Around the World in Our Best Dumpling Recipes (2024)

Though they come in all shapes and sizes, dumplings are a near-universal culinary constant: almost every culture has one. So naturally, dumpling recipes are incredibly versatile, coming with a wide array of fillings, wrappers, shapes, and sizes. Chinese dumplings may be the best known: we're a fan of both the steamed dumpling recipes as well as the fried. But there are plenty more to explore, whether it's the empanadas of Argentina or even Italy's ravioli (we're using a loose definition here, folks). From Europe to Asia and beyond, we've rounded up our favorite dumpling recipes from all over the world.

Boiled Pork and Chive Dumplings

Heami Lee

Steamed Mixed Shellfish Dumplings

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Pan-Fried Spicy Beef Dumplings

In these delightfully rich dumplings, homemade or store-bought chile oil is balanced by freshness from scallions and ginger and sweetness from oyster sauce. To maximize the crispy surface area, stretch and arc the shape of the raw dumpling slightly. Get the recipe for Pan-Fried Spicy Beef Dumplings »

Turkish Yogurt and Brown Butter Tomato Sauce

Yogurt and tomato combine to create this delicious, creamy sauce with hints of peppery zest. This sauce is a main component to manti, a Turkish spiced lamb dumpling dish. Get the recipe for Turkish Yogurt and Brown Butter Tomato Sauce »

German Pretzel Dumplings

German pretzel dumplings

Roasted Squash and Pork Dumplings

Maultaschensuppe (Dumplings in Broth)

Dumplings filled with minced pork, beef, veal, and bacon steal garnish this specialty soup of Swabia in southern Germany. Get the recipe for Maultaschensuppe (Dumplings in Broth) »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Pear and Cheese Ravioli (Cacio e Pere)

Nothing says love like homemade pasta. Lidia Bastianich’s recipe mixes tender, sweet Bartlett pears with sharp pecorino and creamy mascarpone to make a rich filling for ravioli.

Pork and Kimchi Potstickers

Some zesty kimchi can bring your typical dumplings to the next level and enhance the pork filling’s savoriness. Get the recipe for Pork and Kimchi Potstickers »

Russian Chicken and Dumplings Soup

Sesame oil and cilantro soup up this Russian classic with an eye on Japan. Get the recipe for Russian Chicken and Dumplings Soup »

Spinach and Potato Dumplings with Cold Tomato Sauce

A chilled tomato sauce with sundried tomatoes makes a pleasant contrast to these hot potato and spinach dumplings, which chef Josita Hartanto of Berlin’s Lucky Leek binds together with firm tofu and durum wheat semolina. Dry the potatoes and spinach thoroughly so the dumplings will hold their shape. Get the recipe for Spinach and Potato Dumplings with Cold Tomato Sauce »

Pork and Cabbage Potstickers

Chinese New Year has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep celebrating with these easy-to-make potstickers. Get the recipe for Pork and Cabbage Potstickers »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Turkey Momos with Tomato-Cilantro Sauce

These steamed, meat-filled Nepalese dumplings come from Binita Pradhan, the entrepreneur behind Bini’s Kitchen in San Francisco, CA. Get the recipe for Turkey Momos with Tomato-Cilantro Sauce »

Cheese and Mint Stuffed Dumplings (Khinkali Qvelit)

These Georgian dumplings are traditionally made with a spiced meat filling; this cheese and herb version, once meant for religious fasting days, is now enjoyed year-round. Get the recipe for Cheese and Mint Stuffed Dumplings (Khinkali Qvelit) »

Kreplach Soup

Little pyramids of chicken-stuffed dumplings in broth are a solid Jewish holiday dish. Get the recipe for Kreplach Soup »

Sichuan Pork Wontons (Chao Shou)

Simple pork dumplings doused in a spicy, mouth-numbing chile oil. Get the recipe for Sichuan Pork Wontons (Chao Shou) »

Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)

A collagen-rich pork stock is the key to making soup dumplings. It’s solid when cold, letting you wrap it in dough. Once steamed, it liquifies into a soup. Get the recipe for Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Braised Venison Shoulder with Mushroom Pierogi

A hearty warm venison stew with homestyle mushroom pierogis are all you need to stay warm in the fall. Get the recipe for Braised Venison Shoulder with Mushroom Pierogi »

Steamed Pork Belly Manti

Browned butter brings an extra layer of flavor to these otherwise traditional Central Asian dumplings, but the cherry on top comes in the form of fried shallots. Get the recipe for Steamed Pork Belly Manti »

Pelmeni Dumplings in Chicken Broth

Ground pork-and-garlic-filled dumplings add soul-comforting richness to a simple chicken broth in this Siberian soup. Get the recipe for Pelmeni Dumplings in Chicken Broth »

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Oregano-Hazelnut Pesto

Basil and oregano add herbal brightness to butternut squash, browned butter, and hazelnuts in a sweet-savory pasta dish. Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Oregano-Hazelnut Pesto »

