If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and savory notes, look no further than this delightful Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe. These dumplings bathed in a luscious coconut curry sauce are baked to tender perfection, offering a comforting yet vibrant meal that bursts with flavor in every bite. The combination of fragrant coconut milk, bold red curry, fresh green onions, and nutty sesame seeds creates a harmonious blend that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is satisfying to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe are refreshingly simple but incredibly impactful. Each component plays a key role in developing the sauce’s rich flavor, the dumplings’ perfect texture, and the dish’s appealing finish.
- Frozen Dumplings: The star of the dish, these provide a chewy and satisfying base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Red Curry Paste: Adds a spicy, aromatic depth that gives the curry its signature kick.
- Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to balance the sweetness and spice.
- Sesame Oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty note that enriches the flavor profile.
- Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy, luscious sauce that wraps around each dumpling perfectly.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh aromatics that brighten and spice up the sauce naturally.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a slight tang that lifts the richness of the coconut milk.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the curry’s heat.
- Cilantro, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Essential garnishes that add freshness, crunch, and an extra layer of flavor.
- Chili Crunch: Optional but highly recommended for a delightful spicy crunch.
- Baby Spinach (optional): A vibrant, leafy green that wilts beautifully atop the hot dumplings.
How to Make Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish or an ovenproof skillet to make sure the dumplings won’t stick during baking. This simple prep step is crucial for an easy cleanup and for keeping your dumplings intact.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and garlic. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Take a moment to taste and tweak this sauce if you like—more soy sauce for salt, extra curry paste for spiciness, or a splash more vinegar for brightness. This customized sauce is the secret to making your baked dumplings unforgettable.
Step 3: Arrange the Dumplings in a Single Layer
Place 14 to 20 frozen dumplings neatly in your prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Even spacing allows the sauce to seep into each dumpling and bake beautifully.
Step 4: Pour on the Sauce and Bake Covered
Carefully pour the curry sauce over the dumplings, making sure they are mostly submerged. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam and bake for 20 minutes. This gentle steaming bakes the dumplings through while infusing them with the heavenly coconut curry flavor.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will bubble and thicken slightly, and the dumplings will reach tender, juicy perfection – a beautiful balance of baked and saucy delight.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
If using baby spinach, scatter it over the dumplings right after baking so it wilts gently from the residual heat. Garnish generously with cilantro, sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of chili crunch for a mouthwatering finish that dazzles in both flavor and texture.
How to Serve Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and cilantro add a lively pop of color and a refreshing crispness, while sesame seeds contribute a toasty nuttiness. Chili crunch adds an exciting spicy crunch. These garnishes don’t just decorate the dish—they elevate every forkful with dynamic texture and vibrant layers of taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these dumplings alongside a light cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a simple vegetable stir-fry. These sides complement the rich coconut curry sauce without overshadowing the unique flavors, creating a balanced and complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing display, serve the dumplings directly in the baking dish or on a large platter topped with greens and garnishes. For a fun twist, present them as appetizers on small plates with dipping sauces to highlight the creamy curry flavor and crispy garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked coconut curry dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen in the fridge, making for even more delicious leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked dumplings without garnishes by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze them for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the dumplings gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to avoid drying out, or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel to keep moist. Add fresh garnishes after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh dumplings will work well; just adjust the baking time slightly as they may cook faster. Keep an eye on the sauce to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring your dumplings are plant-based and using maple syrup instead of honey. The coconut curry sauce is naturally dairy-free and plant-based.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the amount of red curry paste or add extra chili crunch. Both will amp up the heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
What if I don’t have red curry paste?
If you can’t find red curry paste, you can use a blend of curry powder with some chili flakes as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. The red curry paste gives a unique aromatic depth.
Can I bake the dumplings without a sauce?
While you could bake dumplings plain, the coconut curry sauce is what sets this recipe apart, adding moisture and bold flavor. It’s highly recommended not to skip the sauce.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe. It’s an exciting, flavorful way to transform simple dumplings into a comforting meal with layers of texture and richness. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Baked Coconut Curry Dumplings recipe combines the rich, creamy flavors of coconut milk and red curry paste with tender dumplings baked to perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and a hint of chili crunch, this dish offers an aromatic, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Dumplings
- 14–20 Frozen Dumplings
Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Red Curry Paste
- 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil (or oil of choice)
- 1 (14-ounce) can Coconut Milk
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Ginger, minced
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Honey (or real maple syrup)
Garnishes and Optional
- Cilantro, for garnish
- 2 Green Onions, sliced
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Chili Crunch
- Sesame Seeds
- Baby Spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish or an ovenproof skillet to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh minced ginger, and garlic cloves. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as desired—add more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for brightness, or curry paste for extra spice.
- Arrange Dumplings: Place the frozen dumplings in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Add Sauce and Cover: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the dumplings, making sure they are mostly covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the dumplings are tender and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: If using baby spinach, immediately top the dumplings with fresh spinach after baking so it wilts slightly from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili crunch for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red curry paste and chili crunch.
- Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to bake and serve in the same dish.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure dumplings are vegan-friendly.
- Frozen dumplings do not require thawing—cook directly from frozen for best texture.
- Adding baby spinach is optional but adds a fresh, green element that complements the rich curry sauce.
