Skip the wrapping! Layers of chicken and shrimp dumpling filling and wrappers, steamed until juicy and tender. Asian comfort food made weeknight-friendly.

Introduction

I love dumplings, but let’s be honest: dumpling wrapping can be a marathon. I don’t care the argument, dumpling wrapping requires time, patience, and a level of commitment I simply do not have on most days.

So when I had this craving for dumplings, but zero energy to go through the marathon, I remembered this dumpling lasagna idea that went viral on social media. Instead of wrapping dumplings one by one, everything gets layered and steamed like a lasagna. Same flavours, same comfort, none of the fiddly work.

I credit this dish to @april_eatz on TikTok, but of course, I added my own twist, because I can never leave things alone. Most versions stick to just chicken or pork mince, which is great, but sometimes straight meat fillings can taste a little too intense or one-note, especially if you’re sensitive to stronger meaty flavours. That’s where my favourite trick comes in: shrimp!

What I really love about this recipe is that there’s no need for precision here. This dish is forgiving, rustic, and very hard to mess up… exactly how I like my comfort food!

Jump to Recipe

What This Dish Is

This viral dumpling lasagna is exactly what it sounds like: dumpling filling and dumpling wrappers layered like a lasagna, then steamed until juicy and tender!

It was even nicknamed the “Asian lasagna”, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. This recipe went viral right after the end-of-year festive period… you know, when we’ve all had plenty of the lasagnas we know and love.

But unlike a traditional baked lasagna, this version is:

Steamed instead of baked

Lighter, juicier, and less heavy

Still incredibly satisfying

I also added shrimp to the filling which:

Softens the overall flavour
Adds a natural sweetness and umami
Makes the dumplings taste lighter and more balanced

Why You’ll Love This Dish

No dumpling wrapping required – You get all the dumpling goodness without the time-consuming folding.
Same flavours, way less effort – Everything you love about dumplings, just layered!
Juicy and comforting, but not heavy – Steaming keeps everything light yet satisfying.
Perfect for dumpling lovers who “never have time” – Me!
High Protein Comfort Food – if you’re one of those obsessed with protein, this recipe packs about 36g per serving!

Key Ingredients

Dumpling Filling

Chicken mince: Or mince protein of choice.

Shrimp/prawns, peeled & deveined: My secret ingredient for juicy, sweet dumplings. Finely chop or roughly process and fold into the filling.

Cabbage, finely minced: Adds body, fibre, and releases moisture as it cooks to keep the filling juicy and slightly soupy.

Carrot, finely minced (optional): Adds colour and a gentle sweetness.

Spring onions, chopped: For freshness and classic dumpling flavour.

Ginger (grated or paste): Lightens the filling and cuts through richness.

Oyster sauce

Soy sauce

Sesame oil

Sugar

White pepper

Wrapper

Dumpling / wonton / gyoza wrappers: Acts as the “lasagna sheets” once steamed.

Garnish & Sauce

Chilli oil For heat and richness.

Vinegar (Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar): Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.

Extra spring onions: For freshness and garnish.

Key Steps to Making Dumpling Lasagna

1. Prepare the Dumpling Filling

In a large bowl, combine all filling ingredients.

NOTE: If you have a food processor, use it to quickly mince cabbages, carrots and shrimp! No minced chicken? Toss chicken breasts in the food processor and pulse to get mince.

Mix thoroughly until well combined and slightly sticky. This helps the filling bind and stay juicy once steamed.

Optional: Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes, or up to overnight, for deeper flavour.

2. Assemble the Dumpling Lasagna

For each ramekin:

i. Spoon a thin layer of dumpling filling onto the base.

ii. Place 1 dumpling wrapper flat on top.

iii. Add another spoonful of filling (about 1 generous tablespoon).

iv. Add another wrapper.

v. Repeat until you have 3 layers of filling and wrappers.

Before adding the final top wrapper, pour in ¼ cup (60 ml) water or stock. This creates a juicy, slightly soupy dumpling lasagna.

Finish with the final wrapper layer on top.

NOTE: Each ramekin should have 3 layers of filling, and 4 dumpling wrappers. The measurements here are good for 4 ramekins.

3. Steam

Bring your steamer to a rolling boil.

Carefully place the ramekins into the steamer and steam for 20 minutes.

If starting with cold water, or in a cold steamer, steam for 25 minutes total.

The dumpling lasagna is done when:

Wrappers are soft and translucent

Filling is cooked through and juicy

4. Serve

Carefully remove from the steamer.

Make a dumpling sauce with:
- Chilli oil
- Vinegar

Top with the dumpling lasagnas with the dumpling sauce and extra spring onions.

Serve hot and enjoy straight from the ramekin!

How to Serve It

I don’t know about you, but dumplings without sauce feel incomplete.

Once steamed, I love serving this dumpling lasagna:

Finished with a generous drizzle of chilli oil and vinegar sauce!

Topped with extra spring onions

Each spoonful gives you layers of wrapper, filling, and broth! Very dumpling, very cozy, very addictive.

This is best enjoyed straight from the ramekin, preferably while it’s still steaming.

Tips & Tricks

Finely mince your vegetables: This helps them release moisture evenly and blend into the filling.
Mix the filling well: A slightly sticky texture means better binding and juicier results.
Resting the filling helps: Even 30 minutes deepens the flavour, but it’s optional.
Add liquid before the final wrapper layer: This is the key to that soupy, luscious finish.
Don’t skip the sauce: The chilli-vinegar combo cuts through the richness beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Re-steam gently or microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture.

Best enjoyed fresh: While it reheats well, this dish truly shines when freshly steamed and juicy.