If you’re on the hunt for something that feels both comforting and exciting, your kitchen’s about to get a serious upgrade with my Soup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together the delicate juiciness of soup dumplings with a rich, spicy, and creamy sauce that hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try this, your family and friends will be begging you to make it again—and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Creamy Sauce: The gochujang adds just the perfect spicy kick while creamy heavy cream balances it out beautifully.
- Convenient & Delicious: Using frozen soup dumplings makes the process quick but still super tasty.
- Impressively Simple: It looks gourmet, but it’s surprisingly easy to make—perfect for a weeknight or a casual dinner party.
- Flavorful Fusion: Combining Korean-inspired heat with Italian-inspired parmesan makes this recipe uniquely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Soup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe plays a starring role in layering flavor, so don’t skip any! I find frozen soup dumplings the perfect base since they retain their soup inside while cooking, and the creamy gochujang sauce brings everything together with a luscious richness.
- Frozen soup dumplings: Grab good-quality frozen dumplings; they save you loads of prep time but deliver on flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced is essential for that vibrant, aromatic punch.
- Gochujang: This Korean fermented chili paste is spicy, savory, and slightly sweet—a total game-changer in this creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Use full-fat for the creamiest, most luscious mouthfeel.
- Water: Helps thin the sauce just enough so it coats the dumplings perfectly.
- Salt: Enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Pepper: Freshly ground, for a light touch of heat.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to sprinkle on top, adding a nutty, umami boost.
- Chopped chives or sage (optional): These fresh herbs add brightness and a lovely touch of color.
Variations
Here’s what I love about this recipe: it’s totally flexible. Depending on what you’ve got on hand or your spice preference, you can easily tweak it. I often switch up the herbs or add extra garlic when I’m craving more aroma.
- Mild version: If you’re not big on spicy, just reduce the gochujang by half and add a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth without heat—I did this for my kids, and they loved it!
- Vegan twist: Use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and pick plant-based dumplings if available.
- Cheese swap: Try crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella in place of parmesan for a different cheesy vibe.
- Extra veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to add color and nutrition.
How to Make Soup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial because burning the garlic will introduce bitterness, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently. The smell should be heavenly, warming your kitchen and prepping the flavor base.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Gochujang Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of gochujang. Stir everything together until fully combined, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This is where all those lovely flavors meld. The creamy texture balances the spicy, tangy punch of gochujang beautifully—when I first tried this combo, I knew it was a winner.
Step 3: Cook the Soup Dumplings
Add your frozen soup dumplings into the sauce, making sure to leave a little space between each to avoid sticking. Cover the pot with a lid and let them cook for about 12 minutes, or until they’re heated through and perfectly tender. This steaming-in-sauce method is a lifesaver—it saves a pan and infuses the dumplings with flavor from every angle.
Step 4: Serve with Parmesan and Herbs
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese and add chopped chives or sage if you like an herbal fresh note. Serve immediately while everything is warm, and watch how quickly this dish disappears—my family goes crazy for this finish.
Pro Tips for Making Soup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe
- Use quality frozen dumplings: I find that better brands hold up well in the sauce without falling apart, giving you that authentic soup dumpling bite.
- Simmer gently, don’t boil: Keep the heat medium to medium-low after adding sauce to avoid breaking your dumplings or curdling the cream.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Space matters here—crowding can cause dumplings to stick or cook unevenly.
- Add parmesan last: Topping at the end keeps the cheese fresh and melty without losing its sharp flavor.
How to Serve Soup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I always garnish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped chives when making this dish. Sometimes I swap chives for sage—its slightly earthy, mild flavor complements the spicy creaminess beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions work wonders too.
Side Dishes
When I serve this, I like to keep sides light and fresh—a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar or a quick steamed bok choy pairs perfectly. If you want something heartier, fried rice or garlic noodles round out the meal nicely without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated this dish on a large serving platter with fresh herbs scattered around and a drizzle of chili oil for extra flair. It looks fancy but takes minimal effort. You can also serve the dumplings in individual bowls with some extra sauce spooned on top for a comforting, elegant vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing leftover dumplings and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dumplings soak up the sauce, making them even more flavorful—but don’t wait too long or they start to get soggy. I always keep them chilled promptly after serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, separate dumplings from the sauce before freezing to keep textures from changing too much. Freeze dumplings spread out on a baking sheet first to avoid clumping, then transfer to a freezer bag. The sauce freezes well on its own in a sealed container.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce and add dumplings back in on low heat, covering the pot to steam through without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you can; stovetop reheating retains the silky texture of the sauce and the dumplings’ filling way better.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh soup dumplings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh soup dumplings work wonderfully and will cook a bit faster, so just reduce the simmering time and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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How spicy is this gochujang sauce? Can I adjust the heat?
The sauce has a pleasant medium heat—spicy but balanced by cream. You can easily dial it down by cutting the gochujang amount in half or jazz it up with extra chili flakes if you want more kick.
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy gochujang sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just warm it gently before adding your dumplings.
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What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
No worries—you can substitute with pecorino, asiago, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy depth if dairy is limited.
Final Thoughts
This Soup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe holds a special spot in my heart, especially for those days when I crave something cozy but with a twist. It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy night and special enough to impress at dinner. I honestly love how the spicy, creamy sauce transforms simple frozen dumplings into something that feels so indulgent and authentic. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how little effort makes a huge impact!
PrintSoup Dumplings in Creamy Gochujang Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-inspired)
Description
This delicious recipe features frozen soup dumplings simmered in a rich and creamy gochujang sauce. The combination of spicy Korean chili paste with buttery cream creates a unique, flavorful dish perfectly garnished with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, making it an easy yet elevated meal for two.
Ingredients
Soup Dumplings
- 8-10 frozen soup dumplings
Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup water
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chopped chives or sage (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a pot, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Add heavy cream, water, and gochujang to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Dumplings: Place the frozen soup dumplings into the sauce, ensuring they have some space between them. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked through.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the lid and turn off the heat. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the dumplings, garnish with chopped sage or chives if desired. Serve hot immediately and enjoy your creamy gochujang soup dumplings.
Notes
- Make sure to use frozen soup dumplings; cooking time may vary for fresh dumplings.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching at the bottom of the pot.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Garnishes like fresh herbs enhance flavor and presentation but are optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4-5 dumplings with sauce)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg