What is Dumpling Lasagna? The Viral Trend Explained

Do you know about dumpling lasagna? It’s a viral trend, apparently. Dumplings, but lasagna. Lasagna, but dumplings. Are you picturing it? Can you see the vision? I’ll be honest, I had a hard time with the concept until I scrolled through some videos. I had to see it to believe it, basically. And even then, I was a little skeptical. 

Videos by Sporked

Is this a dumpling filled with lasagna, or lasagna made from dumplings? 

It is most certainly the latter. Picture, like, the guts of a potsticker or soup dumpling, layered between big squares of wonton wrapper. Doesn’t sound great, does it? On first glance, it doesn’t look too great, either. 

I went through the full gamut of emotions learning about dumpling lasagna. In fact, let’s go through my journey in a nice little beat sheet: 

• My morning started like any other. I came in to work and noticed that “dumpling lasagna” was trending on TikTok. Properly confused, I decided to investigate. 
• My investigation led me to this article, which talks about April Liang’s (@april_eatz) popular recipe for dumpling lasagna and how it’s easier than prepping handmade dumplings. 
• I started to watch April’s video. She introduces her recipe as an “open-faced soup dumpling bowl” with complete sincerity, and immediately I had to exit the app. The words “open-faced soup dumpling” incited a rage in me that, in hindsight, was a total overreaction, but c’mon. Open-faced soup dumpling? 
• That’s just soup.
• Anyways, I took a couple soothing breaths and rewatched the video with an open mind and clear heart. April layers ground pork (mixed with sauces and scallions), cabbage, and wonton wrappers in a medium-sized bowl (I’ve seen it made in small ramekins, too), topping the whole thing with a pretty spoonful of chili crisp. And… well. 
• The chili crisp hit me like a spell. Suddenly this was the most delicious thing I’d ever seen. I mean, watch it for yourself. Would you not eat that every single day of your life? 
• I found another recipe from my favorite chef on TikTok, Here’s Your Bite. This was a full sheet of dumpling lasagna, guys. It’s basically the same recipe, but wider and deeper. 
• I think I watched this one about 15 times, only to realize I have literally all the ingredients at home to make it (except the wonton wrappers, but I can pick those up pretty painlessly). Cue the joy. 

I forgot I could feel so many things in such a short period of time. That’s the power of dumpling lasagna, I suppose. Will you guys be trying this? Lemme know in the comments!