't worry if your dumpling wrappers overlap slightly when layering—this is normal and won't affect the final result. If you find the wrappers are drying out while you work, keep them covered with a damp paper towel. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery during baking. For best results, don't skip the resting period after baking, as it allows the layers to set properly.
This recipe welcomes customization based on dietary needs and preferences. For a lighter version, substitute ground chicken or turkey for the pork. Vegetarians can replace the meat with a mixture of chopped mushrooms and crumbled firm tofu. Those avoiding gluten can use gluten-free dumpling wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce. For extra heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a drizzle of chili oil just before serving.
This hearty casserole stands perfectly well on its own, but can be complemented with simple sides. Serve with a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. For a complete meal, offer steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Asian lager or a glass of dry white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Save to Pinterest This Dumpling Lasagna Bake bridges culinary traditions to create something truly unique yet comfortingly familiar. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delicious fusion of flavors but also in its adaptability. Whether you're looking for a new family dinner staple or something special to serve guests, this creative casserole delivers both innovation and satisfaction. Every forkful carries the essence of traditional dumplings transformed into a convenient, shareable format that brings people together around the table.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey for pork?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as alternatives to pork, providing a lighter flavor while maintaining the dish’s texture.
- → Are homemade dumpling wrappers necessary?
Store-bought wrappers work well and save time, but homemade wrappers offer a fresh texture and can customize thickness.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding extra chili garlic sauce or drizzling chili oil on top before serving intensifies the heat to suit your taste.
- → Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Using gluten-free dumpling wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce makes the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → What side drinks pair well with this casserole?
A crisp Asian lager or a dry white wine complements the savory and rich flavors nicely.