Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings

Looking for a dumpling recipe that’s as exciting as it is delicious? These Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings are just the thing. Imagine perfectly tender dumplings filled with a savory-sweet butternut squash filling, paired with the irresistible kick of chili crisp. The slight sweetness of the squash balances perfectly with the spicy, garlicky crunch of chili crisp, creating a dumpling experience that’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Trust me, this dish is a must-try and will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings

Here’s why these dumplings are about to become your new favorite:

• Flavor-packed: The chili crisp brings a unique savory-sweet-spicy flavor that elevates the humble butternut squash into something extraordinary.
• Comfort food with a twist: These dumplings are soft, warm, and comforting with a spicy twist, making them perfect for cozy nights in or as an impressive appetizer at your next dinner party.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Packed with wholesome vegetables, these dumplings are perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their repertoire.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Love heat? Add more chili crisp. Prefer it mild? Use just a touch.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: These dumplings freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and have them ready whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings:

• Butternut Squash: The sweet, tender filling that forms the base of these dumplings.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds warmth and a slight bite that complements the sweetness of the squash.
• Garlic: A must-have for extra depth of flavor in the filling.
• Chili Crisp: This is the star ingredient! It’s a blend of chili oil, crispy garlic, and other spices that provide that signature crunchy heat.
• Soy Sauce: For umami and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the squash.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
• Dumpling Wrappers: The vessel for your delicious filling. You can use store-bought wrappers to make this a quick, weeknight-friendly recipe.
• Spring Onion: Freshly chopped for a touch of freshness and crunch.
• Rice Vinegar: A dash of rice vinegar brightens up the filling and balances the rich flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some seriously delicious dumplings? Let’s go!

Prepare the Butternut Squash Filling

Start by peeling and dicing the butternut squash into small cubes. Steam or roast the squash until it’s soft and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes if steaming, or 20-25 minutes at 375°F if roasting). Once cooked, mash the squash until smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed squash with grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, spring onion, and rice vinegar. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of chili crisp (or more, depending on how spicy you want it) and mix until everything is well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more chili crisp or soy sauce as needed.

Assemble the Dumplings

Take your dumpling wrappers and place about a teaspoon of the butternut squash filling in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill them, as it can be tricky to seal. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water and fold it into a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together tightly to seal. You can also pleat the edges for a more traditional dumpling look if you prefer!

Cook the Dumplings

There are two ways to cook these dumplings: steam or pan-fry. To steam them, arrange the dumplings on a lined bamboo steamer basket and steam for about 10-12 minutes until the wrappers become translucent and the filling is heated through.

To pan-fry, heat a little oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the dumplings in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Add a few tablespoons of water to the pan and cover with a lid. Let the dumplings steam for about 5-6 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the wrappers are tender.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve your dumplings with a drizzle of extra chili crisp on top for that delicious, crunchy bite. They’re perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar for added flavor. Garnish with a few more spring onions or cilantro for freshness and color.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings:

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 250 calories
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 150%
• Vitamin C: 20%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings

These dumplings are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for pairing them to create a full meal:

• Asian-Inspired Salad: Serve the dumplings with a fresh salad of cabbage, carrots, and sesame seeds tossed in a light sesame dressing.
• Rice or Noodles: Pair them with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a more filling meal.
• Pickled Vegetables: A side of quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes will add a tangy contrast to the richness of the dumplings.
• Soup: Serve alongside a miso soup or a spicy broth for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

• Freezing Dumplings: These dumplings freeze beautifully. Simply place the uncooked dumplings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, just steam or pan-fry directly from frozen.
• Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili crisp to your taste. If you like it milder, start with a small amount and add more as you go.
• Homemade Wrappers: If you have the time, you can make your own dumpling wrappers from scratch for a truly authentic touch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

A1: Yes, pumpkin is a great substitute! It has a similar texture and flavor, though butternut squash tends to be a bit sweeter.

Q2: Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dumplings in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q3: What can I use instead of chili crisp?

A3: If you don’t have chili crisp, you can use chili oil or sriracha for a similar spicy kick, though it won’t have the same crunchy texture.

Q4: How can I make these dumplings gluten-free?

A4: Use gluten-free dumpling wrappers, which are available at most Asian grocery stores or health food markets.

Q5: Can I bake these dumplings instead of frying or steaming them?

A5: While steaming and pan-frying give the best results, you can bake the dumplings in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.

Q6: How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together while steaming?

A6: Make sure to line your steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves, and don’t overcrowd the dumplings.

Q7: Can I use frozen butternut squash for the filling?

A7: Yes, frozen butternut squash works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mashing to remove excess water.

Q8: How can I make these dumplings spicier?

A8: Add more chili crisp or chili flakes to the filling or dipping sauce. You can also experiment with adding a bit of fresh minced chili to the filling.

Q9: Can I make these dumplings without a steamer?

A9: If you don’t have a steamer, you can improvise by using a colander or sieve over a pot of boiling water, ensuring the dumplings don’t touch the water.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftover dumplings?

A10: To reheat, steam the dumplings for about 5 minutes or pan-fry them for a couple of minutes to crisp them up again.

Conclusion

Chili Crisp Butternut Squash Dumplings are a flavor-packed, comforting, and exciting dish that combines the sweetness of squash with the bold, spicy kick of chili crisp. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these dumplings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later, so you always have a tasty, homemade treat ready to go. Enjoy these little pockets of flavor, and let the chili crisp magic do its thing!

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