Name: Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated; 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger; 2 tbsp cold water; 1 tbsp light oil; 1 packet (12 pieces) frozen dinner dumplings; 4 baby pak choi, halved down the middle; 1 large spring onion, sliced (to serve); Toasted sesame seeds (to serve)

If you’re anything like me, you crave quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor or that satisfying homemade feel. This Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe fits the bill perfectly. With minimal prep, frozen dumplings, and a vibrant sauce that’s sticky-sweet with just a hint of zing, it’s become a go-to that my family gobbles up every time. I’m excited to share this cozy, delicious meal with you—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: You can make a flavorful dinner in just 20 minutes, starting with frozen dumplings.
Perfect Texture Combo: Crispy dumplings meet tender pak choi coated in a sticky sweet chilli sauce—you get the best of both worlds.
Built for Weeknights: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it easy even when you’re short on time or energy.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: You can swap veggies or dumpling types easily—and everyone I serve it to loves it!

A white plate holds a dish with about seven golden-brown dumplings covered in a shiny dark brown sauce. Under and around the dumplings are several green baby bok choy pieces, some charred in places, with bright green sliced scallions sprinkled on top. White and black sesame seeds are scattered across the entire dish. To the right side of the plate is a silver fork resting inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with green spring onions at the top left and a small white bowl with mixed black and white sesame seeds at the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe shine. The frozen dumplings do the heavy lifting, while a handful of fresh veggies and a simple sauce bring it all together. Pro tip: grab good quality sweet chilli sauce—it makes a huge difference in flavor.

Sweet chilli sauce: This is the star of the sauce—look for one that balances sweetness and heat without being too overpowering.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth; light soy keeps it bright without darkening the stir fry too much.
Rice vinegar: Gives a gentle tanginess to cut through the sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic packs way more punch than pre-minced.
Fresh ginger: Adds brightness and warmth; grate it finely to avoid any fibrous bits.
Light oil (like vegetable or canola): Perfect for frying without distracting flavors.
Frozen dinner dumplings: Any variety you like—pork, chicken, vegetable—these cook from frozen, saving time.
Baby pak choi: Its crisp texture and mild flavor complement the dumplings perfectly.
Spring onion: Fresh, sliced on top for a pop of color and sharpness.
Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty and crunchy, a simple garnish that adds another tasty layer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe is incredibly flexible, so I encourage you to make it your own. I’ve tried swapping in different veggies and proteins depending on what’s in my fridge, and it always works out great.

Vegetable Swap: I often use bok choy, broccoli florets, or snap peas instead of pak choi—each brings a different texture and freshness.
Protein Variety: Try chicken or prawn dumplings if you want a change from pork or veggie ones; just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Heat Level: Add some sriracha or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce if you want to crank up the spice.
Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free dumplings and tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Get the Dumplings Crispy and Ready

Heat your pan with oil until it’s shimmering—this is key for that crisp bottom on the dumplings. Arrange the frozen dumplings flat side down and don’t crowd the pan. Patience here pays off; let the bottoms get golden and crunchy before flipping them gently to crisp the other side. I like to do this over medium-high heat so you get that satisfying crisp without burning.

Step 2: Prep Veggies and Sauce While Dumplings Cook

While the dumplings crisp up, halve the baby pak choi lengthwise so they cook evenly and soak in the sauce flavor later. Next, whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a little water—the sauce is fresh and simple but bursts with flavor. Having the sauce ready is a game-changer so you can add it straight to the pan when the dumplings turn golden.

Step 3: Add Pak Choi and Finish with Sauce

Once you flip the dumplings and they’re crisp on both sides, tuck the pak choi in around the edges, cut side down. Let it cook quickly until it’s just starting to soften and take on a bit of color—no one wants limp greens! Then, lower the heat to medium, pour in the sauce, and let everything bubble gently. The sauce thickens and turns glossy, coating the dumplings and pak choi beautifully. This step really ties all those flavors together.

Step 4: Serve Up and Garnish

Dish this vibrant stir fry into warm bowls, then sprinkle with plenty of sliced spring onion and toasted sesame seeds. The fresh crunch and nutty flavor add such a nice finishing touch. Grab chopsticks or a fork and dive in. I love how the dumplings stay crispy yet tender thanks to the sticky sauce—trust me, it’s so satisfying.

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Pro Tips for Making Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving dumplings space helps them crisp up beautifully instead of steaming.
Fresh Grating Matters: Grating garlic and ginger finely ensures they blend smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce isn’t thickening, add a tiny splash of water mixed with cornstarch to help it glaze perfectly.
Watch Pak Choi Timing: Overcooking can make it soggy—aim for vibrant green and just tender-crisp.

How to Serve Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a white round plate filled with brown pan-fried dumplings that have a shiny glaze. The dumplings are scattered over a bed of bright green, charred bok choy halves. On top, there are thin slices of light green spring onions and a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of white and black sesame seeds to the upper right and a bunch of green onions laying to the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this stir fry with a handful of thinly sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It brightens every bite and adds a gentle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender dumplings and silky pak choi. Sometimes, I throw in a few fresh coriander leaves if I have them on hand—it adds an herby freshness that’s just wonderful.

Side Dishes

If you want to bulk this up, steamed jasmine rice or simple garlic fried rice works wonderfully alongside. I’ve also served it with a crunchy Asian slaw for a refreshing contrast. Honestly, it’s hearty enough on its own, but a side never hurts if you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I’ve plated this Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe in colorful lettuce cups, turning it into a DIY hand-held treat. Another time, I served it family-style in a large shallow platter with chopsticks passed around—such a great way to encourage sharing and conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t often in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend separating the dumplings and vegetables if you can, to keep textures from getting too soggy.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the cooked stir fry because the pak choi loses its texture, but you can freeze uncooked dumplings and keep them on hand for making this recipe fresh anytime. Just follow the instructions straight from frozen for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm them in a non-stick pan over medium heat to help crisp up the dumplings again, adding a dash of water and covering briefly if you want to revive the pak choi without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen for this Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh dumplings will cook faster, so watch them closely and reduce the frying time a bit to avoid burning while still achieving that crispy exterior.
What if I don’t have baby pak choi? What are the alternatives?

Bok choy, spinach, snap peas, or even thinly sliced cabbage are great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times to keep them crisp and vibrant.
How spicy is this Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe?

The sauce is sweet with a gentle mild heat from the sweet chilli sauce, making it approachable for most palates. You can easily add fresh chilies or hot sauce for more kick if you like.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable-based dumplings and ensure your soy sauce or tamari is vegan-friendly. The sauce itself is naturally vegan.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sweet Chilli Dumpling Stir Fry Recipe turns out every single time—crispy dumplings laced in glossy sauce paired with tender greens is comfort food at its best. When I first tried this, I was amazed by how little effort it took to impress the whole family. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and fuss-free meal to keep in your weeknight rotation, give this a go. I promise you’ll get hooked, just like we did in our kitchen!