Beef Broth with Liver Dumplings and Saffron

This dish is known in Slovenia as “Sunday soup,” a reference to the long simmering time it takes to extract flavor from beef bones for the broth. Get the recipe for Beef Broth with Liver Dumplings and Saffron »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Beef Broth with Tortellini and Parmesan (Brodo)

Cheese tortellini dot a rich umami broth well-worth a lengthy cooking time. Get the recipe for Beef Broth with Tortellini and Parmesan (Brodo) »

Crab Rangoon

An adaptation of the fried wonton, crab rangoon is one of the most enduringly popular appetizers at the posh Polynesian restaurant chain Trader Vic’s. Get the recipe for Crab Rangoon »

Markklosschensuppe (Beef Marrow Dumpling Soup)

These German bread dumplings spiced with nutmeg are served in beef-marrow enriched broth for a warming winter soup. Get the recipe for Markklosschensuppe (Beef Marrow Dumpling Soup) »

Strozzapreti

Soft dumplings of Corsican fresh cheese and wild herbs highlight the natural culinary products of this beautiful Mediterranean island. Get the recipe for Strozzapreti »

Samosas

This popular Indian fried pocket of spiced potatoes, onion, and peas pairs perfectly with sweet and hot tamarind chutney. Get the recipe for Samosas »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Shrimp and Pea Shoot Dumplings (Har Gow)

With a delicate, translucent skin and plump form, these little dumplings resemble goldfish. Get the recipe for Shrimp and Pea Shoot Dumplings (Har Gow) »

Gnocchi al Pesto

Pillowy gnocchi in a deliciously simple pesto sauce is light enough for a first course to a homemade Italian dinner. Get the recipe for Gnocchi al Pesto »

Maple Syrup Dumplings

These dumplings from Quebec are a delightful dessert treat, especially once drenched in butter and maple syrup. Get the recipe for Maple Syrup Dumplings »

Malfatti (Ricotta and Swiss Chard Dumplings)

Chef Anna Klinger of Al Di La in Brooklyn, New York, flavors these dumplings with nutmeg. For the best results, drain the ricotta overnight and squeeze all the moisture out of the Swiss chard. Get the recipe for Malfatti (Ricotta and Swiss Chard Dumplings) »

Gnocchi alla Romana

These Roman-style gnocchi are made with semolina, not potato or ricotta, and they’re baked into squares for a more substantial take on doughy dumplings. Get the recipe for Gnocchi alla Romana »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Shui Jiao (Pork and Chive Dumplings)

The classic Chinese pork and chive dumpling. Get the recipe for Shui Jiao (Pork and Chive Dumplings) »

Plantain Gnocchi with Short Rib Ragù

Ripe plantains and yucca stand in for potatoes in this version of gnocchi from the Dominican Republic, which is served with short rib ragù. A long, slow braise with red wine, cayenne, and paprika results in tender, fall-off-the-bone morsels of meat; bolstered with cream, the rich sauce is then ladled over the slightly sweet, fluffy dumplings. Get the recipe for Plantain Gnocchi with Short Rib Ragù »

Shrimp Ravioli with Spinach and Ginger

Store-bought wonton wrappers are perfect for making ravioli. We based this recipe on one in Cooking with Daniel Boulud (Random House, 1993). Get the recipe for Shrimp Ravioli with Spinach and Ginger »

Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

A regional dish from the Italian province of Parma, these plump spinach gnocchi are excellent sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Get the recipe for Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage »

Agnolotti (Veal and Escarole Ravioli)

Escarole, veal, and Parmesan make a rich filling for ravioli; serving them in veal or chicken broth turns them into a comforting soup. Get the recipe for Agnolotti (Veal and Escarole Ravioli) »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Veal Stew with Potato Dumplings

An ideal stew for a snowy winter’s night, the combination of tender veal and dense potato dumplings make a warm evening at home that much more homey. Get the recipe for Veal Stew with Potato Dumplings »

Chicken Soup with Semolina Dumplings

In this recipe from Transylvania, sliced root vegetables and textured semolina dumplings are moistened in a chicken broth spiced with paprika and caraway. Get the recipe for Chicken Soup with Semolina Dumplings »

Yuanxiao (Walnut- and Almond-Filled Sweet Rice Dumplings)

Filled with a sweet, chewy mixture of walnuts and almonds, yuanxiao are a traditional dish for Lunar New Year, but we love them year-round. Get the recipe for Yuanxiao (Walnut- and Almond-Filled Sweet Rice Dumplings) »

Spinach Spätzli with Brown Butter, Crispy Speck, and Pangrattato

Near Italy’s border with Austria, the food takes on a distinctly Teutonic bent with spätzli, a close Italian cousin of German spätzle. Get the recipe for Spinach Spätzli with Brown Butter, Crispy Speck, and Pangrattato »

Chicken Shui Jiao (Boiled Chicken Dumplings)

Shiitake mushroom and chicken make a moist and succulent filling for these Chinese dumplings. Get the recipe for Chicken Shui Jiao (Boiled Chicken Dumplings) »

