Fried Lamb Dumplings with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-16 · Updated 2026-04-16

Crispy dumplings filled with spiced lamb and onions, served with sweet caramelized onions for a satisfying meal. This Asian recipe, ready in about 75 minutes, pairs ground lamb, yellow onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup water while mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place 2 tablespoons of the lamb mixture in the center of each circle, fold in half to form a half-moon, and crimp edges with a fork.
4. Step 4: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry dumplings in batches of 4 for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Step 5: In a small skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt.