Hey food lovers, today I want to share why dumplings have become my ultimate kitchen lifesaver and comfort food all rolled into one.

I always make sure to have a package of dumplings in my freezer – it’s like having a reliable backup plan that never lets me down. Whether I need a quick lunch between meetings, something satisfying for dinner after a long day, or a crowd-pleaser when family comes over, dumplings just work.

On busy workdays, I’ll quickly pan-fry a handful and toss together a simple salad. The combination of crispy dumpling bottoms with fresh greens makes such a satisfying lunch, and it takes barely any time to put together. I’ve packed this combo for work lunches more times than I can count.

When the kids are over for dinner or we’re having a small family gathering, dumplings become my go-to side dish. They pair beautifully with a big bowl of beef noodle soup, especially on those colder days when everyone wants something warming and hearty. I’ve noticed how dumplings have this way of bringing people together – there’s always that moment when someone reaches for “just one more” and suddenly the whole plate disappears.

dumpling soups with chicken slices — Dumpling & Spinach Soup by Salvia

What I really appreciate about dumplings is how they adapt to whatever I need them to be. Some days they’re my quick solo meal, other days they’re the centerpiece of a family feast. They manage to feel both wonderfully ordinary and a little special at the same time. Having them in the freezer gives me this sense of security – like no matter how busy or unprepared I am, I can still put something delicious on the table.

Now, while plain dumplings are wonderful on their own, there’s one preparation that takes them to another level entirely – chili oil dumplings. The combination of crispy, tender dumplings with that fragrant, spicy oil is absolutely irresistible.

The Best 5-Minute Spicy Chili Sauce for Asian Food — Homemade Chili Oil Sauce by Salvia

But for the absolute best chili oil dumplings, I have to tell you about making the perfect chili oil. You can try making it at home with this simple recipe – it’s surprisingly quick and incredibly delicious – or you can go with Lao Gan Ma, which happens to be my most trusted go-to option.

Pan-Fried Dumplings (Potstickers)

Recipe by Salvia

Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

This recipe creates a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown bottom and a tender, steamed top.

Ingredients

Frozen or fresh dumplings
1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil
1/2 cup of water (for steaming)
Your favorite chili oil sauce or dipping sauce
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Directions

Fry the bottom: Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the dumplings in the pan in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Brown the bottoms: Cook the dumplings for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are a deep golden brown and crispy.
Steam the tops: Carefully add about 1/2 cup of water to the pan (be careful, as the water will sizzle and steam immediately). Immediately cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium.
Finish cooking: Let the dumplings steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has completely evaporated and the dumplings are cooked through. The wrappers will become soft and the filling will be hot.
Crisp up the bottom (optional): Once the water has evaporated, you can remove the lid and continue to cook for another minute or two on medium-high heat to re-crisp the bottoms if they became soft from the steaming.
Serve: Transfer the dumplings to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite chili oil sauce and garnishes.

Recipe Video

Making Your Chili Oil Dumplings Even Better

If you already have your own chili oil at home, don’t forget to heat it up first to bring out all those aromatic flavors.

If you’re not sure about making your own chili sauce from scratch, you can try using Lao Gan Ma as your base. It’s already packed with flavor and ready to use straight from the jar, but adding a few simple ingredients really takes it to the next level.

Asian Comfort Food_ Chili Oil Dumplings Recipe

I always keep these ingredients nearby when I’m making my sauce:

Soy Sauce: This deepens the savory flavor and adds that rich umami taste
Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar: The tanginess really brightens everything up and cuts through the oil nicely
Sugar: Just a pinch helps smooth out the heat and balances the acidity
Toasted Sesame Oil: This adds such a lovely nutty fragrance

I like to mix everything together in a small bowl, starting with just a little bit of each addition. The beauty is in tasting as you go – you’ll quickly find what works for your palate. Some days I want it more tangy, other days a bit sweeter.

Once dumplings are perfectly cooked, just toss them gently in your customized sauce right before serving. The warm dumplings really help all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Happy cooking – I hope you enjoy it!