Chinese New Year celebrations are so much fun, but without tasty dumplings, it would never be complete. Start a new tradition this year and make dumplings for yourself, or learn a new recipe to dazzle your guests with. Here are some of my favorite Chinese dumpling recipes you need to try out for Chinese New Year!
Made from scratch dumpling recipes and guides
How to Make Boiled Dumplings from Scratch
Growing up in China, if you said “dumplings” you always meant the homemade type made from scratch. This is a family recipe that my parents have been making for years and one I’ve celebrated countless Chinese New Years with.
How to Make Steamed Dumplings from Scratch
Boiled dumplings are made with cold water dough. This recipe shows you how to make the dough and the dumpling wrappers from scratch.
Another popular form of dumplings is steamed dumplings. Compared to boiled dumplings, steamed dumplings are slightly more forgiving because they are not prone to fall apart like the boiled type. You can also make bigger dumplings for the steamed type, because the wrappers hold more volume. We like to fill steamed dumplings with veggie-heavy fillings, such as pork and napa cabbage or vegetarian dumplings.
You can also use this type of dough to make pan fried dumplings (aka potstickers).
How to Make Chinese Dumpling Sauce
This guide includes four dumpling dipping sauce recipes. No matter whether you’d like to make the vinegar-heavy northern style dipping sauce or a gingery sauce for soup dumplings, this one has you covered!
Dumpling recipes for Chinese New Year
Pork and Chive Dumplings (猪肉韭菜水饺)
The pork and chive dumplings are one of the default choices for northern Chinese New Year. The filling is made with juicy pork, bursting with an intense savory flavor of garlic chives, and boiled until tender and hearty.
Pork and Napa Cabbage Dumplings
These are as iconic as they come. Pork dumplings are a staple in Chinese cuisine and no Chinese New Year dinner table would be without them. Cabbage and shrimp make this pork dumpling recipe shine brightly for any celebration.
Beef Dumplings
Ground beef stays juicy and delicious with these savory beef-filled dumplings. Melded with carrots, peas and corn, they’re the perfect blend of food groups in bite-sized form!
Chinese Chicken Dumplings (鸡肉饺子)
Crispy Chinese chicken dumplings feature a juicy ground chicken filling and are loaded with carrot and corn – they’re savory and slightly sweet.
Lamb Dumplings
Hearty, flavorful and moist, you won’t believe how addictive these dumplings with lamb filling are! They hit all the savory points you’ve been craving and the broth that forms in them will have you hooked from the first bite.
Pork and Sauerkraut Dumplings (酸菜饺子)
Introducing Northern Chinese pork and sauerkraut dumplings that have a savory, fragrant, and juicy filling and a crispy crust. They are very easy to put together compared to other types of dumplings. They are also freezer-friendly and therefore perfect for making ahead of time.
Carrot Dumplings
This vegetarian-friendly recipe combines carrots with eggs for a sweet flavor with a robust texture that is sure to delight everyone, even the meat eaters!
Egg and Pepper Dumplings (鸡蛋青椒饺子)
Egg and pepper dumplings feature soft scrambled eggs, browned mushroom bits, and bright green pepper stuffed into crispy wrappers. They are a great option for your vegetarian Chinese New Year menu.
Nepali Momo with Spinach Ricotta
Here’s another recipe vegetarians and meat lovers alike will devour. Inspired by Nepalese dumplings with spinach and paneer, these are made with spinach and ricotta for a take on dumplings you never imagined would be so divine!
Homemade Vegan Dumplings (素菜锅贴)
This vegan dumpling filling has a well-balanced texture with veggies, tofu, and vermicelli. It’s seasoned with plenty of aromatics, soy sauce, and just a dash of curry powder to enhance its richness.
Homemade Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
If you are ambitious and want to take the time to make something special, these soup dumplings will be a highlight on your Chinese New Year dinner table! This recipe uses roasted chicken backs to create a wonderful soupy filling without the greasiness. It’s as great as the ones you get from Chinese restaurants.
Chinese Chive Pockets (韭菜盒子, Chinese Chive Dumplings)
The super crispy and thin dough is stuffed with a hearty, savory filling made with Chinese chives and scrambled eggs. They’re easier to make than potstickers and have all the goodness that dumplings have, only more satisfying!
Chinese Beef Meat Pie
These giant potstickers are just what you need for a savory hand-held treat. Common in Northern China, they will warm your hands, heart and soul on the first bite!
Can dumplings be frozen before cooking? If so, fo I need to let them thaw first before cooking?
Hi Barnett, yes, you can freeze the dumplings before cooking. It’s best to freeze them as soon as you wrap them to prevent the dough from drying out.
To cook them, you don’t need to thaw. Just cook them like you cook the fresh ones, although they do require a bit longer cooking time.
So many amazingly delicious recipes. All clearly explained and with pictures that make me want to try them. I really appreciate the recipes you provide for us so generously. I have made many of them and will continue to do so. Thank you so much.