Dumpling Lasagna | 云吞千层蒸饺 Recipe

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After seeing this dumpling lasagna appear everywhere online, I finally gave in and decided to try it myself. The idea is simple but clever. Instead of shaping individual dumplings, you layer wonton wrappers and filling like a lasagna, then steam the whole thing until everything comes together into a soft, juicy, dumpling-packed casserole.

When people kept asking me about it, I figured, why not give it a proper test in my kitchen?

While the “dumpling lasagna” concept is modern and mostly driven by social media, the technique itself actually has roots in Chinese cooking. Layered dumpling dishes and stacked noodle preparations exist in various regional cuisines.

Wonton wrappers are essentially thin sheets of dough, so using them like pasta sheets is not as strange as it might first sound. Steaming also keeps the filling incredibly tender while the wrappers absorb all the flavors.

What I like about this version is how practical it is. You get all the comfort of dumplings without the time spent folding dozens of them individually.

It is perfect for feeding a group or when you simply want something fun and different on the table. If you enjoy dumplings but want a quicker way to prepare them, this layered version is definitely worth trying.

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Ingredients:

(Serve 4)

• Sesame Oil, For Greasing

• Square White Wonton Wrappers, 25 More or Less

• Mum's Versatile Minced Filling Homemade, 500g

• Chili Oil Homemade, For Drizzling

• Chicken Stock Homemade, 2 TBSP

• Black Vinegar, For Drizzling

• Scallions Coarsely Chopped, For Garnishing

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Equipment:

• Steamer

• Baking Dish (I am using Staub's Oval 1.1L Baking Dish)

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Directions:

1. Please visit my "Mum's Versatile Minced Filling" page for the recipe.

2. Please visit my "How To Make Chicken Stock" page for the recipe.

3. Please visit my "How To Make Chili Oil" page for the recipe.

4. Prepare the baking dish

5. Lightly grease the baking dish with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

6. Create the first layer

7. Dip a wonton wrapper briefly into water so it softens slightly.

8. Lay the wrapper flat in the baking dish to form the base layer.

9. Add the filling layer

10. Spread a thin, even layer of the minced filling over the wrapper.

11. Try to distribute it evenly so every bite has filling.

12. Drizzle some chili oil over the top.

13. Continue layering

14. Add another dampened wrapper over the filling.

15. Spread another layer of filling and drizzle chili oil over the top.

16. Repeat the process until the baking dish is filled with alternating layers.

17. Finish with wonton wrappers as the top layer.

18. Add moisture for steaming

19. Drizzle chicken stock over the top of the layered dumplings.

20. Steam the dumpling lasagna

21. Place the dish inside a steamer.

22. Steam for about 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is fully cooked and the wrappers soften and slightly wrinkle.

23. Finish the dish

24. Drizzle black vinegar and additional chili oil over the top.

25. Garnish with chopped scallions.

26. Serve

27. Serve immediately while hot.

Stacking layers of yummiliciouness...

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Why Dumpling Lasagna Works

• Wonton wrappers behave like pasta sheets

  Wonton wrappers are made from wheat dough, very similar to fresh pasta. When layered and cooked, they soften and absorb flavor just like lasagna sheets.

  
  

  Steaming keeps everything tender

• Instead of baking, this dish is steamed. Steaming gently cooks the filling while allowing the wrappers to soften without drying out. The small amount of stock added helps create moisture so the layers stay juicy.

  
  

• No folding required

  Traditional dumplings can take time because each one needs to be filled and folded individually. This layered method keeps the same dumpling flavors but saves a lot of effort.

  
  

• The layers absorb flavor beautifully

  As the dumplings steam, the juices from the filling and stock soak into the wrappers. The result is a tender layered dish where every bite tastes like a perfectly cooked dumpling.

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Recipe Video: