Steaming Success: Cooking Pre-Packaged Dumplings

Cooking pre-packaged steam dumplings is a simple and quick process. The most common ways to cook dumplings are by steaming, pan-frying, or boiling. To steam dumplings, you can use a bamboo steamer, metal steamer, or a pan with a cover and steam rack. It is important to line your steamer with a non-stick liner such as parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves. You should also ensure there is enough water in your steamer to generate steam without touching the dumplings. Place the dumplings about an inch apart, giving them room to expand, then cover and steam for 8-10 minutes.

How to steam pre-packaged dumplings

Steaming pre-packaged dumplings is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings

Take the dumplings out of the packaging and set them aside. Do not defrost them if they are frozen; it is best to cook them straight from the freezer.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

You can use a bamboo or metal steamer for this. If using a bamboo steamer, ensure it fits over a saucepan, pot, or wok. Line the steamer with parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves. If using parchment paper, poke a few holes in it to let the steam through. Alternatively, you can brush a thin layer of oil onto a metal steamer to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Fill the pan or pot with water to a depth of about one inch and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 4: Place the Dumplings in the Steamer

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the dumplings in the steamer, leaving some space between them as they will expand during cooking.

Step 5: Start Steaming

Place the steamer basket over the pot of boiling water, ensuring that the water does not touch the dumplings. Cover the steamer and maintain a medium to medium-high heat. Let the dumplings steam for 8 to 10 minutes for pre-packaged dumplings or 15 to 20 minutes for frozen dumplings. Do not uncover the steamer during this time, as it will release steam and increase the cooking time.

Step 6: Serve the Dumplings

Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the steamer basket from the pot and carefully open the lid, as hot steam will escape. Let the dumplings cool for a minute before serving. Steamed dumplings are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them with a simple dipping sauce, such as a mix of chili oil and black rice vinegar.

Tips:

• If you are using store-bought wrappers, the skin will become slightly transparent, and you will be able to see the colors of the filling inside.
• You can also freeze uncooked dumplings for later. Lay them in a single layer on a tray and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
• To cook frozen dumplings, steam them for 15 to 20 minutes without defrosting them first.

How to pan-fry pre-packaged dumplings

Ingredients

• Pre-packaged dumplings
• Oil, for pan-frying
• Water, for steaming
• Chinese black vinegar or Japanese ponzu, for dipping (optional)

Utensils

Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan with lid

Method

• Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat until smoking. If using a non-stick pan, heat over medium heat until hot.
• Add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil, then add the dumplings.
• Fry until the bottoms of the dumplings are lightly golden brown.
• Get a tight-fitting lid for your pan and hold it out in front of you as a kind of shield between you and the pan (you're about to add the water to steam the dumplings, which will cause some oil splatter).
• Add about 1/2 cup of water to the pan and immediately cover. Allow to steam in the pan until all the water has cooked off, about 7 minutes.
• Uncover and continue cooking until the pan is completely dry and the bottoms of the dumplings are crispy.

Tips

• If cooking frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply follow the instructions above, cooking for a little longer (around 8-10 minutes).
• You can use butter to fry the dumplings for a buttery taste.
• If you want to freeze your dumplings for later, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet overnight, then transfer them to freezer bags.

How to boil pre-packaged dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings

If your dumplings are frozen, there is no need to defrost them. However, if they are homemade, it is best to cook them from frozen to prevent them from falling apart. If you have bought fresh, uncooked dumplings, ask the seller how best to prepare them.

Step 2: Prepare the Pot

Fill a medium to large pot two-thirds of the way with cold water and place it on the stove. The amount of water and the size of the pot will depend on how many dumplings you are cooking. You should be able to fit about 8 dumplings in an average-sized pot, but you may need a bigger pot or to cook in batches if you are making a larger batch.

Step 3: Boil the Dumplings

Bring the water to a boil and then drop the dumplings into the pot. Stir them immediately so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot or to each other.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Once the water is boiling again, cook the dumplings for 6-8 minutes, depending on their size. You can tell they are cooked when they look puffed up and transparent. You can also add 1/4 cup of cold water to the pot after it reaches a vigorous boil to prevent the dumpling wrappers from overcooking and becoming starchy.

Step 5: Serve the Dumplings

Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the pot and place them on a serving plate in a single layer. Do not stack them, as they may absorb water and fall apart. Serve immediately, with a dipping sauce such as Chinese black vinegar, chilli oil, or black vinegar.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

Place any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for about 4 days. You can also freeze cooked dumplings, where they will last for up to 3 months, although they may become soggy.

How to steam-fry pre-packaged dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the dumplings

Take the dumplings out of the packaging and set them aside. Do not defrost the dumplings if they are frozen.

Step 2: Gather your equipment

You will need a large frying pan or skillet, preferably non-stick or cast iron, a lid that fits the pan, and some vegetable oil. You will also need a steamer basket or rack that fits inside your pan, and something to line the steamer with, such as parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or cheesecloth.

Step 3: Set up the steamer

Line your steamer basket or rack with parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or cheesecloth. This will prevent the dumplings from sticking. If using parchment paper, poke a few holes in it to allow the steam to circulate.

Step 4: Heat the pan

Place the steamer basket or rack inside the pan and add enough water to the pan so that it comes up the sides of the steamer by about 1 cm. Make sure there is enough water to simmer for 10 minutes without drying out, but not so much that it touches the dumplings. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 5: Steam the dumplings

Place the dumplings in the steamer, leaving about 1 inch (2-3 cm) between them to allow for expansion. Once the water is boiling, cover the pan and steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes on medium to medium-high heat. The water should be simmering, generating steam, but not boiling vigorously.

Step 6: Fry the dumplings

After steaming, remove the steamer basket or rack from the pan and set it aside. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it is smoking. If using a non-stick pan, heat it over medium heat until hot. Add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan, then add the dumplings, placing them flat-side down. Fry the dumplings until the bottoms are lightly browned, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Add water and steam

Be careful with this next step, as it will cause oil splatter. Hold a lid in front of you as a shield and add about 1/2 cup of water to the pan. Immediately cover the pan and allow the dumplings to steam until all the water has cooked off, which should take about 7 minutes.

Step 8: Uncover and crisp

Uncover the pan and continue cooking until the pan is completely dry and the bottoms of the dumplings are crispy.

Your steam-fried dumplings are now ready to be served! Enjoy!

How to microwave and fry pre-packaged dumplings

Microwave

If you're craving dumplings but don't have a stove or steamer, you can use a microwave to cook pre-packaged dumplings. Here's how:

• Ensure your dumplings are not frozen. If they are, let them thaw completely.
• Find a microwave-safe dish with a lid that's large enough to hold your dumplings in a single layer. A glass or ceramic dish is ideal.
• Add about half an inch of water to the bottom of the dish. Be careful not to add too much, as it may overflow when heated.
• Arrange the dumplings in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate or steamer rack, leaving space between each dumpling.
• Place the plate or steamer rack with the dumplings into the dish with water. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or use a microwave-safe plate to cover it tightly.
• Microwave on medium-high heat in intervals of 2 minutes. Check the dumplings for doneness after each interval.
• Use a pair of tongs or a fork to carefully lift one dumpling and check if it's cooked. The wrapper should be translucent, and the filling should be hot.
• Once cooked, remove the dumplings from the microwave and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.

Fry

Frying pre-packaged dumplings can give them a crispy, tender, and juicy texture. Here's how to do it:

• Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add the dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottoms are lightly browned, swirling the pan regularly to create an even crust.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and add water until it covers the dumplings by about a third to half.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and steam the dumplings until they are cooked through. This should take 6 to 10 minutes, depending on their size.
• Remove the lid and continue cooking until the water evaporates and the dumplings become crisp again.

Frequently asked questions