These juicy chicken cabbage dumplings wrapped in tender cabbage leaves are light, flavorful, and perfect for any time you crave dumplings without the dough.
Paired with a bold spicy peanut dipping sauce, this dish is bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, balanced by the crisp freshness of green cabbage and fragrant herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gluten-free and low-carb alternative to traditional dumplings
Bold, zesty flavor from the sriracha-peanut dipping sauce
No dumpling wrappers required—just fresh cabbage leaves
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Steamed and optionally pan-fried for a perfect crispy finish
Ingredient Highlights
Ground chicken: Lean protein base that’s easy to season and cooks quickly.
Green cabbage: The perfect wrapper—flexible, healthy, and naturally gluten-free.
Szechuan pepper & cayenne: Add bold, aromatic heat and zing.
Ginger garlic paste: Infuses both the dumplings and sauce with rich, savory flavor.
Peanut butter & sriracha: The creamy-spicy base of the irresistible dipping sauce.
Fresh herbs: Cilantro and scallions keep everything vibrant and balanced.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use firm, tight green cabbage heads to get large, whole leaves.
Grate the onion finely so it blends seamlessly into the filling.
Don’t skip the boiling step—parboiling cabbage makes it pliable for rolling.
Steam the dumplings in a bamboo steamer or a steamer basket lined with parchment.
Pan-fry after steaming for a crispy golden crust, if desired.
How to Make Chicken Cabbage Dumplings
Step 1: Make the Dipping Sauce
Combine peanut butter, sriracha, ginger garlic paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and cilantro in a bowl. Stir well.
Add olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix again and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, season the ground chicken with salt, Szechuan pepper, pandan powder, and cayenne.
Mix in ginger garlic paste, grated red onion, chopped scallion, and cilantro.
Add sesame oil if using and combine well.
Step 3: Boil Cabbage Leaves
Carefully separate cabbage leaves.
Boil them in lightly salted water for 5–7 minutes until tender.
Remove from water and keep the pot simmering.
Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings
Lay a cabbage leaf flat, spoon some filling near the base, then roll it up like a burrito, tucking in the sides.
Step 5: Steam the Dumplings
Place the wrapped dumplings in a steamer over simmering water.
Steam for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 6: Optional Pan-Fry
For added texture, fry the steamed dumplings in olive oil until golden and crispy on the outside.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the dumplings warm and serve with the spicy peanut dipping sauce.
What to Serve It With
Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
Pickled vegetables or kimchi
A light cucumber salad or sesame noodle bowl
Variations & Substitutions
Swap chicken for ground turkey or pork
Use napa cabbage or savoy for different textures
Add chopped mushrooms to the filling for an umami boost
Skip the cayenne for a milder version
Make it vegetarian with crumbled tofu and grated veggies
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Freeze raw dumplings individually on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag
Reheat by steaming or pan-frying directly from frozen
FAQs
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them in advance and store in the fridge or freezer.
Are these dumplings spicy?
They have a gentle heat, but you can reduce the cayenne or sriracha to your taste.
Can I skip the steaming and just bake them?
Steaming keeps the dumplings moist, but baking at 375°F for 20–25 minutes can also work.
What is pandan powder and do I need it?
Pandan adds a subtle floral aroma. It’s optional, so skip it if you don’t have it.
Can I use red cabbage instead?
It’s tougher to roll and less pliable, but doable. Steam a bit longer to soften.
Is the dipping sauce kid-friendly?
It’s a little spicy—omit sriracha or reduce for a milder version.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
For best texture, use raw ground chicken. Cooked chicken may become too dry.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Cabbage Dumplings are a wholesome, delicious twist on classic dumplings, wrapped in veggie goodness and bursting with flavor.
The spicy peanut dipping sauce is the perfect finishing touch—tangy, creamy, and impossible to resist. Great for parties, meal prep, or just a comforting weeknight dinner.
