These Crispy Cabbage Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce are everything you want in a homemade dumpling crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and packed with savory flavor. Made with finely chopped cabbage, simple seasonings, and store bought dumpling wrappers, they’re easier than you think and taste even better than takeout.

Pan fried until golden and served with a bold soy dipping sauce, these dumplings work beautifully as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a cozy dinner, or just craving something crispy and comforting, this recipe delivers every time.

If you love restaurant style snacks you can easily make at home, these cabbage dumplings deserve a spot on your table.

1 Dollar Dumplings

What Are Cabbage Dumplings?

Cabbage dumplings are small parcels made by wrapping a seasoned cabbage filling inside thin dumpling wrappers, then cooking them until the outside turns crisp while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They’re popular across many Asian cuisines and are often served with soy based dipping sauces.

Unlike meat heavy dumplings, cabbage dumplings are:

Lighter and less greasy
Budget friendly
Quick to prepare
Easy to customize

They’re perfect for vegetarian meals, party platters, or weeknight snacks when you want something satisfying but not too heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy bottoms with tender, juicy centers
Simple cabbage based filling using pantry ingredients
Pan fried or air fried options included
Great for meal prep and freezer storage
Better (and fresher) than takeout

If you love easy dinners like French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups or Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

How This Recipe Works

Finely chopped cabbage releases moisture, keeping the filling juicy without becoming watery.
Pan frying first creates a crisp base, while steaming finishes cooking gently.
Cornstarch binds the filling so it stays together during cooking.
The soy dipping sauce balances salt, acidity, and richness for the perfect bite.

ingredients for crispy cabbage dumplings — Simple ingredients are all you need to make crispy cabbage dumplings at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cabbage Dumplings

2 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch
20–24 round dumpling wrappers
2 tablespoons neutral oil (for frying)

For the Soy Dipping Sauce

¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon sugar or honey
Optional: chili oil or red pepper flakes

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, but napa cabbage is a great alternative.
Dumpling Wrappers: Store bought wrappers save time and work perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Use low sodium soy sauce if preferred.
Sesame Oil: Adds deep flavor use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Cornstarch: Helps absorb moisture and prevents soggy filling.

crispy cabbage dumplings close up — Crispy outside, tender cabbage filling inside.

How to Make Crispy Cabbage Dumplings

Total time: about 35–40 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine chopped cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well until evenly combined.

Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 2: Fill the Dumplings

Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface.
Add 1 tablespoon of filling to the center.

Lightly wet the edges with water, fold in half, and pinch to seal. Make pleats if desired, but a simple seal works fine.

Repeat with remaining wrappers.

Step 3: Pan Fry the Dumplings

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Arrange dumplings flat-side down, leaving space between each.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and crispy.

Step 4: Steam to Finish Cooking

Carefully add ¼ cup water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid.
Steam for 4–5 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.

Step 5: Re Crisp

Remove the lid and allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Cook another 1–2 minutes so the bottoms turn crispy again.

Remove from heat and serve hot.

How to Make the Soy Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar or honey.
Add chili oil or red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Taste and adjust to your preference.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Dumplings

Chop cabbage very finely for even cooking
Don’t overfill the wrappers
Seal edges tightly to prevent leaks
Use medium heat to avoid burning
Avoid overcrowding the pan

Air Fryer Option

If you prefer a lighter version:

Lightly brush dumplings with oil
Place in air fryer basket in a single layer
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes
Flip halfway for even crisping

They won’t be exactly the same as pan fried but still turn out delicious and crispy.

Flavor Variations

Add Protein

Finely chopped mushrooms
Crumbled tofu
Plant-based ground meat

Spicy Version

Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the filling

Herb Boost

Add cilantro or chives for fresh flavor

Gluten Free

Use gluten free wrappers and tamari instead of soy sauce

crispy cabbage dumplings served with soy sauce — Serve these crispy cabbage dumplings hot with your favorite soy dipping sauce.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make Ahead

Assemble dumplings up to 24 hours in advance
Store covered in the refrigerator

Storage

Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 3 days

Freezing

Freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer
Transfer to freezer bag once solid
Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes

Serving Ideas

Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauce
Add to noodle bowls or soups
Pair with stir fried vegetables
Serve as a light vegetarian dinner

They also make an excellent addition to party platters or game-day spreads.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per serving)

180–220 calories
Light but filling
Lower in fat than meat dumplings

Values vary depending on wrappers and oil used.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping cornstarch (leads to watery filling)
Using high heat (burns wrappers)
Overcrowding the pan
Not sealing edges properly
Overfilling dumplings

FAQs About Cabbage Dumplings

Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, finely ground chicken or pork can be added.

Can I bake these instead?
You can, but pan-frying gives the best texture.

Are these vegan?
Yes, if your dumpling wrappers are egg-free.

Do I need the dipping sauce?
Not required, but highly recommended.

Conclusion

These Crispy Cabbage Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce are crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, they’re perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or whenever you crave something crispy and comforting.

If you love easy dinners like Easy Lasagna Cups or Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Save these Crispy Cabbage Dumplings now so you always have a quick, crispy, better-than-takeout recipe ready to make at home.

Crispy Cabbage Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce

These Crispy Cabbage Dumplings with Soy Dipping Sauce are golden, crunchy, and packed with savory flavor. Tender cabbage filling turns perfectly crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside, and the soy dipping sauce adds a salty, umami-rich finish. They’re a satisfying appetizer or light meal that feels comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly snackable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 280 kcal