Reheating leftover dumplings so they taste just as delicious as when they’re fresh is definitely possible! Here are 5 easy methods to reheat leftover or frozen dumplings.
Chinese dumplings are a nutritious and deliciously moreish meal option for any hour of the day. Whether you prefer simple jiaozi, guo tie, or Sichuan dumplings, perfecting your reheating technique is imperative to retain the flavor and texture that you love. Thankfully, we have you covered.
Reheating dumplings will depend on whether they’ve been refrigerated or frozen. We recommend reheating cold dumplings in the microwave or air fryer, and frozen dumplings in a frying pan, deep fryer, or pot with boiling water.
In this article, we’ll go through the different ways of storing and reheating dumplings. You’ll be able to compare the different methods and find out which one works best for you. Here’s how to reheat dumplings.
Frying Pan
To get dumplings with a crispy bottom, reheating dumplings in the frying pan is an easy way to achieve this. This method is best for frozen and uncooked dumplings.
First, turn the stove heat on high and pour a thin layer of neutral-tasting oil on the bottom of the frying pan. After heating up the oil, place the number of dumplings you want bottom down on the pan.
Once the bottoms are slightly browned, pour about 50mL of water into the frying pan surrounding the dumplings and cover with a lid to steam. The amount of water can be adjusted depending on the number of dumplings you have. Keep the heat on high.
After the water has been absorbed by the dumplings and evaporated, lower the heat back to medium. Then, you can add a bit more oil to pan-fry the edges until they’re done to your liking.
This method is recommended by home cooks and restaurant chefs as you can easily control the level of crispiness on the bottom and how the water is steamed into the dumpling.
Microwave
Reheating dumplings in the microwave is one of the easiest ways to prepare dumplings. This method is best for cooked and chilled dumplings.
Place the leftover dumplings on a microwave-safe plate before covering and microwaving on high for about 1-1.5 minutes.
Boiling Water
If you prefer a healthier version to fried dumplings, boiled dumplings are a good option. Boiling frozen dumplings in water is one of the best ways to ensure the dumplings are cooked through well—especially if you are concerned about food safety from uncooked meat.
This method is best for frozen and uncooked dumplings. Boiling chilled or cooked dumplings can result in the dumpling skin being excessively soggy and the dumplings falling apart in the water.
Bring a pot half filled with water to the boil on the stove. Adding too much water to the pot can cause the water to overfill once boiling.
Once the water is boiling, slowly drop in the frozen dumplings. Cook as per instructions or when the dumplings are floating to the top of the pot (usually after 7-8 minutes).
Deep Fryer
While this method may not be the healthiest, you are guaranteed deliciously crispy, restaurant-style dumplings if you reheat them in the deep fryer. This method is best suited for frozen dumplings.
Pour some neutral oil in your home deep fryer. The ideal oil for frying dumplings is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and once the oil has reached this temperature, place the dumplings in the provided metal basket.
The dumplings should only need between 2-3 minutes to fully fry.
Air Fryer
If you want that all-over crispy dumpling mouthful without the excess grease, then air frying dumplings is the ideal option. This method can be used for both chilled and frozen dumplings.
Simply place the intended amount of dumplings spread on the air fryer basket and air fry at 380 Fahrenheit for about 6-8 minutes (if frozen) or 2-3 minutes (if chilled)—or until your desired level of brownness.
How to Store Leftover Dumplings
Whether you’ve made an extra large batch of dumplings from scratch and need to store some, or you just have some leftover dumplings from a restaurant, properly storing them is crucial.
The last thing you want is for the dumplings to stick together in the freezer or the flavor combinations to mix together. When you have dumplings containing meat, it’s especially important to keep storage in mind to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Refrigerator
Professional and home chefs alike generally agree that uncooked dumplings should not be stored in the fridge. This is because dumplings usually have a moist filling, which can seep into the dumpling skin and cause the whole thing to fall apart, resulting in a soggy mess.
The only dumplings that should be stored in the fridge are cooked dumplings, either ones that you’ve made yourself or bought from a restaurant.
Even then, dumplings stored in the fridge should be eaten within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety. You should also keep your dumplings in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer
Freezing dumplings is an easy and effective way to keep your dumplings fresh for longer. As a general rule, cooked dumplings can last up to three months in a freezer, while uncooked dumplings can last up to six months—but this can also vary slightly depending on the type of meat used.
Before freezing cooked dumplings, ensure they are thoroughly cooled before placing them in ziplock plastic bags for the freezer. This will reduce the risk of freezer burn and prevent the dumpling skins from sticking together.