ADVERTIsem*nTAD

Bread Crumb Dumplings and Bean Stew with Parsley-Speck Pesto

In Emilia-Romagna, chef Carla Rebecchi taught Jenn Louis to make this borlotti bean stew with shell-like gnocchi called pisarei. A fresh herb sauce laced with speck tops it off. Get the recipe for Bread Crumb Dumplings and Bean Stew with Parsley-Speck Pesto »

Crystal Palace's Hunan Dumplings with Peanut Sauce

The now-shuttered Crystal Palace of Montreal used to serve these beef dumplings as an homage to the Quebecois favorite, peanut butter dumplings. Get the recipe for Crystal Palace’s Hunan Dumplings with Peanut Sauce »

Har Gao (Shrimp Dumplings)

These delicious Malaysian dumplings stuffed with minced shrimp, scallions, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots are easy to make with store-bought gyoza (potsticker) wrappers. Get the recipe for Har Gao (Shrimp Dumplings) »

Halusky (Boiled Potato Dumplings)

The deeply satisfying combination of potatoes, bacon, caramelized onion, and sour cream featured in this rustic old-country recipe came to Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains via Eastern Europe. Get the recipe for Halusky (Boiled Potato Dumplings) »

Semmelknodel (Bavarian Bread Dumplings)

Dense, savory bread dumplings are simply seasoned with onion, parsley, and nutmeg in this classic recipe from Bavaria. Get the recipe for Semmelknodel (Bavarian Bread Dumplings) »

Around the World in Our Best Dumpling Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

Find Out More ›

What is the most popular type of dumpling? ›

Jiaozi. Jiaozi (pronounced "jow-zee") are perhaps the most common type of Chinese dumpling. Crescent-shaped and formed with an opaque wrapper made from wheat dough, jiaozi are usually filled with ground pork, cabbage, and scallions, and served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.

What is the American version of dumplings? ›

Originating in the Pennsylvania region the pierogies have been a staple in the city of Pittsburgh and all over western Pennsylvania. Pierogies are soft semicircular dumplings that are usually filled with potatoes or cheese. However, just like other dumplings, fillings are interchangeable depending on culture.

Show Me More ›

What country is most known for dumplings? ›

Dumpling has been a mainstay in Chinese food culture for centuries, but there's hardly a consensus on what it actually is. Not that there should be a one-size-fits-all answer – people from different times and regions all put their fingerprints on this uber-versatile dish.

Get More Info ›

Which flour is best for dumplings? ›

These dumplings start with all-purpose flour, which creates structure and holds the other ingredients together. Baking powder is a leavening agent, which means it releases gas that makes the dough expand. It's responsible for the dumplings' light and fluffy texture.

Explore More ›

Why are my dumplings hard and not fluffy? ›

Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

Get More Info ›

What makes dumplings rubbery? ›

Overmixing will further develop the gluten, making for a tough or rubbery dumpling. Make sure your soup/stew is nice and hot. A too-cold base won't provide the right environment for the dumplings to steam and puff. Make sure the lid to the pot is tight-fitting.

What do Asians call dumplings? ›

Chinese dumplings (jiaozi) may be divided into various types depending on how they are cooked: Boiled dumplings (simplified Chinese: 水饺; traditional Chinese: 水餃; pinyin: shuǐjiǎo; lit. 'water dumpling')

Discover More Details ›

What do Italians call dumplings? ›

Gnocchi are a type of dumpling-style pasta popular in Italian cuisine.

See Details ›

What are dumplings called in England? ›

In British cuisine, dumplings are typically called "suet dumplings" or "beef suet dumplings." Suet is a type of solid fat derived from beef or mutton, and it is a key ingredient in British dumplings. The use of suet gives the dumplings a rich and hearty texture.

Learn More ›

What is the most popular Chinese dumpling? ›

Jiaozi. One of the most ubiquitous types of Chinese dumplings, jiaozi (饺子) are usually steamed or boiled and have been enjoyed across China for millennia. They often have a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatics, along with a paper-thin dumpling wrapper.

Find Out More ›

Which is better momo or dumplings? ›

Dumplings generally have a thinner and more delicate dough wrapping, allowing for a lighter texture. In contrast, momos feature a thicker and chewier dough, providing a heartier bite.

Tell Me More ›

What country made the first dumpling? ›

The first dumpling recipe appeared in a Roman cookery manuscript called Apicius, which was assumed to have been written sometime in around A.D. 400, and archeologists have found evidence of dumplings being eaten in China during the Tang dynasty and in Switzerland as far back as 3,600 B.C..

Show Me More ›

Are dumplings from Japan or China? ›

Its Japanese cousin is the gyoza. What's the difference between a jiaozi and gyoza? Turns out the two have a few key differences despite being quite similar. Originating in China, the dumpling, more commonly called the pot sticker, is made of wheat flour dough wrapper filled with meat and/or vegetables.

See Details ›