You want to try the viral dumpling trend but you're gluten free...and on a budget.
...or maybe you just dont live near a Trader Joe's 🙋♀️
Prices based on my local Walmart in southwest VA.
I don't count basic essentials like eggs, milk, and spices towards total price.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add curry, sauce that comes with the dumplings, 2 handfuls of spinach (chopped roughly if desired), and dumplings to a baking dish. Season with garlic powder. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered. Top with green onions. Serve with a microwave bag of rice if desired. *Add a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch (or red pepper flakes), and/or rice vinegar to serve - only if you have, not necessary, good as is!
Makes 2 servings of 4 dumplings each.
*this meal is made to be gluten free friendly (as someone who avoids gluten but not celiac) may not be suitable for those with celiac or other specific allergies to wheat/gluten. Please educate and check labels before purchasing/consuming!
... Read moreIf you're looking to embrace the viral dumpling bake trend but need a budget-friendly and gluten-free option, this recipe is a perfect fit. Using ingredients like McKagin Gluten Free Blue Elephant Thai Red Curry Sauce and pork-free dumplings available at Walmart, you can create a flavorful meal without breaking the bank. An important tip is to check labels carefully for gluten content since this recipe is gluten-free friendly but may not suit those with celiac disease.
Based on pricing from a local Walmart in southwest Virginia, all ingredients including the curry sauce, dumplings, and fresh spinach come together for around $14.25, making it an affordable choice for two servings. The baking process is simple: preheat your oven to 375°F, combine the curry, dumplings, spinach, and seasoning in a baking dish, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Adding green onions on top enhances freshness, and serving it alongside microwaveable rice makes the meal complete.
To elevate this dish, consider additional flavor boosters like soy sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch, or rice vinegar if you have them on hand. Personally, I find that the combination of red curry’s aromatic spices with garlic powder and fresh greens creates a comforting yet vibrant dish that’s quick to prepare after a busy day.
This recipe also appeals to those who may not have access to specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, as all ingredients are accessible and affordable at Walmart or similar stores. For people following a gluten-free lifestyle but who avoid highly processed foods, this dish offers a nice balance of convenience and wholesome elements.
Beyond cost and gluten considerations, this viral dumpling bake is versatile. You can customize the veggies based on what you have at home, like adding bell peppers or mushrooms, which provide extra texture and nutrients. If you enjoy spicy food, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chili oil amps up the heat pleasantly.
From personal experience, this meal is a satisfying way to enjoy a popular food trend while maintaining dietary preferences and managing grocery budgets effectively. It's particularly useful for cooking at home when you want delicious food without extensive prep or high costs. I recommend trying it on a weekend or meal prepping for busy weekdays. Enjoy this easy, tasty, and wallet-friendly dumpling bake that brings a bit of viral excitement right into your kitchen.