This Quick Butter-Braised Tomatoes and Dumplings is a simple and flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The juicy tomatoes cook down in a savory broth of butter, soy sauce, and mirin, while frozen gyoza dumplings steam and absorb the delicious flavors. The mix of small tomatoes like cherry or grape with larger wedges adds both taste and visual appeal, and fresh herbs or scallions finish off this easy meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 garlic cloves, finely grated

• 1½-inch piece of ginger, finely grated

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 5 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 3 tbsp mirin (or substitute with 1 tbsp sugar and 3 tbsp water)

• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1 lb mixed tomatoes (halved, cut into wedges if large)

• 1 lb bag frozen gyoza (ensure they are the gyoza type)

• Mixed tender herbs (such as cilantro, basil, or thinly sliced scallions)

• Steamed white rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Base:

   • In a large skillet, heat the grated garlic and ginger over medium heat. Add the butter, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and melt the butter.

2. Add Tomatoes:

   • Add the mixed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.

3. Add Dumplings:

   • Carefully add the frozen gyoza to the skillet, arranging them on top of the tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dumplings steam for about 10–12 minutes until cooked through.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in fresh herbs or sliced scallions. Serve the dish hot, optionally with steamed white rice on the side.

Nutritional Value (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 50g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 8g

• Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Protein: 15g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 1200mg

• Potassium: 800mg

• Vitamin A: 12% of the daily value

• Vitamin C: 35% of the daily value

• Calcium: 6% of the daily value

• Iron: 12% of the daily value

These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used, as well as portion sizes. If you modify the recipe (e.g., using low-fat ingredients or different types of dumplings), the nutrition information will change. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments or details!

The Richness of Butter and Soy Sauce

The base of this dish is a simple yet incredibly flavorful broth made with butter, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. The butter adds richness, while the soy sauce gives the dish a savory umami depth. Mirin, a sweet rice wine, introduces a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil adds a fragrant, nutty aroma. These ingredients combine to create a luscious, savory sauce that not only cooks the tomatoes but also serves as the perfect broth for the dumplings. This savory mixture infuses the dumplings with flavor, enhancing each bite.

The Role of the Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing both texture and flavor. The mix of small cherry or grape tomatoes and larger tomato wedges adds variety in both taste and visual appeal. As the tomatoes cook, they soften and release their juices, creating a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet sauce. The tomatoes also help create a fresh contrast to the richness of the broth, offering brightness and juiciness that complement the savory flavors of the gyoza and the butter-braised sauce. The tomatoes’ natural sweetness melds with the other ingredients, giving the dish a wonderful balance of savory and sweet.

Gyoza Dumplings: A Flavorful, Hearty Addition

Frozen gyoza dumplings are a perfect addition to this dish, offering a hearty and savory element. As they steam in the broth, the dumplings absorb the flavors of the sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Whether you choose traditional pork, chicken, or vegetable gyoza, the dumplings provide a nice textural contrast to the soft, juicy tomatoes. The dumplings are easy to prepare, and their slight crispness on the bottom gives them a satisfying bite. This dish is incredibly versatile—you can swap the gyoza for any type of frozen dumpling or even make your own from scratch for a more personalized touch.

Herbs and Fresh Garnishes

Once the dish is ready, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or sliced scallions adds a burst of brightness and flavor. The herbs not only enhance the dish visually but also add a refreshing, aromatic touch. Cilantro, basil, or even fresh parsley can be used to complement the savory sauce and tomatoes. Thinly sliced scallions bring a slight oniony crunch that cuts through the richness of the broth, making the dish more balanced and refreshing. These fresh garnishes elevate the meal, adding a layer of freshness that completes the dish.

How to Make Quick Butter-Braised Tomatoes and Dumplings

This dish is as easy as it is flavorful. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large skillet, heat the grated garlic and ginger over medium heat until fragrant. Add the butter, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Let the butter melt and the ingredients blend together into a savory sauce.

2. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the mixed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Allow them to cook for about 10 minutes until they soften and release their juices, creating a delicious broth.

3. Add the Dumplings: Carefully add the frozen gyoza to the skillet, arranging them on top of the tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and steam the dumplings for about 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

4. Finish and Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, stir in fresh herbs or sliced scallions. Serve the dish hot, optionally with steamed white rice on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

Nutritional Benefits of Quick Butter-Braised Tomatoes and Dumplings

Quick Butter-Braised Tomatoes and Dumplings is a filling and balanced meal, providing approximately 460 calories per serving. With 50 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, the dish provides a good source of energy while also supporting digestive health. The 18 grams of fat include 7 grams of saturated fat from the butter, which adds richness, while the dumplings provide 15 grams of protein, making the meal satisfying and protein-packed. Additionally, the dish offers valuable nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron, all contributing to overall health and wellness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish is perfect on its own, but it can be paired with a few sides to round out the meal. Steamed white rice is an excellent choice, as it absorbs the savory broth, making each bite even more flavorful. For a lighter meal, consider serving the dish with a fresh salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dumplings and tomatoes. If you’re looking for more variety, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant would complement the flavors and provide extra nutrients.

You can also modify the recipe to suit different preferences. For example, swap out the gyoza for dumplings filled with different proteins or vegetables. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, choose vegetable or mushroom gyoza to keep the meal plant-based. The tomatoes can also be switched out for other vegetables like roasted bell peppers or even baby carrots for added variety.

Conclusion

Quick Butter-Braised Tomatoes and Dumplings is a simple yet delicious one-pan meal that offers a perfect balance of savory flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty texture. The buttery, umami-rich broth with tomatoes, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a comforting base, while the gyoza dumplings absorb all the delicious flavors as they steam. Fresh herbs or scallions add brightness, and optional rice helps to soak up the flavorful broth. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.