Crispy Cabbage Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce

Why You’ll Love Crispy Cabbage Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce  Recipe

These dumplings offer the perfect combination of textures—crispy on the bottom, tender and juicy on the inside. The vegetable filling is light but packed with umami-rich flavor from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. They’re easy to make at home, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. The soy dipping sauce adds the ideal salty-sweet punch to complement each bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dumplings:

• Green cabbage, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh ginger, grated

• Green onions, thinly sliced

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Neutral oil for frying

• Dumpling wrappers

For the dipping sauce:

• Soy sauce or tamari

• Rice vinegar

• Sesame oil

• Honey or sugar

• Chili oil (optional)

• Grated garlic or ginger (optional)

Directions

1. Place the chopped cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

2. Mix the cabbage with garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create the filling.

3. Lay a dumpling wrapper flat. Spoon about one tablespoon of filling into the center.

4. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water. Fold and press to seal the dumpling closed. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

5. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add dumplings flat-side down in a single layer. Fry until the bottoms are golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes.

6. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover with a lid to steam the dumplings for 4–5 minutes.

7. Remove the lid and allow any excess water to evaporate, crisping the bottoms once more.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dipping sauce ingredients.

9. Serve the dumplings hot with the soy dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add finely chopped mushrooms for more umami depth.

• Mix in cooked ground chicken, pork, or shrimp for a meaty version.

• Use napa cabbage instead of green cabbage for a slightly sweeter filling.

• Make the dipping sauce spicy with extra chili oil or a dash of red pepper flakes.

• Try square wonton wrappers for a different folding technique.

Storage/Reheating

• Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil to maintain their crispness.

• Freeze uncooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen with a slightly longer steam time.

• Avoid freezing fully cooked dumplings, as the texture may become soggy upon reheating.

FAQs

How do I keep the dumplings from becoming soggy?

Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cabbage before mixing it with other filling ingredients.

Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the soy dipping sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What’s the best way to seal dumplings?

Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold and press firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges for a decorative and tighter seal.

Can I bake these dumplings instead of pan-frying them?

While baking is possible, it won’t provide the same crispy texture. Pan-frying followed by steaming gives the best results.

Are these dumplings vegetarian?

Yes, this version is fully vegetarian. You can also make them vegan by ensuring your wrappers don’t contain egg.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Absolutely. The filling can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Can I use store-bought wrappers?

Yes, store-bought dumpling or gyoza wrappers work perfectly and save time.

What should I serve with cabbage dumplings?

These dumplings go well with a light soup, cucumber salad, or steamed rice for a fuller meal.

How do I cook frozen dumplings?

Place frozen dumplings directly into a hot pan with oil, cook the bottoms until crisp, then steam with a bit of water as usual.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari in the dipping sauce and look for gluten-free dumpling wrappers or make your own with rice flour.

Conclusion

Crispy cabbage dumplings are a satisfying and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main or a flavorful appetizer. With simple ingredients and a little practice in folding and pan-frying, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality dumplings at home in no time. Experiment with fillings and dipping sauces to make them your own, and enjoy the perfect crispy bite every time.