These Chicken & Prawn Dumplings are little pillows of joy, packed with juicy meat and seafood goodness, then elevated with a bold and creamy chili tahini sauce. Inspired by Asian flavors with a Middle Eastern twist, this dish brings a whole new depth to your dumpling game.
Whether you serve these dumplings at your next dinner party or make them as a fun weekend project, they’re guaranteed to impress. The sauce is spicy, nutty, and rich — perfectly complementing the tender dumplings. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think. Once you master the folding, you’ll be hooked!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
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200g chicken thigh, minced
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200g raw prawns, peeled and finely chopped
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1 spring onion, finely chopped
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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20 dumpling wrappers
For the Chili Tahini Sauce:
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2 tbsp tahini
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1 tbsp chili crisp
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp honey
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2 tbsp water (to loosen if needed)
To Garnish:
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Toasted sesame seeds
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Chopped spring onion
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken, chopped prawns, spring onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until evenly combined.
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Take one dumpling wrapper and place 1 tsp of filling in the center. Wet the edges with water and fold into a half-moon, pleating to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
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Bring a large steamer to boil and place the dumplings in, making sure they don’t touch each other. Steam for 8–10 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
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Meanwhile, make the sauce by combining tahini, chili crisp, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and water. Stir until smooth and adjust thickness with more water if needed.
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Once dumplings are cooked, serve hot drizzled with chili tahini sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Deep Dive into Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce is a fusion dish born from the vibrant intersection of Asian and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. On one hand, it celebrates the delicate craftsmanship of dumpling-making—a hallmark of Chinese cuisine—while on the other, it introduces a bold, nutty, and slightly spicy tahini-based sauce, a flavor deeply rooted in Levantine food culture. The inspiration for this recipe lies in the love for multiculturalism on a plate, where different traditions blend seamlessly into one delicious bite.
This dish honors the age-old tradition of dumplings—symbolic of wealth and unity in many Asian cultures—while giving it a modern and unexpected twist. The chili tahini drizzle doesn’t just complement the dumplings, it transforms them, elevating the overall flavor profile to something new and unforgettable.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The texture of these dumplings is an experience on its own. Inside the soft, tender wrapper lies a juicy and protein-packed filling of chicken and prawns. Chicken provides a rich and slightly fatty base, while the prawns add a sweet, bouncy texture that brings balance and freshness. The mixture is lightly seasoned to let the natural flavor of the proteins shine through while being aromatic enough to feel savory and satisfying.
The sauce—made from tahini, chili crisp, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness—adds multiple dimensions. The tahini is creamy and earthy, grounding the dish. The chili crisp introduces heat and umami, while rice vinegar and soy sauce bring the zing and saltiness. The honey rounds out the edges with a subtle sweetness, making every bite exciting and layered.
Why This Dumpling Variation Works
What makes this dumpling recipe stand out is how it fuses ingredients in a way that’s both harmonious and unexpected. Traditional dumplings are often paired with soy-based or vinegar-forward sauces, but the tahini component here offers a creamy, nutty surprise that brings a new depth of flavor. This combination is especially appealing to food lovers who enjoy exploring new cultural mashups and flavor experiments.
Another reason it works so well is balance—of textures, of flavors, of presentation. Dumplings are typically carb-heavy and salty, but this version keeps things light with a filling that leans toward lean proteins and a sauce that isn’t overwhelmingly salty but rich in complementary notes.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Aspects
Beyond taste and texture, this dish has impressive nutritional qualities. Lean chicken and prawns are excellent sources of protein, providing energy and aiding muscle development. Prawns are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. The dumpling wrappers contribute some carbohydrates, but in moderate amounts, keeping this dish relatively balanced for those watching their intake.
The tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, brings in healthy fats, calcium, and iron. Its richness in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties makes it a nutrient-dense addition to the dish. Chili crisp, though often used sparingly, contains capsaicin, which has metabolism-boosting benefits.
This is a dish that satisfies cravings while still offering substantial nutritional value—a great alternative to fried or overly processed options.
Cultural and Culinary Context
In many cultures, dumplings are more than just food—they’re an experience. In Chinese tradition, making dumplings is often a communal affair, especially during holidays like Lunar New Year. Families gather to fold dumplings together, symbolizing unity and prosperity. This recipe can easily become a similar bonding experience, where friends or family assemble dumplings together before enjoying them with a unique dipping sauce that reflects global flavors.
Incorporating tahini, a Middle Eastern staple, bridges the gap between two distinct culinary heritages. It’s a nod to the growing global trend of fusion food, where borders fade in the kitchen, and creativity flourishes.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving these dumplings, presentation makes a big difference. Arrange them on a flat plate or bamboo steamer tray, allowing their crescent shapes to shine. Drizzle the chili tahini sauce generously but artfully, creating a contrast of color between the pale dumplings and the rich, reddish-brown sauce. A final garnish of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onions adds crunch and freshness, creating visual and textural interest.
These dumplings are versatile enough for both casual meals and elegant dinner parties. You can serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even part of a dim sum-style spread. Pair them with a light cucumber salad, miso soup, or even cold soba noodles to round out the meal.
Tips for Dumpling-Making Success
Folding dumplings can feel intimidating, but it’s a skill worth learning. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry about making intricate pleats—what matters most is sealing the edges well so the filling stays intact during steaming. Keep your wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Don’t overfill the wrappers; about a teaspoon of filling is enough for each.
Steaming is the preferred method here as it keeps the dumplings tender and juicy, but they can also be pan-fried (potsticker-style) or even boiled if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
As for the sauce, feel free to play with the spice level to suit your palate. If you like it extra hot, add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of chili oil. Want it creamier? Stir in a little Greek yogurt or coconut milk. The sauce can also be used for salads or grilled vegetables—it’s that good.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
This dish isn’t just about novelty—it’s practical, too. The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day. You can also freeze the assembled dumplings and steam them directly from frozen, making them a perfect meal-prep solution. The sauce keeps well in the fridge and goes with just about everything.
It’s also adaptable. Want to go pescatarian? Swap the chicken for more prawns or white fish. Vegetarian? Tofu, mushrooms, and cabbage make a great substitute. Gluten-free wrappers can be found at many Asian stores or made at home with rice flour.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, spice up your weekly dinners, or just explore new flavors, this dish hits the mark every time.
Conclusion
Chicken & Prawn Dumplings with Chili Tahini Sauce isn’t just a recipe—it’s a cultural celebration, a flavor adventure, and a comforting meal all in one. It represents the best of what modern cooking has to offer: tradition fused with innovation, health-consciousness paired with indulgence, and accessibility without sacrificing sophistication.
By marrying the Eastern art of dumpling-making with the bold, nutty fire of Middle Eastern chili tahini sauce, this dish showcases how global flavors can come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a testament to how food evolves, adapts, and connects us, one delicious bite at a time.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, give this fusion recipe a try. You may just discover your new favorite dish—and open a door to countless other culinary experiments inspired by it.