Steaming Dumplings: How Long Until They're Done?

Steamed dumplings are a delicious and popular dish, but how long do they take to cook? The cooking time for steamed dumplings can vary depending on the method used. One common approach is to use a bamboo steamer or a normal steaming pan/rack over a wok or skillet. It's important to boil the water first and then add the dumplings, without uncovering the steamer during the cooking process. This ensures that the dumplings are cooked through and prevents a drop in pressure, which could increase the cooking time. The steaming time can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the dumplings.

Dumpling dough: hot water dough vs cold water dough

When it comes to making dumplings, the type of dough you use can vary depending on the cooking method and desired texture. Two common types of dough used for dumplings are hot water dough and cold water dough, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.

Hot water dough, also known as scalded dough, is commonly used in Chinese cuisine to create light and tender dumpling wrappers. By adding boiling water to the flour, the hot water damages and partially denatures proteins such as gluten and gliadin, resulting in reduced elasticity and a more delicate texture. This makes the dough easier to roll out and work with, which is ideal for creating thin dumpling skins or highly-laminated roti. The finished dumplings will have a more tender texture, making them perfect for steamed or pan-fried dumplings. Additionally, hot water dough can be used for a variety of dishes beyond dumplings, including scallion pancakes, tortillas, and pierogi.

On the other hand, cold water dough is typically used for boiled dumplings and wontons. This type of dough is sturdier and holds up better in boiling water, making it ideal for dumplings that need to maintain their shape during cooking. Cold water dough has stronger gluten development, resulting in a chewier and more elastic texture. This can be desirable for certain types of dumplings, as it provides a satisfying bite and helps the dumplings hold together during cooking.

The choice between hot water dough and cold water dough ultimately depends on the specific type of dumpling being made and the desired texture and cooking method. Both types of dough have their advantages, and each will result in a unique dumpling experience.

Now, to answer your question about cooking time, dumplings generally take around 3-5 minutes to cook. They are typically done when they float to the surface of the water and have a slightly translucent appearance. However, do note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your dumplings, as well as the cooking method used.

Pan-searing dumplings

Pan-searing is a great way to cook dumplings, yielding a golden brown, crunchy crispness. Here is a general guide on how to pan-sear dumplings, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes in total.

Preparation:

First, prepare the filling by combining the ingredients and mixing well. This can be done by hand to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Next, place a piece of the wrapper on your palm and spoon the filling into the centre. Be careful not to overfill. Moisten the outer edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it over to form a half-moon shape, pressing and sealing tightly. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.

Cooking:

Heat some oil in a small skillet or pan over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the skillet and pan-fry until the bottoms turn light brown, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes.

Then, add some water to the skillet and turn the heat up high. Cover the skillet and let the dumplings steam until the water evaporates. Once the water has evaporated, reduce the heat back to medium.

Finally, add some more oil to the pan and continue to pan-fry the dumplings until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process for any remaining dumplings and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips:

• You can make a big batch of dumplings and freeze them in a plastic bag. When you're ready to cook, just thaw at room temperature and pan-fry until golden.
• If you are using frozen dumplings, place them into a non-stick pan with a thin layer of oil on moderate heat. Add some cold water to the pan and continue to fry until the water is absorbed. Then, lower the heat and cook until the bottoms are golden brown.
• If you want to add some extra vegetables to your dumplings, you can briefly sauté them before adding to the filling.
• If you are vegetarian, you can substitute a vegetarian-friendly option for the meat in the filling.

Microwaving dumplings

If you're craving dumplings but don't have access to a stove or steamer, you can use your microwave to steam dumplings in a few minutes. This method works for various types of dumplings, such as Chinese dumplings (jiaozi), Japanese gyoza, or Korean mandu. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly steamed dumplings in your microwave:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dumplings

Start with store-bought or homemade dumplings. Ensure they are not frozen; if they are, let them thaw completely before proceeding to the next step. You can customise your dumplings by adding 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. A glass or ceramic dish with a lid is ideal, but if it doesn't have a lid, you can cover it with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap to retain the steam.

