Easy Cabbage Dumplings (Soft, Juicy & Better Than Takeout)

These easy cabbage dumplings are soft, juicy, and packed with comforting flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cooking projects. Made with simple ingredients and a tender dough, this homemade version is surprisingly approachable, even if it’s your first time making dumplings from scratch.

Whether you steam, pan-fry, or boil them, these cabbage dumplings are better than takeout and can easily be adapted for vegetarian or meat-filled versions. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Green cabbage (finely chopped)
• Dumpling wrappers (or homemade dough)
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt & pepper

HOW TO MAKE CABBAGE DUMPLINGS

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Finely chop and salt the cabbage to remove excess moisture
2. Mix cabbage with seasonings and aromatics
3. Fill and fold dumpling wrappers
4. Steam, pan-fry, or boil until tender and cooked through

Full instructions and measurements are in the recipe card below

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Easy to make at home
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Can be vegetarian or meat-filled

STORAGE & REHEATING

Storage Tips

• Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Freeze uncooked dumplings on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months

Reheating

• Steam or pan-fry frozen dumplings straight from the freezer
• Avoid microwaving for best texture

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Chili crisp
• Soy sauce + rice vinegar
• Sesame dipping sauce

Easy Cabbage Dumplings

Soft, juicy homemade cabbage dumplings that are easy to make and better than takeout. Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 small green cabbage finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 green onions finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 30 dumpling wrappers

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl large
• 1 knife sharp
• 1 Cutting board optional
• 1 Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
• 1 Large skillet for pan-frying option

Method

 

1. Finely chop the cabbage and place it in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt, toss to combine, and let it rest for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
   1 small green cabbage, 1 teaspoon salt
2. Add the chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the cabbage. Mix until evenly combined.
   2 green onions, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
3. Lay out the dumpling wrappers on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.
   30 dumpling wrappers
4. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold over the filling, and pleat to seal. Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
   30 dumpling wrappers
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottoms are golden brown.
   1 tablespoon olive oil
6. Add a splash of water to the skillet, cover, and steam the dumplings for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and tender.
   1 tablespoon olive oil
7. Remove the lid and cook for 1–2 minutes more to re-crisp the bottoms if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Storage

Store cooked cabbage dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Uncooked dumplings freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen—no thawing needed.

Reheating

Reheat dumplings by steaming or pan-frying until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers chewy.

Variations & Tips

• Add finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for extra texture.
• If the filling feels wet, squeeze the cabbage more thoroughly after salting.
• These dumplings can be steamed, pan-fried, or boiled depending on preference.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.

These homemade cabbage dumplings are a simple and comforting dish that works for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Using just a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe delivers soft, juicy dumplings with a savory filling that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.

Unlike takeout dumplings, these are lighter, fresher, and easy to customize. You can steam them for a soft texture or pan-fry them for crispy bottoms. They’re also naturally vegetarian, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by making dumplings at home, this recipe keeps the process straightforward while still delivering restaurant-quality results.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Dumplings

• Squeeze the cabbage well: Removing excess moisture is the key to preventing soggy dumplings.
• Don’t overfill: About one tablespoon of filling per wrapper makes folding easier and prevents tearing.
• Seal tightly: Press and pleat firmly so the dumplings don’t open while cooking.
• Use a nonstick skillet: This helps achieve golden bottoms without sticking.
• Cook in batches: Overcrowding the pan can cause uneven cooking.

These small steps make a big difference in texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas & Variations

Serve cabbage dumplings with soy sauce, chili oil, or a simple dipping sauce made with rice vinegar and sesame oil. They pair well with rice bowls, noodle soups, or a light cucumber salad.

To change things up, try adding finely chopped mushrooms or tofu to the filling for extra texture. You can also pan-fry the dumplings until crispy, then steam them briefly for a classic potsticker-style finish.

These dumplings are perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or sharing at gatherings.

If you love this one, checkout my other Recipes!