Viral Dumpling Bake

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen dumplings (about 16, vegetable or chicken)
• 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, or more to taste for heat
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
• 2 cups bok choy or spinach, roughly chopped

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions or scallions
• Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Chili crisp or chili oil
• Steamed rice, optional for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Have a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar sized oven-safe dish ready.
2. Make the Curry Sauce
   In the baking dish, whisk together 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk, 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or fresh lime juice. Whisk until the curry paste is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed by adding more curry paste for heat or more coconut milk to mellow it out.
3. Add the Greens
   Scatter 2 cups roughly chopped bok choy or spinach evenly into the curry sauce. Stir gently to coat the greens in the sauce.
4. Arrange the Dumplings
   Place the frozen dumplings in a single layer on top of the greens and sauce. They don't need to be perfectly arranged, but try to space them out somewhat evenly so they cook at the same rate.
5. Cover and Bake
   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through (they should be soft and not frozen in the center), the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the greens have wilted.
6. Check for Doneness
   Remove from the oven and carefully peel back a corner of the foil to check that the dumplings are fully cooked. They should be tender and the sauce should be hot and bubbling throughout.
7. Uncover and Finish
   Remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns. Top the dumpling bake with sliced green onions or scallions, fresh cilantro, a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a good drizzle of chili crisp or chili oil. The heat and crunch of the chili oil contrast beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce.
8. Serve
   Serve the dumpling bake hot, directly from the baking dish or divided into bowls. Serve alongside steamed rice if desired to soak up the delicious sauce, or enjoy as-is. Every spoonful should have dumplings, sauce, greens, and those delicious toppings.