Thai pork dumplings are a delicious fusion of comfort food and bold Southeast Asian flavors. Juicy, aromatic, and perfectly tender, these dumplings combine seasoned ground pork with garlic, herbs, and umami-rich sauces, all wrapped in delicate dumpling skins and cooked until irresistibly plump. Whether steamed, pan-fried, or served as a party appetizer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Unlike many generic dumpling recipes, Thai pork dumplings stand out thanks to their balance of savory, herbal, and slightly sweet notes. Ingredients like fish sauce, cilantro, white pepper, and garlic give these dumplings their signature depth. They’re incredibly versatile too—perfect as a snack, starter, or even a main meal when paired with rice or noodle soup.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right pork to mastering the dumpling fold, along with tips, variations, and cultural context. If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade dumplings that truly impress, this is the recipe to try.

Why You’ll Love These Thai Pork Dumplings

Thai pork dumplings are beloved for good reason. They’re comforting yet exciting, simple enough for home cooks but impressive enough for entertaining. Making dumplings from scratch can feel intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll find the process relaxing and rewarding.

These dumplings are:

Juicy and tender with bold flavor
Perfect for steaming or pan-frying
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Customizable with herbs, spice, or vegetables
A great introduction to Thai-inspired cooking

Best of all, they bring people together. Dumpling-making is often a shared experience, making this recipe ideal for family cooking nights or weekend projects.

Ingredients

Ground pork (preferably with some fat for juiciness)
Garlic, finely minced
Cilantro stems and leaves, finely chopped
Green onions, minced
Fish sauce
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
White pepper
Sugar
Dumpling wrappers (round or square)
Water, for sealing

Optional additions:

Finely chopped water chestnuts for crunch
Minced ginger for extra warmth
Chili paste for heat

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, garlic, cilantro, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about one tablespoon of filling into the center.
Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper.
Fold the wrapper over the filling and pinch firmly to seal. Pleat the edges if desired.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, keeping finished dumplings covered with a damp towel.
To steam, place dumplings in a lined steamer basket, leaving space between each. Steam for 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
Serve hot with dipping sauce of choice.

The Secret to Juicy Dumplings

The key to perfect Thai pork dumplings lies in balance. Pork with a little fat ensures moisture, while fish sauce and soy sauce add depth without overpowering the filling. Finely chopped herbs distribute flavor evenly, and gentle mixing keeps the texture tender.

Another secret is not overfilling. A modest amount of filling allows the wrapper to seal properly and cook evenly, preventing leaks or dryness.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

A good dumpling deserves a great sauce. Try these combinations:

Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil
Sweet chili sauce with lime juice
Fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic
Soy sauce with grated ginger

Each sauce highlights different elements of the dumpling, so feel free to experiment.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of homemade dumplings is how adaptable they are.

Spicy Thai Pork Dumplings:
Add chili paste or finely chopped Thai chilies to the filling.

Herb-Forward Version:
Increase cilantro and add Thai basil for an aromatic twist.

Pan-Fried Dumplings:
After steaming, pan-fry dumplings in oil until the bottoms are crispy.

Mixed Protein Dumplings:
Combine pork with shrimp for extra richness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Thai pork dumplings can be served in many ways:

As an appetizer with dipping sauces
Alongside jasmine rice and vegetables
In clear broth as dumpling soup
As part of a larger Thai-inspired meal spread

They pair beautifully with light salads, cucumber relishes, or pickled vegetables to balance richness.

Cultural Context and Fun Facts

Dumplings are common throughout Asia, but Thai-style dumplings reflect the country’s love of bold seasoning and fresh herbs. In Thailand, dumpling-like snacks are often sold at street stalls, served steaming hot and eaten casually on the go.

While influenced by Chinese cooking traditions, Thai dumplings stand apart due to their use of fish sauce, herbs, and balanced sweet-salty flavors. This recipe pays homage to that fusion while remaining approachable for home cooks everywhere.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Uncooked dumplings freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to steaming time.

Cooked dumplings can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated gently by steaming.

Final Thoughts

Thai pork dumplings are proof that homemade food can be both comforting and exciting. With simple ingredients, thoughtful seasoning, and a little care, you can create dumplings that rival your favorite restaurant’s version. Whether you’re new to dumpling-making or a seasoned cook, this recipe offers flavor, flexibility, and satisfaction in every bite.

Thai Pork Dumplings

Juicy homemade Thai pork dumplings filled with garlic, herbs, and savory seasoning, perfect for steaming or pan-frying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 people

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 260