In honor of the upcoming National Dumpling Day (9/26), we’ve decided to provide a quick guide on how to cook frozen dumplings so that they taste as great as what you get in a restaurant! Our team has hosted the Annual Dumpling Eating Contest in the past, and though we aren’t hosting this year, we’ll still be around to sample amazing dumplings and dim sum products.
There are three recommended ways to cook frozen dumplings so that you get the best flavor and texture possible: deep frying, pan frying, or boiling. Each technique offers its own unique benefits in terms of how your dumplings turn out, so choose the method that’s the best fit for the equipment you have on hand and—more importantly—the style of dumpling that you’re trying to achieve.
To help make sure you end up with the most delicious dumpling, read on for details on each cooking method.
Deep frying
Many people prefer this method of cooking frozen dumplings because it’s the quickest and easiest way to get a perfectly crispy exterior.
To do it, add oil to a deep fryer or a large pot. Using a thermometer for accuracy, heat your oil to between 325 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and then add your frozen dumplings to the oil For best results, make sure not to thaw your dumplings first. Your oil will naturally drop in temperature once you add the dumplings but that’s fine.
Cook dumplings in oil for about two to three minutes, taking out a test dumpling first to ensure they’re ready to go. When cooked correctly, a deep fried frozen dumpling will have a brown and crispy exterior with a hot and steaming interior.
Pan frying
Pan frying is another way to get a great texture on your dumplings.
Heat a pan on medium-high with a couple tablespoons of oil in it. Once hot, add your frozen dumplings. Cook in oil for about three to four minutes, turning once to sear multiple sides. Then add just enough water to cover dumplings about halfway, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam until all of the water has evaporated.
With this method, your dumplings will end up a mixture of steamed and seared. Expect a nice crunchy bite on the bottom coupled with a softer texture on top.
Boiling
Boiling your dumplings is always a nice choice, particularly if you want to add them to soup. To do it, fill a large pot of water halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add your frozen dumplings (again, don’t thaw them first) and stir to prevent them from sticking to the sides.
Return your water to a boil, then add about a cup of cold water. Repeat, bringing to a boil again and adding another cup of cold water. Once your water boils a third time, your dumplings should be done.
To test for doneness, take one dumpling out and pierce it with a fork. It should be tender, and steam should escape from the pierced section.
What Can I Eat Dumplings With?
No matter how you cook them, dumplings are a great addition to any meal. Some recommendations for what to eat them with include:
- Noodle dishes
- Fried rice (or swap rice for farro, barley, or another grain)
- Soup
- Stir fries
- Veggie sides, like spicy green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Asian salads
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Frozen dumplings can be the star protein of your dish, or you can eat them on the side of any of your go-to Asian favorites.
Where to Buy Frozen Dumplings
If you’re looking for where to buy frozen dumplings look no further than Chef One! Our dumplings are made with only the highest quality of ingredients, meaning that whether you deep fry them, pan fry them, or boil them, you end up with an absolutely delicious dumplings every single time.
Shop Chef One today and select among some of our most popular frozen dumplings, including our Chicken with Lemongrass Dumplings and Kung Pao Chicken Dumplings, and check out our Where to Buy page to find a Chef One retailer near you.