Step 3: Add Water

Add about half an inch of water to the bottom of your dish. This will create the steam needed to cook the dumplings. Be careful not to add too much water, as it may overflow when heated.

Step 4: Arrange the Dumplings

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

Step 5: Cover and Microwave

Cover the dish tightly with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Trapping the steam is essential for cooking the dumplings properly. If using plastic wrap, poke a few small holes to release excess steam. Set your microwave to medium-high heat and cook in intervals of about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After each interval, check if your dumplings are fully cooked. Use tongs or a fork to carefully remove one dumpling and examine it. The wrapper should be translucent, and the filling should be hot and cooked through. If they're not quite ready, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

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

Tips and Tricks:

• Microwave wattage varies, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's better to slightly undercook and then add more time if needed.
• If possible, rotate the dish or flip the dumplings halfway through for even cooking.
• You can also cook frozen dumplings in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe container, add water to cover halfway or two-thirds, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until cooked. Then, fry them for a golden finish.
• For a quick dumpling sauce, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chilli oil, and scallions.

How long to steam frozen dumplings

Cooking frozen dumplings is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this popular dish. The good news is that you can steam frozen dumplings without needing to defrost them first. The cooking time will depend on the method you choose and whether you want a crispy texture or not. Here's a detailed guide on how long to steam frozen dumplings:

Steaming Frozen Dumplings:

The traditional steaming method involves using a bamboo or metal steamer basket lined with lettuce leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bring a few cups of water to a boil and place the steamer basket on top. Add the frozen dumplings and steam them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method ensures that the dumplings are cooked through and it gives them a stretchier and firmer texture compared to boiling.

Steam-Frying Frozen Dumplings:

For a crispy texture, you can try the steam-fry or potsticker technique. Heat some oil in a pan, add the frozen dumplings, and fry until the bottoms turn golden brown. Then, add enough water to the pan to cover the bottom, and cover it with a lid to steam the dumplings. Once the water evaporates, remove the lid and continue frying until the dumpling bases are golden and crispy again. This method takes about 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the dumplings.

Boiling Frozen Dumplings:

Another option is to boil frozen dumplings. Add the dumplings to a large saucepan of boiling water, ensuring they are in a single layer. Continue boiling for 10 minutes until tender and cooked. This method is easy but more time-consuming as you have to wait for a large pot of water to boil.

Microwave and Fry:

For a quick fix, you can also microwave frozen dumplings. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl, add water to cover them halfway, and microwave for about 3 minutes. Then, heat some oil in a non-stick skillet and fry the dumplings until golden brown. This method takes less than 5 minutes and gives you crispy, tender, and juicy dumplings.

No matter which method you choose, always ensure that the dumplings are cooked through and follow the specific instructions for your chosen cooking technique. Enjoy your delicious, steaming-hot dumplings!

How to prevent dumplings from sticking to the pan

To prevent dumplings from sticking to the pan, it is recommended to brown them in oil before adding water to the pan. This helps form a crust that prevents sticking. Using a non-stick pan can also help, but it is important to ensure that the pan is properly seasoned. Additionally, the amount of water added to the pan is crucial. Adding too much water can cause the dumplings to stick together, while adding too little water can lead to burning or sticking. It is also suggested to use a thin cooking oil, such as sesame oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil, as thicker oils may not work as well.

When cooking frozen dumplings, it is important to let the oil heat up before adding them to the pan. The dumplings should sizzle when placed in the hot oil. It is best not to move the dumplings around too much, as this can cause sticking by preventing a crust from forming on the bottom. Chopsticks or a fork can be useful tools for gently lifting and moving the dumplings.

To prevent boiled dumplings from sticking together, it is recommended to use a large pan with plenty of water. Adding the dumplings two at a time on opposite sides of the pot can help prevent them from sticking together initially. Stirring them frequently with a wire strainer can also help keep them from sticking.

For steamed dumplings, placing them in a single layer in the steamer basket and lining the basket with parchment paper can help prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions