Copycat Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake Recipe

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Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake is a genius one-pan recipe that’s been taking the internet by storm (hello, TikTok foodies!). As someone who has spent countless evenings obsessing over what to make with those irresistible Trader Joe’s frozen dumplings, this dish felt like a revelation. It’s a collision of creamy, curry-infused flavors and the chewy, savory perfection of potstickers—all baked together into a downright heavenly meal.

How to make Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake

Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake is a ready-to-bake frozen casserole-style dish that reimagines Asian dumplings in a layered comfort-food format.

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 bag of Trader Joe’s frozen dumplings (choose your favorite: Chicken Gyoza, Pork Gyoza, Vegetable Gyoza, or Shrimp Gyoza)
• 1 can of Trader Joe’s Coconut Milk (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
• 1-2 tablespoons of Thai Red Curry Sauce or Paste (Trader Joe’s brand works well, but any good quality red curry paste will do)
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (adjust for saltiness, or use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth

Add-ins and toppings (customize to your taste!):

• Vegetables: Bok choy, broccoli, baby spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
• Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch (optional but highly recommended)
• Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for extra texture

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking dish.
2. Arrange the Dumplings: Take your frozen Trader Joe’s dumplings (no need to thaw!) and arrange them in a single layer inside the baking dish. They can overlap slightly, but try to spread them out for even cooking.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, red curry paste, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. If you like it spicy, you can add a dollop of Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch or sriracha to the mix. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
4. Pour the Sauce Over the Dumplings: Carefully drizzle the coconut curry sauce over the arranged dumplings, making sure it covers them evenly. Add the cup of chicken or vegetable broth into the corners of the baking dish to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick during baking.
5. Add the Vegetables: Toss your chosen vegetables (e.g., chopped bok choy, broccoli florets, or mushrooms) into the dish, nestling them between the dumplings. This adds extra nutrition and texture to the bake.
6. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to allow some nice browning on the dumplings and vegetables.
7. Finish with Garnishes: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and an additional drizzle of Chili Onion Crunch on top.

Tips for the Perfect Dumpling Bake

1. Pick Your Dumpling Hero: While Trader Joe’s Chicken or Pork Gyoza are classics, don’t shy away from experimenting with their Vegetable or Shrimp Dumplings. The flavors work beautifully no matter the choice.
2. Vegetable Flexibility: Use any veggies you have on hand, but make sure hard vegetables like carrots or cauliflower are thinly sliced to ensure they cook through.
3. Amp Up the Flavor: For a deeper, richer taste, try adding 1 tablespoon of Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce or a splash of fish sauce to the sauce.
4. Broil for Crispiness: If you love crispy edges on your dumplings, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking—but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Make It Lean or Creamy: To cut calories, swap coconut milk for light coconut milk or a blend of broth and almond milk. For extra creaminess, whisk in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream.
6. Don’t Skip the Chili Onion Crunch: This topping adds the perfect amount of spice, crunch, and flavor depth to the dish—Trader Joe’s fans swear by it!
7. Serving Suggestions: Serve your dumpling bake as is or with a side of steamed white rice, brown rice, or rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re planning to make the popular Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake but don’t have access to specific ingredients—or want to adjust the recipe based on dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry—don’t worry.

1. Dumpling Substitutes

The dumplings are the cornerstone of this Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake, but if Trader Joe’s frozen dumplings aren’t available, here are the alternatives:

• Other Store-Bought Dumplings: Any frozen dumplings or potstickers from your local grocery store will work. Look for options like pork potstickers, chicken gyoza, shrimp dumplings, or vegetable dumplings. Brands like Ling Ling, Bibigo, or Wei-Chuan typically have great options.
• Homemade Dumplings: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own dumplings at home. Use wonton wrappers and fill them with your choice of mix (e.g., ground chicken, pork, tofu, or finely chopped veggies).
• Pierogies or Ravioli (non-traditional but fun substitute): If Asian-style dumplings aren’t available, try pierogies or ravioli! They won’t provide the same flavor, but many people find that the creamy sauce pairs well with these pasta-like alternatives.

2. Coconut Milk Substitutes

Coconut milk adds creaminess to the sauce, but there are plenty of ways to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Heavy Cream: Swap equal amounts of heavy cream for a richer, creamier Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake. This adjusts the flavor slightly, giving it a more European-style cream sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: If you’re aiming for a creamy consistency but don’t want to use coconut milk, evaporated milk is a substitute that’s less heavy than cream.
• Dairy-Free Substitutes: Almond milk or cashew milk can work, but they lack the creamy fat content of coconut milk. To mimic the richness of coconut milk, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of almond butter, cashew butter, or even tahini.
• Oat milk (barista-style) can be another great option, as it has a smooth, creamy texture.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: These options can add both creaminess and a tangy twist to the sauce. If you use these, thin them slightly with a bit of water or broth to match the consistency of coconut milk.

3. Red Curry Sauce/Paste Substitutes

If you don’t have Trader Joe’s Thai Red Curry Sauce or paste, here’s what you can use instead:

• Curry Powder and Tomato Paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of curry powder with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to create a quick curry base. Combine with a bit of broth or coconut milk to dilute.
• Other Curry Paste Varieties: Yellow curry paste or green curry paste can work, but note that they may alter the final flavor. Green curry paste is more herbal and citrusy, and yellow curry paste tends to be milder and slightly sweeter.
• Harissa Paste or Chili Garlic Sauce: These can add a nice spice and depth to the dish. Keep in mind they’ll bring a slightly different flavor twist but will still be delicious.
• Spices if you have no ready-made curry ingredients: Combine 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

4. Soy Sauce Substitutes

Soy sauce adds the savory, salty umami flavor—but here’s what to use if you don’t have it or need a gluten-free alternative:

• Tamari: A gluten-free substitute for soy sauce, tamari has a similarly bold and salty flavor.
• Coconut Aminos: A sweeter and less salty alternative, coconut aminos make a great gluten-free and soy-free option.
• Fish Sauce: If you want an extra umami kick, fish sauce can replace soy sauce, but use it sparingly as it’s quite concentrated.
• Miso Paste (as a creative swap): Mix 1 teaspoon of miso paste into the sauce with some water or broth for a tangy, salty depth.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake is a show-stopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and accompaniments can create a well-rounded dining experience.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Homemade Trader Joe’s Funnel Cake Fries Recipe