Steaming Potstickers: Rice Cooker Method For Quick, Easy Meals

Potstickers are a versatile Asian dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming. While steaming potstickers in a rice cooker is possible, some people argue that it is not the best method as it may not save time compared to other cooking methods. However, if you wish to steam potstickers in a rice cooker, here's a general guide: fill the rice cooker bowl with water and place it inside the cooker. Lightly coat the steaming basket with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the potstickers in a single layer in the basket and place it inside the bowl. Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker, steaming for 10 to 20 minutes. For frozen potstickers, increase the time to ensure they are heated through. After steaming, carefully open the rice cooker and let the potstickers rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to steam dumplings in a rice cooker

What You'll Need:

• Rice cooker
• Steaming basket
• Dumplings (fresh or frozen)
• Water
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Lettuce (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Rice Cooker:

Fill the bowl of the rice cooker with water and place it inside the cooker's chamber. The amount of water you need will depend on your rice cooker, so refer to its instructions.

Prepare the Steaming Basket:

Lightly coat the surface of the steaming basket with sesame oil. This step is optional but helps prevent the dumplings from sticking to the basket. You can also line the basket with lettuce to eliminate oil from the dumplings.

Arrange the Dumplings:

Place the dumplings in a single layer in the steaming basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly.

Start the Steaming Process:

Place the steaming basket inside the rice cooker bowl, ensuring it is securely positioned. Put the lid on the rice cooker and turn it on. Let the dumplings steam until they are cooked to your desired doneness.

Check for Doneness:

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of dumplings and your preference for doneness. Fresh dumplings will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, while frozen dumplings may need a few extra minutes to heat through completely.

Rest and Serve:

Once the dumplings are steamed to your liking, carefully open the rice cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the excess moisture on the surface of the dumplings to evaporate. Then, remove the steaming basket from the rice cooker and transfer the dumplings to a serving tray.

Serve with Dipping Sauce:

Steamed dumplings can be served as a healthy appetizer or side dish. They go well with a dipping sauce made of equal parts sesame oil and soy sauce. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly steamed dumplings!

How long to steam dumplings in a rice cooker

Steaming dumplings in a rice cooker is a great way to cook them, whether you're making them from scratch or using store-bought frozen dumplings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Fill the bowl of the rice cooker with water and place it inside the cooker's chamber. The amount of water you need depends on the type of rice cooker you have. If it has a steaming basket, add a light coat of sesame oil to the basket to prevent the dumplings from sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Dumplings

Place the dumplings in a single layer in the steaming basket or on a plate inside the rice cooker. If you're using frozen dumplings, make sure they are spaced out and not touching.

Step 3: Steam the Dumplings

Place the lid on the rice cooker and turn it on. Let the dumplings steam for 10 to 20 minutes. The exact time will depend on your rice cooker and whether you're using frozen or fresh dumplings. Frozen dumplings will take longer to heat through completely.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Carefully open the rice cooker and let the dumplings rest for about 5 minutes. This allows excess moisture on the surface of the dumplings to evaporate. Then, remove the steaming basket or plate from the rice cooker and transfer the dumplings to a serving tray. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as a mixture of sesame oil and soy sauce.

Tips:

• If you want to eliminate oil from the dumplings, line the steaming basket with lettuce instead of using sesame oil.
• Be cautious when opening the rice cooker, as the steam will be very hot.
• It's recommended to bring the water to a boil before adding the dumplings to ensure even cooking.
• To check if your dumplings are cooked, remove one from the rice cooker, cut it in half, and taste it. If it's soft and the wrapper is shiny and tender, they are ready.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious steamed dumplings cooked right in your rice cooker!

How to steam frozen dumplings in an Instant Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Place one cup of water inside the Instant Pot. This will allow the pressure cooker to build up enough steam to cook the dumplings.

Step 2: Prepare the steamer basket

You can use a steamer basket or the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. If using a steamer basket, you can use steel, silicone, or bamboo. If using the trivet, you will need to place a small sheet of baking paper on top to prevent the dumplings from falling into the water. Spray the basket or the baking paper with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add the dumplings

Place the frozen dumplings into the basket or on the trivet in a single layer. Ensure that the dumplings do not touch the water.

