Frozen dumplings are a quick and easy snack, packed full of flavour and versatile in their cooking methods. If you’re looking to enjoy some delicious frozen dumplings, then this guide is for you. We’ll explore prepping the dumplings, cooking them by boiling or steaming, or by pan-frying them. We’ll also cover some tips and tricks, recommended recipes, common mistakes to avoid, and serving suggestions. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be a dumpling cooking expert!
Prepping the Dumplings
Before you get cooking, you’ll need to ensure your dumplings are prepped and ready. Take your frozen dumplings out of the packaging and remove any plastic wrapping. If there are a lot of frozen dumplings, it may be easier to separate them out onto individual trays or plates. This makes sure they won’t stick together during the cooking process. If your dumplings have a filling inside, such as pork mince, then give them some extra time to thaw out by leaving them on the tray for 15-20 minutes.
Boiling the Dumplings
Boiling is the simplest and quickest way to cook frozen dumplings. Bring a pot of water to the boil, and place the dumplings into the pot when the water is bubbling vigorously. If boiling on its own, add a teaspoon of salt to the pot for flavour. Stir gently to stop the dumplings sticking together. Boiling time can vary from 2-6 minutes depending on the size of your dumplings, so use a timer and check after the lower amount of time. The edges should start to curl when they’re done.
Steaming the Dumplings
Steaming is another popular way to cook frozen dumplings. Place some of the dumplings onto a plate that fits into a steaming set-up, either using a bamboo steamer, or by using a vegetable tray inside a saucepan. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the steamer heat up for 5 minutes or so. Then, add a cup of water to the saucepan (not on top of the tray with the dumplings), and add another teaspoon of salt for flavour. Put the lid back on and steam for between 4-6 minutes.
Pan-Frying the Dumplings
For those who like their dumplings crispy, then pan-frying is a great option. Put some oil into a non-stick pan, enough so that it reaches around 1/4 inch deep. Heat up on a medium to low flame until it starts to shimmer. Place the dumplings in the pan, making sure they all have their space to fry without running into each other. Fry one side until golden brown (around 2 minutes) then flip over and fry on the other side until they are golden brown too. You can add some extra flavourings and oil towards the end of frying.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Dumplings
When cooking your dumplings, it’s important to keep in mind that frozen dumplings can stick together easily due to their moisture, so it’s best to separate them out before boiling and frying them. If pan-frying, keep an eye on your oil temperature and make sure it’s not too hot as this may cause the dumplings to burn quickly.
Recommended Recipes for Frozen Dumplings
If you’re looking for more than just boiled frozen dumplings, then there are plenty of recipes to try. Ideas include adding fried garlic and ginger, or cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots and bok choy, for some extra flavour. You can also make a tasty dipping sauce by adding soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil, or mix up some sweet chilli sauce or hoisin sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Frozen Dumplings
When cooking frozen dumplings, there are some common errors that you should avoid. The main mistake is not prepping beforehand; if you don’t allow enough time for them to thaw out, they’re likely to stick together! Additionally, don’t use high temperatures when pan-frying as this will cause them to burn on the outside while not fully cooking on the inside. Finally, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; give each dumpling space to fry.
Serving Suggestions for Cooked Frozen Dumplings
Once your frozen dumplings are cooked in whichever way you prefer, it’s time to eat! Serve them as is as an appetiser with a cold beer or as part of a larger meal. You can also serve them with either a dipping sauce as mentioned in the previous section, or with some sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce. Of course, you can always top them with chopped spring onions if you’d prefer.
Conclusion
By following this step-by-step guide, you can now cook frozen dumplings at home with ease! Whether boiling them in salted water, steaming them in a steamer basket or pan-frying them for extra crunchiness, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious meal or snack. Finish off your dumplings with recommended recipes and sauces for extra flavour and wow your friends! Just keep in mind to avoid overcrowding when pan-frying and prepping your frozen dumplings before they go in any hot oil.
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