Spicy Prawn Dumplings in Red Oil That Wow Every Time

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

After a long day at work, nothing beats the joy of stepping into the kitchen and whipping up something delicious. That s when I decided to try my hand at these delightful Prawn Dumplings in Red Oil. The first time I tasted a similar dish, I was transported to a bustling street market, bursting with flavors and aromas that danced in the air. Inspired by those memories, I crafted a recipe that brings the same excitement right into my home.

These dumplings are more than just food they re a celebration of seafood goodness, wrapped in a tender gyoza wrapper and accompanied by a zesty, spicy dipping sauce that packs a punch. The best part? You can create this culinary masterpiece fast, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or an impressive dish for guests. So gather your ingredients and let s roll up our sleeves to create something truly special. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why Love Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil?

Flavor Explosion: The bold, spicy red oil sauce complements the juicy prawns perfectly, creating a delightful sensation for your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps, you can whip up these dumplings in about 30 minutes ideal for busy weeknights!
Elevate Home Cooking: Impress friends and family with this restaurant-quality dish made from the comfort of your home.
Endless Customization: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences, such as using chicken or veggies for different twists.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, these dumplings are sure to be the star of your meal, leaving everyone wanting more!

Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil Ingredients

For the Dumplings
Gyoza Wrappers Essential for encasing the filling; if unavailable, use homemade wrappers or other types of dumpling skins.
Peeled and Deveined Prawns (300g / 10.5 oz) The star ingredient providing delicious flavor; ensure they are fresh for the best taste.
Water Chestnuts (5, finely chopped) Adds a satisfying crunch to the filling; substitute with finely chopped celery if needed.
Spring Onion (3 tbsp, finely chopped) Brings a hint of freshness; can be replaced with chives or green onion tops.
Coriander (cilantro, 1 tbsp, finely chopped) Introduces a fresh, herbal note; parsley can be used as a milder alternative.
Ginger (2 tbsp, finely grated) Adds warmth and zest; feel free to reduce the amount for a more subtle flavor.
Garlic (1 clove, finely grated) Enhances the overall aroma in the filling.
Egg White (1) Acts as a binder that helps the filling hold together.
Sea Salt (1 tsp) Enhances overall flavor; adjust according to dietary preferences.

For the Red Oil Sauce
Soy Sauce (3 tbsp) Serves as the base, adding umami flavor; tamari is great for a gluten-free option.
Chinese Chinkiang Black Vinegar (3 tbsp) Gives depth and acidity; red wine vinegar works as a substitute if necessary.
Chili Oil (2 tbsp) Adds the necessary spice and flavor; homemade Sichuan chili oil is highly recommended.
Sugar ( ½ tsp) Balances the sauce s flavors; adjust based on desired sweetness.
Garlic (1 small clove, finely grated) An additional boost of flavor for the dipping sauce.

Create your delightful Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil with these carefully selected ingredients!

How to Make Prawn Dumplings in Red Oil

1. Prepare the Filling: Begin by mincing the peeled and deveined prawns until they are uniformly chopped. In a bowl, mix the prawns with finely chopped water chestnuts, spring onion, coriander, ginger, garlic, egg white, and sea salt until the mixture becomes sticky and well-combined.

2. Assemble Dumplings: Take a gyoza wrapper and place a scant tablespoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water, fold it over, and seal tightly. Ensure to expel any air pockets to avoid leaks during cooking.

3. Make Red Oil Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Chinese Chinkiang black vinegar, chili oil, sugar, and the additional grated garlic. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

4. Cook Dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the dumplings and boil them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they float and are cooked through. The wrappers should be tender yet firm.

5. Serve: Place the cooked dumplings in bowls, ladle the spicy red oil sauce over them, and garnish with sliced spring onions for an added touch of freshness.

Optional: Serve with extra red oil sauce on the side for dipping!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil

• Room Temperature: Uncooked dumplings can be left at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, but it s best to store them in the fridge if you re not cooking right away.
• Fridge: Cooked dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezer: Uncooked prawn dumplings can be frozen for up to 1 month. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for easy access.
• Reheating: To reheat cooked dumplings, use a steamer or place them in hot water for a few minutes to preserve their texture. Enjoy them hot with your zesty red oil sauce!

Make Ahead Options

These delicious Prawn Dumplings in Red Oil are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling and fill the gyoza wrappers up to 24 hours in advance simply store them in the refrigerator, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent drying. Additionally, uncooked dumplings can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 1 month, making them a convenient option for quick meals. When you re ready to serve, just boil the dumplings directly from frozen for about 6-7 minutes, and enjoy tender, flavorful dumplings just as delicious as freshly made!

Expert Tips for Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest prawns possible for a noticeable flavor difference. Frozen can work, but fresh is best for this dish.

• Avoid Over-Filling: When assembling dumplings, use only a scant tablespoon of filling to prevent leaks during cooking.

• Seal Properly: Wet the edges of the gyoza wrapper to create a strong seal. This prevents steam from escaping, keeping the filling juicy.

• Test Cooking Time: For perfect dumplings, don t skip the boiling time. Cook until they float and are no longer opaque to ensure a delicious texture.

• Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze your dumplings ahead of time. They can be stored uncooked for up to a month, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

• Customize Sauce: Feel free to adjust the spice level in the red oil sauce to suit your taste. A pinch of sugar can balance strong flavors, making it truly your own.

What to Serve with Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil?

Nothing elevates a delicious meal like the right accompaniments, bringing balance and excitement to your dining experience.

• Steamed Bok Choy: A light and crisp side that adds a fresh, green element to your plate, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the dumplings. The mild bitterness of bok choy alleviates spice, ensuring every bite remains enjoyable.

• Coconut Rice: Creamy, slightly sweet coconut rice brings a touch of tropical flavor and makes a delightful base for your dumplings, absorbing the spicy red oil sauce beautifully.

• Sesame Soy Noodles: These chilled noodles, dressed in a sesame-soy sauce, provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor while cutting through the richness of the dumplings.

• Spicy Cucumber Salad: A zesty, crunchy salad that adds brightness and refreshment, balancing the heat from the red oil dipping sauce. This dish will keep your palate invigorated.

• Hot and Sour Soup: Perfect as a starter, this warm soup provides both tanginess and heat, preparing your taste buds for the delightful prawn dumplings.

• Chrysanthemum Tea: Serve this wholesome and fragrant tea on the side to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience.

• Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet closing, this dessert contrasts beautifully with the savory dumplings, ensuring a satisfying finish to your meal. The tropical sweetness rounds off your dining adventure perfectly!

Prawn Dumpling Variations

Feel free to personalize these delightful dumplings to suit your taste and dietary needs!

• Vegetarian: Substitute prawns with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu for a hearty meat-free version. The earthiness of mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the spices.

• Gluten-Free: Use rice paper wrappers instead of gyoza for a gluten-free option. This twist adds a unique chewy texture that complements the filling beautifully.

• Spicy Kick: Add minced Thai chili or a dash of sriracha into the filling for an extra layer of heat. Your taste buds will dance with this fiery twist!

• Herbaceous Boost: Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint instead of coriander for a fresh and aromatic filling. Each herb brings its own unique flavor profile.

• Crunch Factor: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or carrots into the filling for added crunch and sweetness. It enhances both flavor and texture, making every bite exciting!

• Savory Sesame: Mix a teaspoon of sesame oil into the filling or dipping sauce for that nutty richness. It s a small change that makes a big difference!

• Protein Swap: Try minced chicken or turkey as a protein alternative to prawns. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to enhance the flavors of the meat.

• Sweet and Sour: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the dumplings right before serving for a surprising flavor contrast that elevates the dish beautifully.

Enjoy experimenting and make these dumplings uniquely yours!

Prawn Dumplings In Red Oil Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my prawns are fresh?
Absolutely! Fresh prawns have a slight ocean scent and are firm to the touch. Look for clear shells and a sheen that indicates freshness. Avoid prawns that have dark spots all over or emit a strong fishy odor.

What s the best way to store uncooked prawn dumplings?
Certainly! Uncooked dumplings can be arranged on a baking sheet in a single layer and placed in the freezer for about an hour until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag and seal to prevent freezer burn. You can store them this way for up to 1 month!

Can I store cooked dumplings, and how long do they last?
Yes, you can! Cooked dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them using a steamer or by submerging them briefly in hot water this maintains their wonderful texture.

What should I do if my dumpling wrappers tear while assembling?
Very! If your wrappers tear, don t panic! You can either take a small piece of another wrapper to patch it up or just make a dump style dumpling instead. Just spoon your filling into the center, fold up the edges, and enjoy the rustic charm!

Can I make the red oil sauce in advance?
Of course! You can prepare the red oil sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a sauce that s even tastier when it s time to serve your Prawn Dumplings in Red Oil.

Is this dish suitable for those with allergies?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have specific allergies, consider using tamari in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Additionally, check other ingredients for possible allergens, such as seafood or sesame oil, and adjust accordingly. Always prioritize safety for your loved ones!