If you’re craving something that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and savory all wrapped in a delightful little parcel, the Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender roasted butternut squash infused with a kick of chili crisp, wrapped in delicate dumpling skins, then pan-fried or steamed to perfection. The fusion of flavors and textures will make every bite an unforgettable experience, whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy solo meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these vibrant Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings, you just need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from adding natural sweetness to the filling, to giving the dumplings their irresistible aroma and spice.
- Butternut squash: The star ingredient brings sweetness and creaminess to the dumpling filling.
- Olive oil: Helps roast the squash to caramelized perfection, building flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Basics to enhance and balance the natural tastes.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of savoriness.
- Chili crisp: Infuses the filling with spicy crunch and complexity—key for that memorable kick.
- Grated ginger: Offers fresh zing and warmth in each bite.
- Green onions: Bring color, mild sharpness, and freshness.
- Sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that elevates the filling.
- Rice vinegar: An optional splash to add brightness and balance.
- Dumpling wrappers: Store-bought or homemade, these hold all that goodness together.
- Vegetable oil: For pan-frying and achieving those perfectly crisp bottoms.
- Water: Needed for sealing the dumplings and for steaming when cooking.
- Dipping sauce components (soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, sesame oil, honey): Combine for the ultimate dipping experience, complementing the dumplings perfectly.
How to Make Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into even pieces so they roast uniformly. Toss the cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 25 to 30 minutes until they’re tender and delightfully caramelized. This roasting step is crucial—it develops the natural sweetness that pairs so beautifully with the spicy chili crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once the roasted squash has cooled slightly, mash it with a fork or pulse it briefly in a food processor until smooth but still a little rustic. In a bowl, mix the mashed squash with soy sauce, chili crisp, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame oil, and optional rice vinegar. This mixture should be flavorful and a little spicy, so don’t hesitate to adjust the chili crisp level to your spice preference.
Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings
Lay a dumpling wrapper flat on your workspace. Spoon roughly a tablespoon of the squash filling into the center. Use a bit of water to moisten the edges of the wrapper, then fold it over into a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, ensuring no pockets of air remain. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and wrappers—it’s like making little edible treasures that just beg to be eaten!
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
There are two fabulous ways to cook these dumplings. For pan-frying (potsticker style), heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings in a single layer without crowding. Let them brown for 2 to 3 minutes, then add water and cover immediately to steam for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender and cooked through. Finish by uncovering and crisping the bottoms again for another minute or two. Alternatively, steam the dumplings in a basket lined with parchment paper over simmering water for about 8 to 10 minutes for a softer, delicate texture.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce balances spice, tang, and a hint of sweetness, making it the perfect companion to the warm dumplings. Adjust ingredients as you like—it’s your perfect dipping experience waiting to happen.
How to Serve Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a burst of color and a little extra crunch, making your dumplings irresistible to the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
Serve these dumplings alongside a light cucumber salad, steamed greens, or a bowl of miso soup. These pairings complement the rich and spicy flavors while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by arranging the dumplings in a bamboo steamer for a charming, authentic touch or plate them artfully on a slate board with dipping sauce in a pretty dish. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can make this humble dish feel special for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any dumplings left after your feast, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them cool preserves the flavors, although they’re so good fresh they rarely last that long.
Freezing
These dumplings freeze beautifully before cooking. Arrange them on a baking tray so they don’t touch and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen by adding a couple more minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
For reheating, pan-fry the dumplings to restore the crisp bottoms or steam them gently until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash instead of butternut?
Absolutely! Kabocha or acorn squash can be great substitutes since they have a similar sweetness and creamy texture, though the flavor will vary slightly. Just ensure the squash is well roasted for the best taste.
How spicy is the chili crisp in these dumplings?
The spice level primarily depends on your chili crisp brand and how much you add. The recipe is balanced for a mild to medium heat, but you can easily adjust it to be more or less spicy to suit your palate.
Can I make the dumpling wrappers from scratch?
Yes, homemade dumpling wrappers are wonderful if you have the time and want an extra special touch. They do require a bit of practice, but store-bought wrappers work perfectly to keep things easy and quick.
What’s the best way to prevent dumplings from sticking when cooking?
Whether pan-frying or steaming, lightly oil your pan or steam basket liner and be careful to space dumplings apart. Using a parchment paper liner in the steamer and avoiding overcrowding your pan will keep them from sticking.
Can I make the filling vegan-friendly?
The filling in this recipe is already vegan! Just be sure to use vegan-friendly chili crisp and soy sauce. It’s a delicious plant-based snack or appetizer everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the warmth of roasted butternut squash pairs with the punchy chili crisp in these dumplings. This Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings Recipe invites you to experience a cozy, flavorful treat that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re new to making dumplings or a seasoned dumpling enthusiast, I promise this recipe will become one of your favorites that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, invite some loved ones over, and get ready to enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (pan-frying and steaming combined)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 dumplings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings blend the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with a spicy, savory chili crisp sauce, creating a mouthwatering plant-based appetizer or snack. Wrapped in tender dumpling skins and pan-fried potsticker style to achieve crispy bottoms with a steamed, delicate wrapper, these dumplings offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The accompanying tangy and spicy dipping sauce complements each bite, making this dish irresistible for dumpling lovers seeking a unique vegetarian twist.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 cups when peeled and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp (or adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for a hint of tang)
Dumplings
- 20–24 dumpling wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
- Water (for sealing and steaming)
Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili crisp
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash, then toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: Mash the roasted squash with a fork or blend it in a food processor until smooth. Combine the mashed squash with soy sauce, chili crisp, grated ginger, chopped green onions, sesame oil, and rice vinegar if using. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Dumplings: Place a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold in half to form a half-moon shape, and pinch to seal tightly, ensuring no air pockets remain. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Cook the Dumplings – Potsticker Style: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer without overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully add ¼ cup water to the pan, cover immediately, and steam for 5-6 minutes until filling is hot and wrappers tender.
- Crisp the Bottoms: Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the dumpling bottoms.
- Alternative Cooking Method – Steaming: Arrange dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper and steam over simmering water for 8-10 minutes until tender and heated through.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, sesame oil, and honey if using. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Serve: Serve dumplings hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust chili crisp quantity to control spice level.
- Dumpling wrappers can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for freshness.
- Steaming is a gentler cooking method for a softer dumpling texture.
- Ensure all dumplings are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet to avoid dumplings sticking during pan-frying.
- Rice vinegar in the filling adds a subtle tang but can be omitted if preferred.
- The dipping sauce can be customized by varying sweetness or spice intensity.
