Steaming Dumplings: No Steamer, No Problem

There are several ways to cook steamed dumplings without a steamer basket. One way is to use a metal steamer basket, but be warned that the dumplings will stick, so the basket will need to be sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or lined with lettuce or cabbage leaves. Another option is to use a wire rack to prop up a plate in a pot filled with water. A few inches of water should be added to the pot, and then a wire rack placed at the bottom to hold up a plate or dish, ensuring the water doesn't touch the dish. The plate can be brushed with oil or lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. The dumplings can then be placed on the dish and steamed for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a makeshift steaming rig can be crafted with aluminium foil and a dinner plate. Three large balls of foil are made and placed in a pot with about an inch of water, then weighed down with a dinner plate. The plate should be coated with oil or non-stick cooking spray, and the dumplings added and covered.

Microwave dumplings for 2.5 minutes to release trapped steam

Microwave steaming is a quick, convenient, and efficient way to cook dumplings without a traditional steamer. It is a fuss-free method that requires a microwave-safe dish, some water, and your dumplings. Here is a step-by-step guide to microwave steaming dumplings, focusing on the step of microwaving for 2.5 minutes to release trapped steam:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dumplings

Start by preparing your dumplings. Ensure they are not frozen; if they are, allow them to thaw fully. You can customise your dumplings with your favourite fillings, such as minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables.

Step 2: Find a Microwave-Safe Dish

Use a microwave-safe dish that can hold your dumplings in a single layer, preferably a glass or ceramic dish with a lid to retain steam. Add about half an inch of water to the bottom of the dish; this will create the necessary steam to cook the dumplings. Be careful not to add too much water to avoid overspill when heated.

Step 3: Arrange the Dumplings

Place the dumplings in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate or steamer rack inside the dish with water. Ensure there is enough space between each dumpling for the steam to circulate evenly.

Step 4: Cover and Microwave

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or use a microwave-safe plate to tightly cover it. Trapping the steam is crucial for cooking the dumplings properly. You can also use microwave-safe plastic wrap, poking a few small holes to release excess steam.

Step 5: Microwave for 2.5 Minutes

Set your microwave to medium-high heat and microwave the dumplings for 2.5 minutes. This duration is essential to release the trapped steam, which will cook your dumplings thoroughly. Most of the water will evaporate during this time.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After microwaving, carefully lift one dumpling with a pair of tongs or a fork to check if it is fully cooked. The wrapper should be translucent, and the filling should be hot and cooked through. If the dumplings are not ready, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until done.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are fully cooked, remove them from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, as the plate will be hot. Serve the steamed dumplings hot with your favourite dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, chilli sauce, or vinegar. Enjoy the delicious flavours of your homemade dumplings!

Remember, microwave wattage varies, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is better to slightly undercook the dumplings and then add more time if needed to avoid overcooking them. With these steps, you can enjoy perfectly steamed dumplings without the need for a steamer basket.

Use a wire rack to prop up a plate in a pot

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a wire rack to prop up a plate in a pot to cook your dumplings. Here's how:

First, fill a pot or wok with a few inches of water. Place your wire rack at the bottom and use it to hold up a plate or dish, ensuring the water doesn't touch the dish. You can use any kind of elevated metal rack for this.

Before adding your dumplings, prepare the plate by brushing it with a thin layer of oil, or adding some parchment paper or leafy vegetables like cabbage to prevent sticking.

Carefully place your dumplings on the dish, leaving some space between them so they don't stick together.

Bring the water to a boil, then put a lid on the pot or wok and let the dumplings steam for about 10 minutes, or until they're cooked through.

When your dumplings are done, carefully remove the dish from the pot – it will be hot! – and enjoy your dumplings with your favourite dipping sauce.

Use aluminium foil to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still cook dumplings by using aluminium foil to prop up a plate. Here's what you need to do:

First, scrunched up three equally-sized balls of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of a pot or wok. The pot or wok should be filled with a few inches of water—enough so that it doesn't evaporate during steaming but doesn't overflow either. The foil balls will act as a rack to hold up your plate, so make sure they're stable and level.

Next, place a heat-safe ceramic plate on top of the foil balls. The plate should be slightly smaller than the pot or wok, allowing steam to circulate. Before adding your dumplings, brush the plate with a thin layer of oil or line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. You can also use sesame oil for extra flavour.

Now, place your dumplings on the plate, making sure to leave some space between them so they don't stick together. Cover the pot or wok with a lid and let the water come to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, let your dumplings steam for about 10 minutes. Frozen dumplings may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Finally, carefully remove the plate from the pot—it will be very hot! Serve your dumplings with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy.

Steam dumplings in a pressure cooker

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oil (or dry sauté or add a little water/vegetable broth)
• 1 cup minced shiitake mushrooms (or substitute white mushrooms)
• 1½ cups minced cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• 12 round dumpling wrappers
• 1½ cups water

Method:

• For the sauté, use the sauté setting over normal, or do the sauté in a pan on the stove over medium heat. Heat the oil or broth and add the mushrooms once hot. Sauté until the mushrooms release their juices, then add the cabbage, carrot, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar and sauté until the mixture is dry.
• Remove the liner from the Instant Pot and set it on the stove or a pot holder. Mix in the ginger and sesame oil (if using).
• Cut out a round piece of parchment paper to fit inside a 6- or 8-inch bamboo steamer. You will be able to fit all 12 dumplings in one layer of the 8-inch steamer. If you don't have a bamboo steamer, just use your vegetable steamer lightly coated with oil inside your Instant Pot instead.
• Get a small bowl of water and set it up next to a cutting board to work on.
• Place a wrapper on the cutting board and spread water around the edge with your fingertip. Add 1 tablespoon of filling to the middle of the wrapper and fold in half, matching the edges. Press together. You can stop here, or you can grab it by the middle of the sealed part and fold the dough in two places on either side.
• Put the top on your bamboo steamer (if using) and add 1½ cups of water and your rack to your Instant Pot. Then lower the steamer into the pot.
• Put the lid on and make sure that the steam release handle is sealed. Select the steam setting and lower the time to 7 minutes.
• Use a quick-pressure release to release the pressure.

Tips:

• To avoid the dumplings from sticking to the trivet, brush the bottom of the dumpling with some olive oil.
• Don't stuff the wrappers too much. If the mixture is not fully enveloped by the wrapper, your dumplings may open during the steaming phase. It's best to start with a small amount of mixture and increase if needed.

Steam-fry dumplings in a pan

If you want to cook steamed dumplings but don't have a steamer, you can steam-fry them in a pan. Here's how:

First, pour about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into a pan with a lid. Set the pan on the stove burner and swirl the oil around to coat the pan evenly. You can use any cooking oil you like.

Next, add the dumplings to the pan, spacing them out evenly. Leave them to cook without moving them for at least a minute. Check the bottoms of the dumplings with a spatula and, once they're golden brown and crispy, you can move on to the next step.

Now, add water to the pan. If you're cooking fresh dumplings, you'll need about 2-3 tablespoons of water. If you're cooking from frozen, use enough water to cover the bottom third of the dumplings.

Turn the stove to medium-high heat and cover the pan. As soon as you see steam rising from the water, your dumplings will be cooking.

Keep the dumplings on the heat for 6-10 minutes. Fresh dumplings will take about 6 minutes, while frozen dumplings will need the full 10 minutes to thaw and cook through. You can cut one open to check that it's cooked and that the filling is hot.

Finally, remove the lid and keep heating the dumplings for an extra minute to make the wrappers extra crispy. Once the water has completely evaporated, your dumplings are ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions