Frozen dumplings are a delectable and convenient treat enjoyed by many worldwide. Whether you have store-bought dumplings or homemade ones stashed in your freezer, cooking them to perfection is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll instruct you on how to cook frozen dumplings that don’t need thaw them before cooking.
1. How To Cook Frozen Dumplings
1.1. In the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the frozen dumplings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
Lightly spray or brush the dumplings with oil to promote even browning.
Cook the dumplings for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for consistent crispiness.
Once they’re golden and crispy, remove the dumplings from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the delightful crunch of air-fried dumplings!
1.2. In the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If desired, you can lightly grease the paper or foil with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Place the frozen dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve the cooked dumplings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and rice vinegar.
1.3. On the Stove
Frying Method
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
Place the frozen dumplings in the pan, leaving enough space between them to prevent sticking.
Fry the dumplings for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Then pour about 1/4 cup of water into the pan, quickly cover it with a lid, and let the dumplings steam for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bottoms. Your pan-fried dumplings are now ready to be served!
Steaming Method
Fill a pot or a steamer basket with a few inches of water. Place the steamer rack or basket inside the pot, ensuring that it is above the water level. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a heatproof colander or a metal sieve that fits snugly inside the pot.
Put the pot on the stove and bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer or colander.
Line the Steamer (Optional): To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the steamer, you can line it with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves. This step is optional but can be helpful.
Arrange the frozen dumplings in a single layer on the steamer, making sure they are not touching each other. Leave some space between the dumplings to allow steam circulation.
Put the lid on the pot to cover the dumplings completely. Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes.
Once the dumplings are fully steamed, turn off the heat. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the dumplings from the steamer and place them on a serving plate.
Your steamed frozen dumplings are now ready to be served! Enjoy their tender and flavorful goodness, and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or soy sauce.
Boilling Method
Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the dumplings. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the frozen dumplings to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the dumplings from sticking together.
Let the dumplings boil for 5-6 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, use a slotted spoon or a strainer to carefully remove them from the boiling water. Place the boiled dumplings on a serving plate or in a bowl.
1.4. In the Microwave
Place a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel on it.
Arrange the frozen dumplings on the paper towel, leaving space between them.
Cover the dumplings with another damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
Microwave the dumplings on high for 3-4 minutes or until they are fully cooked. Be cautious not to overcook them.
Once done, carefully remove the dumplings from the microwave and serve immediately. Enjoy the quick and easy microwaved dumplings!
1.5. In the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water or broth into the Instant Pot.
Place a trivet or a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot, ensuring it is above the water level.
Arrange the frozen dumplings on the trivet or steamer basket, making sure they are not submerged in the water.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position.
Select the “Steam” function on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to 5 minutes. Note that the actual cooking time will be longer than 5 minutes as the Instant Pot needs time to build up pressure.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes before carefully opening the Instant Pot lid.
Remove the cooked dumplings from the Instant Pot and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve the cooked dumplings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Cooking frozen dumplings doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the easy-to-follow instructions in this article, you can enjoy tender and mouthwatering dumplings in just a few minutes
