Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chinese-style dumplings filled with Vietnamese lemongrass and Korean kimchi, served with a soy-ginger dipping sauce. This chinese-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs dumpling wrappers, ground pork, stalk lemongrass for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely chop the white part of the lemongrass stalk (discard the tough green portion) and drain excess liquid from the kimchi by pressing it in a colander. Combine the chopped lemongrass, kimchi, 300g ground pork, and 1 tbsp grated ginger in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, then mix thoroughly with a spoon until the pork is evenly coated and the mixture is slightly sticky. Tip: Avoid overmixing — this helps keep the dumplings tender.
  2. Step 2: Place a heaping tablespoon of the pork-lemongrass mixture in the center of each dumpling wrapper, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, then press the edges together with your fingers to seal. Moisten the edges with a little water for a stronger seal. Tip: If the mixture is too wet, pat it dry with a paper towel before filling.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the dumplings in a single layer, flat side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the wrappers turn translucent. Carefully pour 3-4 tbsp water into the pan, immediately cover with a lid, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked and the water has evaporated. Tip: For steaming, place dumplings in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 10-12 minutes until the wrappers are tender.
  4. Step 4: Serve the dumplings immediately, drizzled with a sauce made by whisking 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar (optional) in a small bowl. Tip: For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dumpling wrappers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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