Steaming Soup Dumplings: No Steamer, No Problem!

If you're craving soup dumplings but don't have a steamer, don't fret! There are several alternative methods you can use to cook them. One option is to use a metal steamer basket or a rice cooker. You can also get creative and make a makeshift steamer by using a pot or wok filled with water, and then placing a wire rack, aluminium foil balls, or even chopsticks at the bottom to prop up a plate or dish. Additionally, you can cook soup dumplings in the microwave or pan-fry them for a crispy exterior. So, go ahead and experiment with these methods to satisfy your soup dumpling craving!

Using a microwave

Yes, you can steam soup dumplings in the microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the dumplings and microwave-safe bowl

• Place the dumplings on the flat bottom of a large microwave-safe bowl, spacing them out evenly.
• Pour in enough water to cover the bottom half of the dumplings.
• If you are using frozen dumplings, it is recommended to line the plate with parchment paper or brush on some cooking oil to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bowl.

Step 2: Cover the bowl

• Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a plate to trap the steam inside.
• Avoid using regular plastic wrap as it may melt on top of your dumplings.

Step 3: Microwave the dumplings

• Microwave the dumplings for about 2.5 minutes. Most of the water will evaporate, and the trapped steam will cook your dumplings.
• Frozen dumplings may need an extra minute to cook through.
• To check if the dumplings are ready, tear one open and see if the filling is hot. If not, continue heating in 30-second increments until warmed through.

Tips for crispy dumplings:

• For crispy dumplings, fry them in a pan over medium heat for about a minute after microwaving.
• Alternatively, you can steam-fry the dumplings by heating oil in a pan and frying until they are golden brown before adding water to the pan and covering it to steam.

Using a pan to steam-fry dumplings

Preparing the Dumplings

Before you start cooking, it's important to prepare your dumplings. If you're making them from scratch, you'll need to make the filling and wrap them. A classic Chinese filling includes ground pork, green onions, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also add some sake or chicken stock to enhance the flavour.

Once your filling is ready, scoop a spoonful of it onto the centre of a dumpling wrapper. If you're making soup dumplings, add a spoonful of soup jelly on top. Then, simply fold up the edges of the dumpling and pinch everything together in the centre. Repeat this process until you've used up all your filling and wrappers.

Setting Up the Pan

For this method, you'll need a large frying pan with a lid. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and drizzle it with vegetable oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. Make sure the oil is evenly distributed across the pan.

Cooking the Dumplings

Place the dumplings in the pan, leaving enough space between them so they don't stick together. Cook them until the bottoms are lightly browned, which should take around 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage.

Once the dumplings are lightly browned, it's time to add the water. Immediately add about 2-3 tablespoons of water for fresh dumplings or enough water to cover the bottom third of the dumplings if they're frozen. Cover the pan with a lid and turn up the heat to medium-high.

Let the dumplings steam for 6-10 minutes. Fresh dumplings will take around 6 minutes, while frozen ones will need the full 10 minutes. You can check if they're done by cutting one open and making sure the filling is hot.

Crisping the Wrappers

Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the lid and let them cook for an additional minute or so. This will give the wrappers a chance to crisp up and become extra crispy. Once the water has completely evaporated, your dumplings are ready to be served!

Tips and Tricks

• If you're using a stainless steel or cast-iron pan, heat it up until it's smoking before adding the oil.
• If you're cooking frozen dumplings, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply steam-fry them straight from the freezer.
• For an extra crispy texture, replace the water with a cornstarch slurry.
• To make a cornstarch slurry, combine 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon flour, 1/4 teaspoon vinegar, and a small pinch of salt in a measuring jug. Whisk until well combined.
• If you want to add a dipping sauce, simply mix soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to taste.

So, there you have it! A delicious batch of soup dumplings cooked without a steamer. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Using a pressure cooker

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a pressure cooker to cook your soup dumplings. Here's what you need to do:

Equipment:

• A pressure cooker
• A colander or wire rack that fits inside your pressure cooker
• Steamer liner from your soup dumpling bag

Steps:

• Fill your pressure cooker with water and place the upside-down colander or wire rack inside. Ensure that the water level does not exceed the height of the wire rack or colander.
• Place the steamer liner from your soup dumpling bag on top of the rack or colander. This will prevent the dumplings from ripping and spilling their delicious soup into the water.
• Place your frozen soup dumplings on the steamer rack.
• Cover the pressure cooker with its lid.
• Steam the dumplings on low pressure for at least three minutes in an Instant Pot, or for a full 10 minutes at a rolling boil in your pressure cooker.

Using a wire rack

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a wire rack to cook soup dumplings. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Place a wire rack at the bottom of a pot, saucepan, or wok. Ensure the wire rack is large enough to cover the bottom of the pot and that it is sturdy.
• Pour water into the pot. The water level should be enough to steam the dumplings without evaporating but also ensure it doesn't overflow onto the plate.
• Turn on the stove and bring the water to a rolling boil.
• Place a steamer liner from your bag of soup dumplings onto a heat-safe plate. You can also use parchment paper or flat, leafy vegetables like cabbage leaves if you don't have a liner.
• Set your frozen soup dumplings on the liner, leaving about an inch of space between each dumpling to prevent them from sticking together.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully place the plate with the dumplings on top of the wire rack in the pot.
• Cover the entire setup with the pot's lid to trap the steam inside.
• Set a timer and let the dumplings steam for about 10-11 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time to ensure the steam doesn't escape.
• After the dumplings have steamed, let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the cooking process to finish, and you can also use this time to prepare a dipping sauce.
• Enjoy your freshly cooked soup dumplings!

Using chopsticks and instant noodles

Overview

The "TikTok Method" of cooking soup dumplings involves using chopsticks and instant noodles. While this method may work for other types of pre-cooked dumplings, it is not recommended for soup dumplings as they do not heat through correctly.

Steps

• Get water boiling and start cooking the instant noodles of your choice.
• Set a pair of flat-headed chopsticks over the boiling water and place the dumplings on top.
• Cover the whole setup with the pot's lid.

Frequently asked questions