Step 4: Pressure cook

Close and seal the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Be cautious when handling the Instant Pot as the steam is very hot.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the steamer basket or trivet from the Instant Pot and serve the dumplings. You can serve them as-is or pan-fry them to make the bottoms crispy. To do this, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and cook the dumplings for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until the bottoms are golden brown. You can also use the saute function on the Instant Pot if it has one.

How to steam dumplings without a steamer

If you're looking to steam potstickers in a rice cooker, here's what you need to do:

• Add water to the bowl of the rice cooker.
• Place the bowl in the chamber of the rice cooker.
• Apply a light coat of sesame oil to the steaming basket to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the potstickers in a single layer in the steaming basket, ensuring they don't touch the water.
• Place the steaming basket in the bowl of the rice cooker.
• Cover the rice cooker and turn it on.
• Steam the potstickers for 10-20 minutes, depending on their initial state (frozen or thawed).
• Open the rice cooker and let the potstickers rest for 5 minutes.
• Transfer the potstickers to a serving tray and enjoy!

Now, if you don't have a steamer, there are several alternative methods to prepare dumplings:

The Pressure Cooker Method:

• You can use a pressure cooker, rice cooker, or Instant Pot for this method.
• Get a colander or wire rack that fits inside your appliance.
• Fill the appliance with water and place the upside-down colander or wire rack inside. Ensure the water level is below the rack.
• Use a steamer liner from your dumpling bag or parchment paper to line the rack and prevent the dumplings from ripping.
• Place the dumplings on the steamer rack, cover with a lid, and steam for at least 3 minutes in an Instant Pot or 10 minutes in a rice cooker.

The Wire Rack Method:

• This method involves using a saucepan, pot, or wok, along with a wire steaming or cooling rack.
• Place the wire rack at the bottom of your chosen pot.
• Pour enough water into the pot to ensure it doesn't evaporate during steaming but doesn't overflow.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, place a steamer liner or parchment paper on a plate and set your frozen dumplings on it, spaced about 1 inch apart.
• Place the plate with the dumplings on top of the rack, cover the pot, and set a timer for 11 minutes.
• Let the dumplings rest for an additional minute before serving.

The Aluminum Foil Method:

• For this method, you'll need a plate, a shallow pan, and three balled-up pieces of aluminum foil.
• Place the aluminum foil balls in the pan and fill it with about 1.5 inches of water.
• Once the water boils, set the plate on top of the foil balls, ensuring it's level.
• Cover the setup with a lid and steam for 11 minutes.

The Pan-Frying Method:

• Many dumplings are pan-fried and then steamed by adding a little water and covering the pan with a lid.
• You can also use a frying pan with a lid. Place a steamer basket liner, parchment paper, or lettuce/cabbage leaves at the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
• Add the dumplings, ensuring they don't touch.
• Pour in just enough water to cover the liner or leaves.
• Cover and heat on medium for about 9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let the dumplings stand for 1 minute before serving.

How to make homemade potstickers

Ingredients

To make the filling for your potstickers, you will need:

• Ground pork
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cayenne pepper
• Cabbage

For the dough, you will need:

• Hot water
• Flour
• Salt

You will also need vegetable oil for frying.

Method

• Combine the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl and refrigerate until chilled and ready to use.
• To make the dough, slowly pour hot water over the flour and salt. Stir until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log, then divide each log into six equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle to form the pot sticker wrappers.
• Place a small amount of filling in the centre of each wrapper. Wet the edges and fold, pinching them together. Tap the pot sticker to flatten it, then add a slight curve so it stands on its own.
• To cook the potstickers, pan-fry them in oil until the bottoms are golden brown. Add water and steam for three minutes. Uncover and continue to pan-fry until the water has evaporated and the bottoms are crunchy.
• Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and rice vinegar.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you don't want to fry your potstickers, you can boil or steam them. To boil, simply add them to a pot of boiling water or broth and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until they float to the surface. To steam, place them in a bamboo or metal steamer lined with lettuce or cabbage leaves. Steam for about 10 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.

You can also cook potstickers in a rice cooker. Add water to the bowl of the rice cooker and place the bowl in the chamber. Arrange the potstickers in a single layer in the steaming basket, then place the basket in the bowl of the rice cooker. Turn on the rice cooker and let the potstickers steam for 10-20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions