Save In the heart of culinary fusion, where East meets West, the Asian Dumpling Lasagna stands as a testament to creative cooking. This dish transforms the humble dumpling wrapper into layers of a magnificent lasagna, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that dance between Italian comfort and Asian zest. Each bite offers the familiar comfort of lasagna but surprises with the aromatic touch of ginger, soy, and sesame that transports you to the bustling streets of an Asian night market.
Save This recipe was born from a late-night kitchen experiment when traditional lasagna ingredients were scarce, but a package of dumpling wrappers beckoned from the refrigerator. The thin, delicate sheets proved to be the perfect vessel for layering savory fillings, while the Asian-inspired sauce brought a welcome punch of umami. What started as improvisation has become a beloved family favorite, requested at gatherings and celebrated for its unique character.
Ingredients
- 24 dumpling or wonton wrappers
- 500 g (1 lb) ground pork or chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 150 g (5 oz) napa cabbage, shredded
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 200 g (7 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100 g (3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Black and white sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Start the filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the meat
- Add ground pork or chicken. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Add vegetables
- Stir in carrot, bell pepper, and napa cabbage. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
- Season the filling
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the soy ginger sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine all soy ginger sauce ingredients except cornstarch slurry. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce
- Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the baking dish
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Start layering
- Spread a thin layer of soy ginger sauce on the bottom. Layer 8 dumpling wrappers to cover the base.
- Add first layer
- Spread one-third of the meat-vegetable mixture, sprinkle with one-third of the cheeses, and drizzle with sauce.
- Complete the layers
- Repeat layers two more times, finishing with cheese and a final drizzle of sauce.
- Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Rest and garnish
- Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Handle the dumpling wrappers with care as they can dry out quickly. Keep them covered with a damp cloth while working. If the wrappers are sticking together, dust them lightly with cornstarch. For optimal texture, don't overlap the wrappers too much when creating your layers. The key to a perfectly set lasagna is allowing it to rest after baking – resist the temptation to serve immediately!
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with 400g of finely chopped mushrooms or crumbled firm tofu. Seafood lovers can use finely chopped shrimp instead of ground meat. Add a kick of heat with 1-2 tablespoons of sambal oelek or sriracha mixed into the filling. For a lighter version, reduce the cheese by half and add more vegetables like shredded zucchini or bean sprouts to maintain volume and texture.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this Asian Dumpling Lasagna with a simple side of steamed bok choy or a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For a complete meal, add a small bowl of clear miso soup as a starter. Extra soy ginger sauce can be served on the side for those who enjoy more intensity. A chilled Riesling or jasmine tea makes the perfect beverage pairing to complement the dish's complex flavors.
Save The Asian Dumpling Lasagna represents the beautiful evolution of global cuisine, where traditional boundaries dissolve to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It honors both Italian craftsmanship and Asian flavor profiles while creating something entirely new. As you share this dish with family and friends, you're not just serving a meal – you're offering a culinary adventure that bridges continents on a single plate. Each forkful tells a story of cultural exchange, creativity, and the universal language of delicious food.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the ground meat with a vegetarian option?
Yes, finely chopped mushrooms or tofu work well as alternatives, retaining the dish's texture and flavor.
- → What type of wrappers can I use for layering?
Both dumpling and wonton wrappers are suitable; they provide the delicate layered base for this dish.
- → How do I ensure the soy ginger sauce thickens properly?
Whisk a cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a glossy, thick consistency.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking to enhance flavors and save time.
- → What garnishes best complement the final dish?
Thinly sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds add freshness and crunch.