Chinese Dumplings with Vietnamese Lemongrass and Korean Kimchi
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.
Ingredients
- 20 dumpling wrappers
- 300g ground pork
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 1 cup kimchi
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.