If you love the delicate flavors of dumplings and the comforting layers of lasagna, then you are in for a real treat with the Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna: Steamed Shrimp-filled Dumpling Layered like Lasagna Recipe. This clever fusion brings together tender shrimp filling nestled between silky dumpling wrappers, stacked layer upon layer, then steamed to perfection. The result? A dish that is as visually striking as it is delicious, offering a textural play that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each one plays a vital role in making this dish shine. From the sweet juiciness of fresh shrimp to the aromatic punch of ginger and garlic, everything combines beautifully for a balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Raw shrimp (1 lb/450g): The star protein, peeled and deveined for a tender and juicy filling.
- Green onions (2, finely chopped): Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a hint of crunch.
- Grated ginger (1 tbsp): Delivers a warm, zesty brightness to enhance the shrimp.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides a subtle savory depth that complements the ginger perfectly.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings umami richness to the shrimp mixture and optional dipping sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s fragrance.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp): Helps bind the shrimp filling for the perfect consistency.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
- White pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers a subtle heat that doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Dumpling wrappers (20–24 round or square): Acts as the delicate layers that hold everything together.
- Finely shredded napa cabbage (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a light crunch and freshness to balance the shrimp.
- Oil for greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures smooth layers.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp), rice vinegar (1 tbsp), chili oil (1 tsp), sugar (1/2 tsp): Combined for a tangy-spicy dipping sauce or drizzle.
- Extra green onions or sesame seeds: Perfect for garnish and finishing touches.
How to Make Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna: Steamed Shrimp-filled Dumpling Layered like Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling
Start by finely chopping your peeled and deveined shrimp by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor, but keep some texture so the filling doesn’t become mushy. Then, mix in green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper until the mixture is slightly sticky. This blend ensures the shrimp stays juicy with layers of aromatic flavors bursting through each bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Dumpling “Lasagna”
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch heatproof pan or a similarly sized round cake pan to prevent sticking. Lay a single layer of dumpling wrappers, overlapping them slightly like you would with pasta sheets. Spread a thin layer of the shrimp filling evenly over the wrappers, and top with a small sprinkle of finely shredded napa cabbage if using for added crunch and freshness. Repeat these layers — wrappers, shrimp filling, and cabbage — until all the filling is used, finishing with a layer of wrappers on top. Brush the surface gently with oil to keep it soft and glossy after steaming.
Step 3: Steam to Perfection
Bring water to a steady boil in a steamer. Place your assembled pan inside, cover tightly, and let it steam for 20 to 25 minutes. This gentle cooking method ensures the shrimp cooks thoroughly and the dumpling wrappers become tender and tenderly translucent, melding all the layers together beautifully.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once steamed, let your shrimp dumpling lasagna rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the layers set slightly for cleaner slicing. Cut into squares or wedges, just like you would with traditional lasagna, and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna: Steamed Shrimp-filled Dumpling Layered like Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off your Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna with a sprinkle of extra finely chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast. Drizzling a bit of the soy-vinegar-chili sauce over each piece can take the flavor profile from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
To complement this dish, light and refreshing sides like cucumber salad or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley are perfect choices. They provide crispness and balance that enhance the gentle flavor and soft texture of the lasagna without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual wedges on small plates with dipping bowls of your tangy chili sauce for a stylish appetizer approach. Alternatively, layer the lasagna in a shallow glass baking dish so the stunning cross-section of translucent wrappers and pink shrimp filling is visible, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making reheated portions just as satisfying as fresh ones.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze individual portions wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the delicate texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best method to reheat is gently steaming again for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the wrappers tough or rubbery. This careful reheating keeps the dumpling layers soft and the shrimp juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work well; just make sure to thaw completely, drain excess moisture, and pat dry before chopping to avoid watery filling.
What if I can’t find round dumpling wrappers?
Square wonton wrappers are a perfect substitute and can be layered just as easily to create this delicious lasagna effect.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap shrimp for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu mixed with the same aromatic seasonings to create a vegetarian-friendly version that still satisfies those umami cravings.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The shrimp will turn opaque pink, and the wrappers will be tender and translucent. Steaming for 20-25 minutes usually ensures perfect doneness.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Finely chopped water chestnuts add a wonderful crunch, and you could throw in some minced shiitake mushrooms or fresh herbs to customize the flavors to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna: Steamed Shrimp-filled Dumpling Layered like Lasagna Recipe is such a delightful way to reinvent familiar flavors into something exciting and heartwarming. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and bound to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. Give it a try and enjoy this fun fusion that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna: Steamed Shrimp-filled Dumpling Layered like Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Shrimp Dumpling Lasagna is a unique and delicious fusion recipe that layers juicy shrimp filling and silky dumpling wrappers like a lasagna, then steams the entire dish to tender, savory perfection. This easy-to-make, steamed dish offers soft, flavorful layers making it a creative twist on traditional dumplings.
Ingredients
Shrimp Filling
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Layering
- 20–24 round dumpling wrappers (or square wonton wrappers)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded napa cabbage (optional, lightly squeezed dry)
- Oil for greasing pan
Optional Topping/Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Extra green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Filling: Finely chop shrimp by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor to maintain some texture. In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with green onions, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
- Assemble the “Lasagna”: Lightly oil an 8×8-inch heatproof pan or a small round cake pan that fits inside your steamer. Place a single layer of dumpling wrappers at the bottom, slightly overlapping. Spread a thin, even layer of the shrimp filling on top, sprinkle a small amount of shredded napa cabbage if using. Repeat the layering of wrappers, shrimp filling, and cabbage until all filling is used, finishing with a wrapper layer on top. Lightly brush the surface with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Steam: Bring water to a boil in your steamer. Place the assembled pan inside the steamer, cover tightly, and steam for 20 to 25 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked and the dumpling wrappers are tender and delicate.
- Rest & Slice: Remove the pan from the steamer and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Carefully slice into squares or wedges for serving.
- Serve with Dumpling Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil to create a dipping sauce. Drizzle over the lasagna slices or serve on the side. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Do not overprocess the shrimp; keeping some texture enhances the dish.
- Keep layers thin for even and thorough cooking during steaming.
- If using napa cabbage, squeeze it well to remove excess moisture and avoid sogginess.
- For additional crunch, finely chopped water chestnuts can be added to the shrimp filling.
- Use a heatproof pan that fits properly inside your steamer to ensure even cooking.
