Spicy Chili Oil Dumplings are a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender dumplings tossed in a fragrant, homemade chili oil sauce. The combination of soft dumpling wrappers, juicy filling, and a rich, spicy sauce makes this dish a must-try for lovers of bold flavors. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these dumplings are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with bold, spicy, and savory flavors
- Simple and quick to prepare, especially with store-bought dumplings
- Customizable spice levels to suit your preference
- A perfect combination of soft dumplings and crispy chili flakes
- Great as an appetizer, snack, or a full meal
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
- Chili Oil Sauce:
- Chili flakes
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Sugar
- Green onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the dumplings according to package instructions or until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Chili Oil Sauce: Heat sesame oil in a small pan over low heat. Add chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, and minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Toss the Dumplings: Place the cooked dumplings in a bowl and drizzle with the chili oil sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: Reduce the chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns for a less spicy dish.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts for texture and nuttiness.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable dumplings and replace honey (if used) with maple syrup.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of honey or hoisin sauce to balance the heat.
- Pan-Fried Dumplings: Instead of boiling, pan-fry the dumplings for a crispy texture before tossing in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked dumplings for up to 2 months. The chili oil sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
- Reheating: Steam or pan-fry the dumplings over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dumplings too soft.
FAQs
What type of dumplings work best for this recipe?
You can use pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable dumplings—fresh or frozen—all work well with chili oil sauce.
Can I make the chili oil in advance?
Yes, chili oil can be made ahead and stored in an airtight jar for up to a month. The flavors intensify over time.
Is this dish extremely spicy?
The spice level depends on the amount of chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns used. Adjust them according to your taste preference.
Can I use store-bought chili oil?
Yes, but homemade chili oil has a fresher taste and allows you to control the spice level.
How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together?
After cooking, toss them lightly with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
What can I serve with these dumplings?
They pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Can I pan-fry instead of boiling the dumplings?
Yes, pan-frying gives the dumplings a crispy bottom, adding more texture to the dish.
How do I make the sauce less oily?
Reduce the sesame oil and balance the flavors with extra soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Can I use wontons instead of dumplings?
Yes, wontons work great in this recipe, especially when boiled or steamed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free dumplings and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
Spicy Chili Oil Dumplings are a perfect combination of heat, umami, and aromatic spices, making them an irresistible dish. Whether you prefer them boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, these dumplings are easy to customize and always satisfying. Try making a batch today and enjoy the rich flavors of homemade chili oil with every bite!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
These spicy dumplings are tossed in a flavorful chili oil sauce, creating the perfect balance of heat, savoriness, and umami in every bite!
Ingredients
- 20 dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Boil or steam dumplings according to package instructions.
- Mix soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic in a bowl.
- Toss the dumplings in the sauce and garnish with green onions. Serve hot!
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili oil.
- Try adding crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
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