I love how simple this dish is to assemble while still delivering big flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, I can create layers of heat, savoriness, and richness that taste far more complex than the effort involved.
I also appreciate how customizable it is. I can keep it vegetarian as written or add vegetables like mushrooms or tofu between the layers. The texture is one of my favorite parts, with soft, sauce-soaked layers underneath and a lightly crisp top after baking.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F and lightly oiling an 8×8 baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a mixing bowl, I combine the chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chili flakes. I stir everything well to create a bold, spicy sauce.
I spread a spoonful of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Then I layer 4 to 5 dumpling wrappers, slightly overlapping them. I spoon sauce evenly over the wrappers. I repeat this layering process for 4 to 5 layers, making sure I finish with sauce on top.
I cover the dish with foil and bake it for 20 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to lightly crisp the top.
Once out of the oven, I sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. I let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together nicely.
I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu between the layers for extra texture and protein. If I want a richer version, I drizzle a little extra chili oil on top before baking.
For a milder version, I reduce the chili flakes and use a less spicy chili oil. If I want more depth, I occasionally add a small splash of dark soy sauce for color and a deeper savory flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to help maintain the texture. If I’m short on time, I use the microwave in short intervals, though the top won’t stay as crisp.
I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the dumpling wrappers can become overly soft after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dumpling wrappers?
I can definitely use homemade wrappers. I just make sure they are rolled thin and kept at room temperature before layering to avoid tearing.
What type of chili oil works best?
I like using a chili oil that contains chili flakes and aromatic spices for extra flavor. A milder version works well if I prefer less heat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
I can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free dumpling wrappers and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
How do I prevent the wrappers from tearing?
I keep the wrappers at room temperature and handle them gently while layering. Slight overlapping also helps maintain structure.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Although it’s not traditional for this fusion dish, I can experiment with a light sprinkle of mozzarella or a mild cheese if I want a creamy element.
Conclusion
This viral dumpling lasagna has quickly become one of my favorite fusion dishes to make. I love how it transforms simple dumpling wrappers into a layered, saucy bake packed with bold flavor. Whenever I want something comforting with a spicy twist, this is the recipe I turn to.
This Viral Dumpling Lasagna is a bold Asian fusion dinner layered with dumpling wrappers, chili oil, garlic, and soy sauce. Baked until perfectly saucy and lightly crisp on top, this spicy vegetarian comfort food is easy, unique, and totally irresistible.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Fusion
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
20–25 Dumpling Wrappers
4 tablespoons Chili Oil
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 teaspoons Rice Vinegar
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
2 stalks Green Onions (chopped)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chili flakes until fully combined.
Layer the Base:
Spread a spoonful of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Build the Layers:
Arrange 4–5 dumpling wrappers in a slightly overlapping layer. Spoon sauce evenly over the wrappers.
Repeat layering 4–5 times, finishing with sauce on top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to lightly crisp the top layer.
Garnish & Rest:
Remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use room-temperature dumpling wrappers to prevent tearing.
Allow resting time to help layers set before slicing.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or tofu between layers for added texture and protein.
For extra richness, drizzle additional chili oil before serving.