Dumplings are so versatile that you can find them in many different cuisines. You can fill them with different types of fillings like meat, vegetables, shrimp, or cheese. And they make some of the best dishes, from a bowl of dumplings swimming in a tasty broth to fried dumplings served with a sweet and sour sauce.
Traditionally, dumplings are prepared by boiling them in water, steaming them, or tossing them into a pan and frying them. But what if you don’t have much time to prepare your dumplings? Can you just pop them in the microwave and have a meal that tastes just as good?
Can You Microwave Dumplings?
Yes, you can microwave dumplings. It only takes 3 minutes to prepare them by microwaving, and they taste as good as the ones you cook on a stovetop.
Here’s a short guide on how to do it:
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with hot tap water and place the frozen dumplings in it. Cover the bowl and microwave for 3 minutes on full power. Remove the bowl from the microwave and drain the water. Serve your dumplings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
How Long Do You Cook Dumplings for in the Microwave?
The cooking time depends on how many dumplings there are. If you microwave up to 10 dumplings, then they usually take about 3 minutes to finish cooking.
How To Cook Dumplings in the Microwave
Earlier I’ve given you a short guide on how to cook dumplings in the microwave. Here you can find out more detailed information about it:
- Take a microwavable-safe bowl and place the frozen dumplings in it.
- Let the dumplings partially thaw, so that they cook evenly in the microwave.
- Add hot tap water to the bowl, so that the dumplings are half submerged.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Take a colander and drain the water from the dumplings.
- Place a nonstick pan on medium heat and add oil to it.
- Add the dumplings to the pan and fry them until they turn golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
1. Pick a Microwave-Safe Bowl
For microwaving frozen dumplings, you need to pick a bowl and not a plate. Also, it has to have a big enough diameter to fit all of them inside. I recommend microwaving a maximum of up to 10 dumplings at a time for the best results.
2. Let the Dumplings Partially Thaw
If the dumplings are solidly frozen, you need to let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before microwaving them; otherwise, they can get mushy and be hard to pick up.
3. Put the Dumplings and Add Water
You want to add the dumplings first and then pour hot tap water over them. The idea is to have the dumplings half covered in water. Without adding the dumplings first, you won’t know how much water you need to use.
If you use premade frozen dumplings, you may want to double-check the instructions on the package. Some of them may instruct you to completely cover the dumplings with water.
4. Cover the Bowl with a Lid
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid. If your bowl doesn’t have a matching lid, you can use a microwave-safe plate instead.
5. Microwave for Three Minutes
Put the bowl in the microwave and cook on full power for 3 minutes. After three minutes, the dumplings should be cooked. If they aren’t, you may want to microwave them for another minute or two until they are done.
6. Drain the Water
Remove the bowl from the microwave and drain the water out of it using a colander. If you make soup dumplings, you can stop here and serve your dumplings with your favorite sauce, but if you want crispy dumplings, there are additional steps you need to take.
7. Take a Nonstick Pan and Oil It
Oil your nonstick pan and heat it over medium heat on the stove. If you’re looking for a reliable nonstick frying pan, consider the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan, which offers excellent heat distribution and easy food release.
8. Fry Your Dumplings
Once the pan is hot, add the dumplings to it and fry them. Arrange the dumplings, so they aren’t overlapping with each other. Keep shaking and swirling the pan until you see the dumplings turning crispy and golden brown. This should take less than a minute.
Before frying the dumplings, you should let the dumplings sit for seconds after microwaving. This time will allow some of the moisture from inside to evaporate so that you can fry them without splattering.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the dumplings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy them.
How Do You Tell If Dumplings Are Fully Cooked?
Knowing when the dumplings are fully cooked is important. If you under-cook them, you will end up with dumplings that are still raw inside. Moreover, they can contain harmful bacteria that may make you sick if you eat them.
If you want to make sure that your dumplings are fully cooked, there’s an easy way to do it: insert a fork in a dumpling and split it in half. It is fully cooked when the center is cooked through, not dense or doughy.
Can Dumplings Be Served Cold?
Cold dumplings don’t sound too appetizing, but they are a delicacy in some parts of the world. So it’s up to you whether you want to serve them cold or not.
How Long Before Dumplings Go Bad?
If you cook a large batch of dumplings, you can store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you only have a small amount leftover that you want to store in the fridge, it is safe to keep them there for three or five days.
For reheating your dumplings in the microwave, you simply put them in a microwave-safe dish covered with a paper towel and heat them for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Conclusion
Dumplings can be made out of various ingredients, they are very versatile. These delicious dishes vary in shape, size, and environment, depending on the region where they are made. They all, however, have one thing in common; their simple cooking method.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to cook dumplings is in the microwave. You just need a few minutes and a bowl of water to have your dumplings ready to eat!
