Easy Lazy Skillet Dumplings Recipe
These easy skillet dumplings are my tested-and-perfected take on the viral recipe that’s been all over social media. With a savory pork filling and spicy dipping sauce, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
These lazy skillet dumplings are based on a viral recipe that’s been trending for its creative way of preparing dumplings—placing mounds of pork filling in a skillet, topping them with dumpling wrappers, steaming, and serving with a simple dipping sauce. I loved the concept, but the original didn’t hold together well, so I went back to the drawing board and created a version that works beautifully.
This dish features juicy, flavorful pork filling, tender wrappers, and lightly crisp bottoms, culminated by a savory-spicy dipping sauce. They’re perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or as a light dinner alongside some veggies.
What You’ll Need To Make Lazy Skillet Dumplings
| Ingredients |
|---|
| 3 tablespoons cornstarch |
| 2 tablespoons soy sauce |
| 3 tablespoons water |
| 2 teaspoons sesame oil |
| 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger |
| 3 scallions (light and dark green parts, finely chopped) |
| 2 cloves garlic (minced) |
| 1 teaspoon sugar |
| Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt |
| ¼ teaspoon white pepper |
| 1 lb ground pork |
| 22 to 24 Hong Kong-style dumpling wrappers |
| ¾ cup water (for steaming) |
| Vegetable oil (for cooking) |
| 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for dipping sauce) |
| 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar |
| 1 to 1½ teaspoons chili crunch or chili oil |
| 1 tablespoon sugar (for sauce) |
Step-By-Step Instructions
-
Make the filling.
In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil until dissolved. Mix in ginger, scallions, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the pork and blend well with hands until combined. The mixture is expected to be wet.
-
Set up your assembly station.
Lightly oil a large nonstick skillet and place it next to your pork mixture.
Pro tip: Setting everything up beforehand helps streamline the process.
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Fill the wrappers.
Lay out 12 wrappers and position about 1½ tablespoons of filling in each center. Form an open-top dumpling by cupping the filled wrapper in your hand, and gently pleating the sides.
Pro tip: Keep unused wrappers covered to prevent drying out.
-
Steam and crisp.
Place dumplings in the skillet, ensuring space between them. Add around ¾ cup water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat, cooking for about 8 minutes until cooked through. Remove lid and cook until bottoms are lightly golden.
Pro tip: Avoid crowding; use two skillets if necessary.
-
Make the dipping sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crunch, and sugar. Adjust chili crunch to taste.
-
Serve.
Transfer dumplings to a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with scallions.
Pro tip: A thin spatula helps lift dumplings without damage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are lazy skillet dumplings?
Lazy skillet dumplings are a simplified version of traditional dumplings made by placing pork filling in a skillet and covering it with dumpling wrappers, which are then steamed.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
What dipping sauces go well with these dumplings?
These dumplings pair excellently with soy sauce mixed with vinegar and chili, but you can explore other dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce.