How to Make the Viral Trader Joe’s Dumpling Bake with Just 6 Ingredients

Trader Joe’s has spawned plenty of viral recipes—the two-ingredient soup dumpling soup, the scallion pancake tacos, the sheet cake layer cake hack—but one has really gotten the internet excited. It’s the dumpling bake. Let’s talk about it, because it’s about to be your dinner tomorrow.

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What is the viral Trader Joe’s dumpling bake?

If you search for “viral Trader Joe’s dumpling bake” you’re going to get a lot of recipes. You’re going to see a lot of results from Insta and TikTok as well. But the original recipe dates back to a January 2025 TikTok video from chef/blogger Danielle Brown (who goes by healthygirlkitchen on TT). Basically, it’s a simple dish made with vegan dumplings baked in a homemade red curry sauce with bok choy. Since the original posting, this dish has gained a life of its own—and it’s gotten easier, thanks to Trader Joe’s premade ingredients.

How do you make the Trader Joe’s dumpling bake?

To make the easiest version of this viral recipe, simply mix a half bottle of Trader Joe’s Thai Red Curry Sauce with 3 tablespoons of Trader Joe’s Soyaki, some minced garlic (1-3 cloves, depending on how much you like garlic), and a can of coconut milk in a baking dish. Then layer on Trader Joe’s frozen gyoza (what kind? You choose!) and bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes. Ta-da! Saucy, creamy, super-easy (and not crazy expensive) semi-homemade dinner.

How can you plus-up the dumpling bake?

Now that you know how to make the basic bake, it’s time to actually make it your own like so many bloggers have done over the past year. Here are a few ways to add some personality to your dumpling bake:

Add vegetables. Throw some spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage (the vegetable of 2026), or whatever’s in season into the sauce before nestling your dumplings into the dish. Then throw on some thinly sliced green onion or chopped cilantro when it’s done.
Top for texture. Try finishing the dish with a drizzle of chili crisp (or Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion if you want to stay brand loyal) for crunch and spice. Or sprinkle on some crispy fried onions or Trader Joe’s Crispy Jalapeno Pieces.
Make it nutty. Add sesame oil to the sauce for that toasty sesame flavor or stir in some peanut butter (or peanut butter alternative) for even more creaminess and more of a satay vibe.

About the Author

Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients. Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it. What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now). Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test! Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.