If you love bold flavor but hate washing dishes, this one pan dumpling bake is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Frozen dumplings bake directly in a creamy Thai red curry coconut sauce, turning golden on top while soaking up rich, spicy flavor underneath. The best part? It takes just 5 minutes of prep and only one dish. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this one pan dumpling bake perfectly every time, plus serving ideas, storage tips, and simple variations to customize it for your family.
A Cozy Shortcut Dinner That Feels Special
There are nights when dinner needs to happen fast. Between homework, laundry, and Grandma asking what smells so good, I don’t always have time for complicated meals. That’s when this one pan dumpling bake saves me.
The first time I made it, I wasn’t planning anything fancy. I had frozen dumplings in the freezer and a lonely can of coconut milk in the pantry. Grandma raised her eyebrow when I stirred Thai red curry paste into the milk. But once the oven started working its magic, the whole kitchen smelled warm, spicy, and comforting.
When I pulled out that bubbling dish of creamy dumplings, topped with chili crisp and cilantro, everyone went quiet at the table. That’s how I knew this one pan dumpling bake was a keeper.
It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with umami from soy sauce and sesame oil. Even better, the dumplings soak up the coconut curry sauce while baking, so every bite tastes rich and satisfying. If you love bold comfort food like our Birria Pizza, this recipe delivers that same cozy flavor energy with half the effort.
Ingredients for One Pan Dumpling Bake
What You’ll Need
- 15–18 frozen dumplings
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tbsp minced garlic (or 3–4 cloves finely diced)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Chili crisp oil
- Fresh lime juice
This ingredient list stays simple, but the flavor feels layered and bold. Full-fat coconut milk creates a silky sauce, while red curry paste adds depth and gentle heat. Sesame oil enhances the aroma, and soy sauce balances sweetness with saltiness.
You can use chicken, or veggie dumplings. All work beautifully. If you enjoy easy oven dinners like our Mexican Breakfast Casserole, you’ll appreciate how hands-off this one pan dumpling bake feels.
Ingredient Tips & Easy Swaps
- Use green curry paste for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra texture.
- Prefer mild heat? Reduce curry paste to 1 tablespoon.
- Want extra protein? Stir in cubed tofu before baking.
How to Make One Pan Dumpling Bake
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375℉.
Step 2: In a 9×13 baking dish, add coconut milk, red curry paste, ground ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Stir gently until fully combined.
Step 3: Arrange frozen dumplings on top of the sauce, side by side without overlapping. Fit as many as possible.
Step 4: Spoon some sauce over the tops of the dumplings.
Step 5: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Remove foil and bake uncovered for 5 minutes.
Optional Step: For slightly crispy dumplings, broil uncovered on HIGH for 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, chili crisp oil, or lime juice.
The dumplings steam and bake simultaneously, soaking up the coconut curry sauce underneath. If you love crispy edges like in our Air Fryer Empanadas, that quick broil step gives you similar texture contrast.
Serving, Variations, and Storage
How to Serve One Pan Dumpling Bake
Serve this one pan dumpling bake straight from the dish. The sauce pools beautifully at the bottom, so spoon extra over each serving.
Pair it with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Simple cucumber salad
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Fresh lime wedges
The creamy curry sauce also tastes incredible drizzled over rice or noodles.
Flavor Variations
- Creamier Version: Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese before baking.
- Extra Heat: Stir in 1 teaspoon sriracha.
- Peanut Twist: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter to the sauce.
- Herb Boost: Mix in Thai basil before serving.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave or oven until hot.
- Sauce thickens overnight, so add a splash of coconut milk when reheating.
FAQs About One Pan Dumpling Bake
Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?
Yes. Reduce bake time slightly since fresh dumplings cook faster.
Do I need to thaw dumplings first?
No. Bake directly from frozen for best texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
It already is dairy-free since it uses coconut milk.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce ahead, but bake just before serving for best texture.
One Pan Dumpling Bake – Creamy, Easy Weeknight Dinne
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Creamy one pan dumpling bake made with frozen dumplings and Thai red curry coconut sauce. Easy 30-minute dinner.
Ingredients
15–18 frozen dumplings
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tbsp minced garlic
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix coconut milk, curry paste, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic in a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Arrange frozen dumplings on top without overlapping.
4. Spoon sauce over dumplings.
5. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes.
7. Optional: Broil 2-3 minutes for crispy tops.
8. Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
No need to thaw dumplings.
Add vegetables for extra texture.
Sauce thickens after refrigeration.