I could eat dumplings all day long, and these hot & sour black vinegar & chilli oil dumplings are one of my favourite go-to ways of whipping up a dumpling dish. Using just frozen dumplings, garlic, crispy chilli oil, Chinese black vinegar, light soy sauce, and fresh coriander, these hot & sour dumplings takes less than 10 minutes to put together. It’s unbelievably simple, and is the perfect flavour-packed lunch, snack, or light dinner to make.

What are Hot & Sour Dumplings

Hot & Sour Dumplings is a classic dish originating from the Shaanxi region in Northwestern China. The cuisine from this part of China is known for their robust, savoury flavours, with heavy uses of spices, garlic, vinegar, and chilli oil. These hot & sour dumplings are exactly that, featuring a combination of spicy heat from the chilli oil and tangy acidity from the vinegar, creating this addictively sharp, piquant, and delicious hot & sour flavour profile. Given the large Muslim-Chinese population in the region, mostly made up of the Chinese Hui ethnic group, beef or lamb dumplings are typically used for this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Black Vinegar Chilli Oil Dumplings Recipe

Not only are these dumplings unbelievably delicious, but they’re also ridiculously easy to make. Always have some frozen dumplings stocked up in your freezer, and this is the perfect lazy meal to whip up. To turn this into a substantial meal, simply toss in some noodles as well and perhaps some blanched vegetables. The minimal cooking time for this dish also makes it heat-wave approved and is my go-to summer meals!

What is Chinese Black Vinegar

Chinese Black Vinegar is a traditional fermented vinegar that’s made with glutinous rice. It features a deep, dark colour and has a complex flavour profile that’s distinctively full-bodied, tangy, slightly sweet, and even subtly smoky. It is widely used in Chinese cooking, particularly for dipping sauces and in noodle dishes. One of the most popular varieties is Chinkiang b l ack vinegar, which originates from the Jiangsu province of China and is considered superior of all Chinese black vinegar.

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A bowl of Chinese hot & sour chilli oil dumplings

How to Make Chinese Hot & Sour Dumplings with Chilli Oil & Black Vinegar

Ingredients You Need

Dumplings – fresh or frozen dumplings
Garlic
Chinese Black Vinegar – look out for Chinkiang Black Vinegar
Crispy Chilli Oil – Loganma Crispy Chilli Oil is the best and only one!
Light Soy Sauce
Fresh Coriander Leaves
Sesame Oil (optional) – for extra fragrance

Cooking Tips & Recipe Notes

Do not overcook the dumplings. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen dumplings, your dumplings are ready when it floats to the top of the water. Overcooking the dumplings would result in the dumpling bursting.
Toss the dumplings with the sauce while they’re hot. Freshly cooked dumplings retain a light coating of starch on their surface, helping the chilli oil and black vinegar sauce cling more effectively. The warmth also allows the dumplings to absorb more flavour and ensures the sauce coats each dumpling evenly.
Different brands of soy sauce, black vinegar, and chilli oil vary in intensity, so adjust seasoning as needed and according to your own taste.

Recipe FAQs

What type of dumplings should I use?

You can use any type of dumplings! Meat dumplings, vegetable dumplings, wontons, even gyozas, they all work with this recipe.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be mixed up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before using.

Why are my dumplings sticking together after cooking?

Dumplings can stick together if they are left sitting after being drained. Tossing them with the sauce immediately after cooking helps keep them separated while coating them with flavour.

What does Chinese black vinegar taste like?

Chinese black vinegar has a rich, tangy flavour with subtle malty and smoky notes. It is less sharp than white vinegar and less sweet than balsamic vinegar, making it a popular choice for dumpling sauces and noodle dishes.

Can I use rice vinegar instead of Chinese black vinegar?

Yes, although the flavour will be different. Rice vinegar provides a lighter and cleaner acidity, while Chinese black vinegar contributes more depth and complexity to the sauce.

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Easy Chinese Hot & Sour Dumplings with Chilli Oil & Black Vinegar

ET Food Voyage

This easy 10-minute dumpling recipe features bold, delicious hot & sour flavours using chilli oil, Chinese black vinegar, garlic, & soy sauce.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Course Lunch

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 2 servings

Calories 323 kcal

Ingredients

2 cloves Garlic finely chopped
1-1½ tbsp Crispy Chilli Oil
1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
2 tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar
1 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves chopped
A drizzle of Sesame Oil (optional)
10 Dumplings

Instructions

In a bowl, combine chopped garlic, crispy chilli oil, light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, fresh coriander leaves, and sesame oil.
2 cloves Garlic, 1-1½ tbsp Crispy Chilli Oil, 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce, 2 tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar, 1 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, A drizzle of Sesame Oil
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the dumplings according to package instructions. The dumplings should float to the top when they're ready.
10 Dumplings
Gently toss the dumplings into the sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the dumplings. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen dumplings, your dumplings are ready when it floats to the top of the water. Overcooking the dumplings would result in the dumpling bursting.

Toss the dumplings with the sauce while they’re hot. Freshly cooked dumplings retain a light coating of starch on their surface, helping the chilli oil and black vinegar sauce cling more effectively. The warmth also allows the dumplings to absorb more flavour and ensures the sauce coats each dumpling evenly.

Different brands of soy sauce, black vinegar, and chilli oil vary in intensity, so adjust seasoning as needed.

Keyword Chinese Recipes, Dumpling Recipe, Easy Recipes, Quick Recipes

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Easy Chinese Hot & Sour Black Vinegar Chilli Oil Dumplings

What are Hot & Sour Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Black Vinegar Chilli Oil Dumplings Recipe

What is Chinese Black Vinegar