Mediterranean Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce

Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

These Mediterranean Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce are a lighter, fresher take on traditional pan-fried dumplings. Packed with colorful vegetables and baked until golden and crisp, they deliver a perfect mix of crunch and tenderness. The creamy peanut sauce brings a warm, nutty flavor that ties everything together with a hint of sweetness and spice. It’s an easy, oven-friendly way to enjoy dumplings with a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

20 dumpling wrappers

1 cup finely chopped cabbage

½ cup grated carrot

½ cup chopped green onions

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

½ tsp grated ginger

1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

For the Peanut Sauce:

3 tbsp creamy peanut butter

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp rice vinegar

1 tsp honey

1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin)

½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with olive oil.

Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine chopped cabbage, grated carrot, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.

Assemble the Dumplings:

Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper.

Wet the edges lightly with water, fold over, and press to seal (you can crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a neat look).

Arrange the dumplings on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush and Bake:
Lightly brush the tops of the dumplings with olive oil.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp on both sides.

Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili flakes.
Add warm water gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency—smooth and pourable.

Serve:
Serve the baked dumplings warm with the peanut sauce on the side or drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Tips & Variations

Get the Right Crispiness

To make the dumplings crispier, brush both sides lightly with olive oil before baking.

For extra crunch, place a wire rack on your baking tray and set the dumplings on top. This allows hot air to circulate evenly and prevents sogginess.

Filling Ideas

Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more Mediterranean flair.

For a heartier version, include crumbled feta cheese or a small amount of shredded cooked chicken.

You can also mix in chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a bold, tangy kick.

Wrapper Tips

Dumpling wrappers can dry out quickly. Keep them covered with a damp cloth while assembling.

If you can’t find dumpling wrappers, use thin wonton wrappers or homemade dough made from flour and water.

Sauce Adjustments

To make the peanut sauce creamier, whisk in a teaspoon of coconut milk or Greek yogurt.

For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.

Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Air Fryer Option

If you prefer not to bake, air fry the dumplings at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out extra crispy with less oil.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can assemble the dumplings up to a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking.

Once baked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving, which makes them soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a light Mediterranean quinoa bowl.

Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or tahini over the dumplings for an elegant twist on presentation.

Q&A

Q: Can I use another type of sauce instead of peanut sauce?
Yes. You can swap the peanut sauce for tahini dressing, yogurt-garlic dip, or a spicy hummus for a more Mediterranean-style pairing. Each adds a different balance of creaminess and acidity.

Q: How do I keep the dumplings from drying out in the oven?
Brush them lightly with olive oil before baking and cover them loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes. Then uncover for the final few minutes to crisp up the edges.

Q: Can I make them ahead and freeze them?
Absolutely. Assemble the dumplings and freeze them uncooked in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a bag or container. When ready to use, bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the cook time.

Q: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can substitute it with olive oil for a milder flavor or add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds to keep that nutty aroma.

Q: Can I add protein to the filling?
Yes. Finely chopped shrimp, chicken, or tofu mix nicely with the veggies without changing the texture too much. Just make sure to pre-cook any meat before filling the dumplings.

Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~320

Protein: 10g

Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: ~530mg

(Values vary slightly depending on wrapper thickness and sauce consistency.)

Conclusion

These Mediterranean Oven-Baked Dumplings with Peanut Sauce are a fun, healthy twist on a classic comfort food. The baked method keeps them light and crisp, while the peanut sauce adds a rich, nutty balance to the fresh vegetable filling. They’re simple enough for a weekday meal yet elegant enough to serve as an appetizer for guests. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with extra sauce on the side—crispy, flavorful, and satisfying every time.