Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 4, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Discover the perfect blend of textures and flavors with these oven-baked dumplings served in a creamy peanut sauce. The combination of tender dumplings, rich peanut butter, and aromatic soy sauce creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

This dish comes together easily in just over half an hour and is topped with fresh green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for a burst of brightness. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or entertaining guests, these oven-baked dumplings offer an impressive yet simple meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the ease of baking with the rich flavor of a peanut sauce for fuss-free cooking.
Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with your choice of vegetables and spice levels.
Made in one dish, saving time on cleanup and delivering a restaurant-quality taste at home.

Ingredients

Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions add a crisp, mild onion flavor and vibrant color as a garnish.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro provides a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness of the peanut sauce.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch and enhance the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Chili Crisp (Optional): Adds a spicy, aromatic kick with chili flakes and crunchy bits, perfect for heat lovers.
Broth or Water: The base for the sauce, broth adds depth, whereas water keeps the recipe lighter.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides richness and a velvety, nutty foundation to the sauce, essential for its creamy texture.
Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, savory notes essential for balanced flavor.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to enhance the overall taste and complement the peanut butter.
Rice Vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
Frozen Dumplings: Choose 14-20 frozen dumplings (vegetarian or your preference); they bake perfectly in the sauce.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli cut into small florets adds a healthy crunch and vibrant green color around the dumplings.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and select a medium-sized casserole or oven-safe braiser. Preheating ensures a consistent cooking environment for even baking of dumplings and vegetables.
Create the Peanut Sauce: In the baking dish, whisk together broth, creamy peanut butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until the sauce is mostly smooth. This blending step ensures the peanut butter fully dissolves for a creamy base with balanced flavors.
Arrange Dumplings and Add Sauce: Place frozen dumplings flat-side down into the sauce to help them bake evenly and absorb flavor. Spoon extra sauce over each dumpling to create a rich coating.
Add Broccoli Florets: Scatter broccoli florets around the dumplings, making sure they are partially submerged in the sauce. This helps them steam and soften while absorbing the savory peanut flavors.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with a lid or foil to trap steam and bake for 20 minutes. This step cooks dumplings through without drying and tenderizes the broccoli perfectly.
Uncover and Thicken Sauce: Remove the cover, gently stir the sauce to mix flavors, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a luscious coating for the dumplings.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and optional chili crisp over the top. Serve straight from the baking dish for a casual, flavorful meal that impresses.

You Must Know

Use frozen dumplings directly without thawing for best texture and even cooking in the oven.
The amount of chili crisp can be adjusted or omitted completely depending on your spice tolerance.
Vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms can be swapped in easily to customize the dish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the dumplings’ texture and sauce creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these dumplings with steamed jasmine rice or a simple Asian slaw to round out the meal. A light cucumber salad also complements the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

Professional Tips

Choose dumplings with a sturdy wrapper to hold up to baking without becoming soggy or falling apart.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of coconut milk or coconut cream before baking.
Use freshly grated ginger with the garlic to add an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen?: Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly as fresh dumplings cook faster. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: It depends on the dumplings and soy sauce used. Choose gluten-free dumplings and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?: Absolutely, preparing the peanut sauce in advance saves time. Just whisk before baking to recombine any separated ingredients.
What vegetables work best as swaps for broccoli?: Snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms are excellent substitutes that bake well and complement the peanut sauce.
How spicy is this dish?: The spice level depends on the amount of chili crisp you add. Omit for mild or add more for extra heat.
Can I make this vegan?: Yes, ensure the dumplings are filled with vegetables and that the broth and soy sauce used are vegan.
How do I prevent dumplings from sticking?: Place dumplings flat-side down and spoon sauce over them to keep them well coated and prevent sticking during baking.