If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s both simple and satisfying, this Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender dumplings baked in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, soy, and rice vinegar, all topped with fresh herbs and a subtle crunch. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes, making it a perfect dish for cozy nights or casual get-togethers. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the creamy peanut butter that brings richness to the soy sauce’s depth and the fresh cilantro adding a vibrant pop of color, you’ll find that every element enhances the final dish beautifully.
- ¼ cup sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely green color once sprinkled on top.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Offers a subtle nutty crunch, enhancing texture with every bite.
- 2–4 tablespoons chili crisp (optional, for spice): Perfect for those who love a bit of heat and a crispy chili texture.
- 2 cups broth or water: Creates the base of the sauce and keeps the dumplings moist while baking.
- â…” cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its signature creamy, nutty flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami richness that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness with a mild tanginess to brighten every bite.
- 14–20 frozen dumplings: Use your favorite type; potstickers or veggie dumplings work well here.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, trimmed into small pieces: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly crunchy vegetable element.
How to Make Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a medium casserole dish or an oven-safe braiser to hold all those delicious dumplings and that heavenly peanut sauce. Getting the oven ready early means you’re one step closer to a warm, inviting dinner.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce Base
Pour the broth into your prepared baking dish, then add the creamy peanut butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar right on top. Whisk everything together gently until the peanut butter is mostly melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce starting to form. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, packing flavor and keeping our dumplings perfectly moist.
Step 3: Arrange the Dumplings
Take your frozen dumplings and place them directly in the dish on top of the sauce, arranging them flat-side down so they bake evenly. Don’t just plop them in—give each dumpling a little spoonful of sauce to slick over the top. This ensures every bite soaks up that luscious peanut goodness.
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
Now it’s time for the broccoli florets. Nestle them artfully around and in between the dumplings. This not only adds a pop of green and nutrition but also soaks up that same savory sauce. If your florets are a bit large, tear them into smaller, bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Step 5: Bake Covered Until Tender
Cover your dish tightly with a lid or foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This steams the dumplings while infusing them with sauce flavor. After 20 minutes, remove the cover and gently stir the sauce – you’ll notice it starts to thicken. Let it sit uncovered for about 5 more minutes to intensify the flavors and get that perfect consistency.
Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle on the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and if you want a little kick, a drizzle of chili crisp. These toppings add fresh brightness, crunch, and a beautiful contrast to the rich sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Relish
Serve your Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe straight from the casserole dish while everything is warm and inviting. The dumplings soaked in that creamy peanut sauce are utterly irresistible, and your guests will love every bite!
How to Serve Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, fresh garnish is key. Bright green onions add a zesty bite while cilantro gives a fresh herbal note. Toasted sesame seeds lend a subtle crunch, and a spoonful of chili crisp brings a sensational spicy crunch that complements the peanut sauce beautifully. These simple garnishes turn the dish into a feast for both eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Think steamed jasmine rice or even a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad to cut through the richness. For heartier fare, serve alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or kale for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your presentation? Serve the dumplings family-style right in the casserole dish, encouraging everyone to dig in together. Or plate them individually with a drizzle of extra peanut sauce artistically swirled on the side. Adding a few edible flowers or microgreens on top can transform this humble meal into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and you just might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, making for an easy next-day meal with all the flavors still intact.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, transfer servings into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave a bit of space for the sauce to expand. When frozen, they can last up to 2 months and will save you time on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until piping hot. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of water or broth to bring back that creamy texture. This little tip keeps it tasting just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh dumplings work well in this recipe. Just reduce the baking time slightly since fresh dumplings cook faster than frozen. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What type of peanut butter is best?
Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest sauce. Natural peanut butters work fine too, but if they separate, give it a good stir before measuring. Avoid chunky peanut butter to maintain that silky texture.
Is the chili crisp necessary?
Not at all. The chili crisp is optional and adds a lovely spicy crunch. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to skip it or adjust to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and select vegan-friendly dumplings. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this a great plant-based comfort meal.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
After baking covered for 20 minutes, the dumplings should be tender and fully cooked through. You can test by cutting one open to check if the filling is hot and cooked. The sauce bubbling around them is also a good sign they are done.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy in every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests. So don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring frozen dumplings baked in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with tender broccoli florets. This easy-to-make recipe combines aromatic garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a luscious sauce, topped with fresh green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and optional chili crisp for a spicy kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups broth or water
- â…” cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
Main Ingredients
- 14–20 frozen dumplings (depending on dish size)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, trimmed into small pieces
Toppings
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2–4 tablespoons chili crisp (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a medium casserole dish or an oven-safe braiser to bake the dumplings and sauce evenly.
- Make the Sauce Base: Pour the broth into the baking dish, then add creamy peanut butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the peanut butter is mostly blended into a smooth, creamy liquid, forming the savory peanut sauce.
- Arrange the Dumplings: Place the frozen dumplings into the dish with the sauce, flat-side down so they sit evenly on the bottom. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each dumpling to lightly coat them, ensuring good flavor penetration.
- Add the Vegetables: Nestle the broccoli florets between and around the dumplings. Tear any large florets into smaller pieces for even cooking and make sure they are partially covered by the sauce to absorb flavor.
- Bake Until Tender: Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes. Check that the dumplings are cooked through and tender. Remove the cover and stir the sauce gently. Let the dish sit uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and chili crisp if you desire some heat. These fresh toppings add texture and vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dumplings straight from the baking dish, allowing them to soak up the rich, savory peanut sauce. This hearty and delicious meal is best enjoyed warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild version.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before baking.
- This recipe works well with various dumpling fillings such as pork, chicken, or vegetarian options.
- Ensure the broccoli florets are cut into smaller pieces to cook evenly within the baking time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
