Spicy Beef Chili Oil Dumplings

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 19, 2025

Featured in: Side Dishes

Discover the bold flavors of these spicy beef chili oil dumplings, where tender ground beef mingles with aromatic greens and a fragrant chili sauce. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of spice, umami, and freshness that is sure to delight your taste buds.

This delightful appetizer invites you to enjoy delicate homemade dumpling wrappers filled with a savory beef mixture and coated in a glossy, spicy chili oil sauce. Ideal for sharing and sure to impress at gatherings or as a flavorful snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade dough offers a tender yet chewy texture that complements the rich beef filling.
The chili oil sauce provides a balanced heat with subtle sweetness and tanginess.
Flexibility to customize spice levels and filling for diverse dietary preferences.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The base for a soft yet elastic dough to encase the filling perfectly.
Salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor and balances the seasoning throughout.
Warm water: Activates the gluten in the flour, allowing for a pliable dough.
Ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty base packed with rich umami flavor.
Green onions: Adds freshness and mild pungency, finely chopped to blend into the filling.
Garlic cloves: Infuse aromatic depth, minced to evenly distribute flavor.
Soy sauce: Delivers salty umami, boosting the overall savoriness of both filling and sauce.
Sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma crucial for authentic flavor.
Grated ginger: Introduces a subtle spicy zing and complexity to the filling.
Black pepper: Provides mild warmth and enhances the meatiness.
Chili flakes (optional): Offers adjustable heat to suit personal preference.
Chili oil: The key to the bold, fiery coating that makes these dumplings stand out.
Rice vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to balance spiciness.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to harmonize with the chili heat.
Sesame seeds: Provide a subtle crunch and enhance nutty notes for garnish.
Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a fresh bite.

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour with salt. Gradually pour in warm water while stirring to create a shaggy dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rest covered for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out thinly.
Prepare the Beef Filling: In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mixing by hand or spoon ensures even distribution of flavors, resulting in a savory, well-seasoned filling.
Shape the Dumplings: Roll the rested dough into a long cylinder and divide into equal pieces. Flatten each into discs and roll into thin circles about 3 inches wide. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, then fold the dough over and pinch tightly to seal. For an elegant touch, twist edges into rose-like spirals, which help lock in juices during cooking.
Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently add dumplings in batches. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until they float, indicating they are done. Alternatively, pan-fry dumplings in a skillet with a little oil until bottoms turn golden. Add water, cover, and steam until cooked through. Both methods yield tender, juicy dumplings with different textures.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions in a small bowl. This sauce balances heat, acidity, and sweetness, perfectly complementing the dumplings.
Toss and Serve: Transfer cooked dumplings to a serving bowl and toss gently with the chili oil sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot to enjoy the ultimate burst of flavors and textures.

You Must Know

Adjust the amount of chili flakes and chili oil according to your preferred spice tolerance to avoid overpowering heat.
Allow the dough to rest properly; this step is crucial for workable, elastic wrappers.
Ensure edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.

Storage Tips

Uncooked dumplings can be frozen by placing them individually on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cooked dumplings keep well in the refrigerator for 2 days; reheat by steaming or pan-frying to retain texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these spicy beef dumplings as an appetizer or snack alongside a light Asian cucumber salad or steamed bok choy. Pair with jasmine rice or a simple noodle dish for a complete meal experience.

Professional Tips

For a chewier texture, substitute bread flour in place of all-purpose flour in the dough.
Experiment with folding techniques like pleats or half-moons to create elegant dumpling shapes.
Try variations by incorporating minced mushrooms or crumbled tofu for vegetarian alternatives without losing umami richness.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made dumpling wrappers?: Yes, pre-made wrappers can save time but homemade dough provides a fresher taste and better texture.
How do I know when dumplings are cooked?: Dumplings are done when they float to the water surface during boiling or when steamed until the filling is no longer pink inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for dough, but texture and elasticity may slightly vary.
What is the best way to reheat leftover dumplings?: Pan-frying leftover dumplings restores their crisp texture, while steaming keeps them soft and moist.
Can I control the spice level?: Absolutely, reduce or omit chili flakes and chili oil to adjust spiciness to your preference.
How should I store leftover chili oil sauce?: Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; stir before use as ingredients may settle.
Is this recipe dairy-free?: Yes, none of the ingredients contain dairy, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.