Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce

These oven-baked dumplings with peanut sauce are crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. I love how the baking method creates a golden, satisfying texture without needing to fry anything — and the creamy, savory peanut sauce takes everything to the next level. Whether I serve them as an appetizer, snack, or light dinner, they always disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these dumplings are healthier than traditional pan-fried versions but still taste just as good. Baking them gives me a crispy outside while keeping the filling juicy inside. The peanut sauce is rich and full of bold, nutty flavor with a hint of spice, making it the perfect dip. Plus, the whole dish is easy to prep in batches, so it’s great for entertaining or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dumplings:

• Dumpling wrappers
• Ground chicken or ground vegetables (like cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots)
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Soy sauce
• Green onions, finely chopped
• Sesame oil
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing)

For the peanut sauce:

• Peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar or lime juice
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Water (to thin the sauce)
• Chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, I mix the filling: ground chicken or veggies, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. I place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper, dampen the edges with water, and fold to seal, pressing out any air.
4. I arrange the dumplings on the baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
5. I bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
6. While the dumplings bake, I make the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar or lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and water until smooth. I add chili flakes or sriracha if I want a spicy kick.
7. I serve the dumplings warm with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 dumplings and serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a main dish. Prep time takes around 20 minutes, and baking takes 15–18 minutes, so I have everything ready in about 35–40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the filling with tofu and shredded veggies for a plant-based version. I’ve also added chopped shrimp for extra texture. For the sauce, I sometimes stir in a bit of coconut milk for a creamier, mellow flavor. I change up the seasoning by adding a touch of hoisin or a splash of sesame oil to the peanut sauce when I want more depth.

storage/reheating

Leftover dumplings keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes to get them crispy again. I avoid microwaving because it makes them soft. If I want to freeze them, I do it before baking — I arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze, then store in a bag. I bake them from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dumpling wrappers?

Yes, I always use store-bought wrappers for convenience. They’re easy to find in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.

Do I need to cook the filling before assembling?

No, I use raw filling — it cooks through in the oven. I just make sure everything is finely chopped and well mixed.

Can I air-fry these dumplings instead?

Yes, I air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out super crispy.

How do I keep the dumplings from drying out in the oven?

Brushing or spraying them with oil before baking helps keep the wrappers from drying out and ensures a golden finish.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. I store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It thickens as it sits, so I stir in a bit of warm water before serving to loosen it up.

Conclusion

These oven-baked dumplings with peanut sauce are a delicious, fuss-free twist on a takeout favorite. I love how crisp, flavorful, and satisfying they are without the need for frying. With endless ways to customize the filling and a bold dipping sauce to match, this is one recipe I keep coming back to again and again.

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