TikTok viral dumpling bake made with frozen dumplings baked in a creamy coconut curry sauce with bok choy, garlic, and bold flavor.
This is one of those consistent recipes I kept seeing on my TikTok For You page, and I just couldn't resist not making it. Every few scrolls, there it was, another version of these baked dumplings in that creamy coconut curry sauce, looking ridiculously easy and way too good not to try. So here I am, sharing the recipe after making it more times than I can count because my husband is a big fan of dumplings and was so happy when I finally perfected it.
The first time I made this, I wasn't sure if baking frozen dumplings would work as well as pan-frying them, but they came out tender on the inside with lightly golden tops, soaking up all that coconut curry sauce. My husband loved it immediately, but he also keeps saying that it gets better each time I make it, which I think just means he's figured out that complimenting the food means I'll keep making it. The coconut milk and Thai red curry paste create this creamy, bold sauce that's the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and just spicy enough without being overwhelming.
What I love most about this recipe is how low-effort it is for how impressive it looks and tastes. Everything comes together in one baking dish, there's no pan-frying or multiple steps, and you can have it on the table in 30 minutes. The bok choy adds freshness and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy, and the sesame seeds and scallions contribute to the presentation.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something creamy and filling without a lot of work, or for when you're craving dumplings but don't want to stand over the stove. Serve it straight from the baking dish while it's still hot and bubbling, and watch everyone go back for seconds. It's become one of those recipes my husband requests constantly and I don't mind making them again and again. If you love rich, comforting one-pot meals, try this Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup.
Ingredients
Full-fat coconut milk is essential here. It creates a rich, slightly sweet base that balances the salty soy sauce and heat from the curry paste. Light coconut milk tends to split and taste watery when baked, so full-fat gives you that glossy, spoonable sauce. Soy sauce adds the salty, savory depth that keeps the sauce balanced. Minced garlic and sesame oil add depth and that nutty aroma that hits you as soon as you open the oven.
Thai red curry paste is the main flavor driver. It adds heat, garlic, lemongrass, and spice all in one ingredient, which is why this recipe feels so bold with very little prep. Different brands vary in spice level, so start with less if you're sensitive to heat. If red curry paste is unavailable, green curry paste works as a substitute, but it will be brighter and slightly sharper in flavor.
Frozen dumplings make this recipe so popular and easy. There's no need to thaw them first. Baking them straight from frozen allows them to soak up the sauce while staying tender. Any style works here, like pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable. You'll need about 15 to 18 dumplings, or just enough to fill your 9x13 baking dish.
Bok choy adds freshness and texture that keeps the bake from feeling too rich. It softens as it cooks but still holds a slight bite, which contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. Napa cabbage or spinach are good alternatives, though spinach should be stirred in near the end since it wilts much faster. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions at the end adds crunch and color.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
How to Make TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake?
This TikTok viral dumpling bake is a low-effort, high-reward dinner that comes together in one dish. Frozen dumplings bake directly in a creamy coconut curry sauce, soaking up flavor while the tops turn lightly golden, making it perfect for busy nights or casual ones. Pair this with other simple dinners like Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara.
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Preheat the Oven and Make the Sauce
Add the Vegetables and Dumplings
Using a spoon or baster, scoop the sauce from the bottom of the dish. Next, drizzle it over the tops of the dumplings. This step is important, as it helps the dumplings cook evenly and absorb flavor as they bake.
Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. About halfway through baking, carefully turn the dumplings slightly onto their sides. This is so that they can brown and develop a golden color. Continue baking until the dumplings are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
Finish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the top. Serve hot straight from the baking dish while the dumplings are tender and coated in the creamy sauce.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Let the dumplings cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring the sauce if needed to keep it creamy. For more easy one-dish meal ideas, see my roundup of Easy All-in-One Meals.
Top Tips for TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake
Swap the greens if needed: If you are not a fan of bok choy, spinach, or cabbage works well in this dish. Spinach should be stirred in near the end since it wilts quickly, while cabbage can be added from the start for more texture.
Adjust the heat to your taste: Drizzle red chili oil over the dumplings once they come out of the oven for extra heat and flavor. This is an easy way to customize spice levels without changing the base recipe.
Do not overcrowd the sauce: Make sure the dumplings are nestled into the sauce rather than stacked. This allows them to cook evenly and absorb flavor while still getting lightly golden on top.
Recipe
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TikTok Viral Dumpling Bake
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can of coconut milk
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 4 tablespoon of Thai red curry paste
- 2 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 3 cups of chopped bok choy
- 15-18 frozen dumplings or until the baking dish is full
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Scallions for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°. Add the coconut milk, garlic, soy sauce, curry paste and sesame oil to a 9x13 baking dish and stir until completely mixed together.
- Add the chopped bok choy and lightly stir to mix. Line the dumplings until you have no more room. (Pinch side up.) using a baster, dip in the sauce on the bottom of the pan and baste each dumpling so the sauce is on top of them.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Half way through push them on their sides so they get a golden color.
- Once done sprinkle sesame seeds on top and chopped scallions. Serve and enjoy!
