Steamed dumplings are so delicious, but how can you prepare them at home if you don’t have a bamboo steamer or metal basket? Whether you’re cooking homemade or frozen dumplings, there are easy ways to steam them in the microwave or on the stove using aluminum foil or chopsticks. You can even steam-fry dumplings in a pan for a crispy bite. Keep reading for our top recommendations for steaming your dumplings for your next meal!
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 4:Steaming Dumplings in a Microwave
1Put dumplings and water in a microwavable bowl. Set your dumplings on the flat bottom of a large microwave-safe bowl so they’re spaced out evenly. Then, just pour in enough water to cover the bottom half of the dumplings.[1]XResearch sourceSteaming in the microwave works great for cooking frozen dumplings if you don’t have a steamer.
[2]XResearch sourceAvoid using regular plastic wrap in your microwave since it could melt on top of your dumplings.Advertisement
3Cook the dumplings in your microwave for 2 ½ minutes. Set the bowl in your microwave and let it run for the full time. Most of the water will evaporate and the trapped steam will cook your dumplings through.[3]XResearch sourceFrozen dumplings may need to steam for an extra minute to cook all the way through.Tear open one of the dumplings and check if the filling is hot. If it still feels cold, keep heating your dumplings in 30-second increments until they’re warmed through.If you want crispy dumplings, put them onto a pan over medium heat for about 1 minute after you microwave them.AdvertisementMethod 2Method 2 of 4:Using Aluminum Foil or a Wire Rack on the Stove[4]XResearch sourceThe aluminum foil balls create a buffer between the bottom of the pot and a plate with your dumplings. If you don’t have any foil handy, a wire rack will do the trick.[5]XResearch source Space your dumplings around the plate so they aren’t touching to help them all cook evenly.[6]XResearch sourceIf you’re steaming frozen dumplings, they may stick to the plate when you heat them. Line the plate with parchment paper or brush on some cooking oil so you can easily remove your dumplings.[7]XResearch sourceIf you don’t have a lid for your pot, just cover it with another large pan.Condensation can build up on the lid if it doesn’t have a vent, and the water may drip down and make your dumplings soggy. Wrap a towel around the lid to capture the moisture.[8]XResearch source
4Steam your dumplings for about 10 minutes. Leave your dumplings in the pot without removing the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and take your dumplings out to serve them.[9]XResearch sourceFrozen dumplings may take an extra minute or two to steam all the way through. Tear one open and check if the filling feels hot to see if they’re ready.AdvertisementMethod 3Method 3 of 4:Making a Chopstick Rack
1Lay 2 chopsticks across the top of a pot. Use a pot that has a diameter that’s shorter than the chopsticks you’re using. Set the chopsticks on the rim of the pot so they’re about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) apart from one another.[10]XResearch source[11]XResearch sourceYou can usually steam around 4–5 dumplings at a time when you balance them on chopsticks.[12]XResearch sourceIf you want to make a full meal, boil enough water to make some instant noodles below your dumplings so they cook at the same time.[13]XResearch sourceIt’s okay if the lid doesn’t fit tightly over the pot since the steam will still rise up and cook your dumplings.Rip open one of the dumplings and check that the filling feels hot. If you’re making frozen dumplings and they still feel cold, put them back on the chopsticks and leave them to steam for another 1–2 minutes.AdvertisementMethod 4Method 4 of 4:Steam-Frying Dumplings in a Pan
1Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Pour about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of cooking oil into a pan with a lid. Set the pan on the stove burner, and swirl the oil around to coat the pan evenly.[14]XResearch sourceYou can use any cooking oil that you want for your dumplings.[15]XResearch sourceYou can steam-fry dumplings straight from frozen without thawing them beforehand.[16]XResearch source[17]XResearch source
5Steam your dumplings for 6–10 minutes. Keep the lid on the pan so you don’t release any of the steam. Fresh dumplings take about 6 minutes to cook, but frozen dumplings will need the full 10 minutes to thaw and cook through.[18]XResearch sourceYou can always cut one of the dumplings open and peek inside to make sure it’s cooked or that the filling is hot throughout.
6Remove the lid to fry the dumpling wrappers until the water evaporates. Your dumplings have already finished cooking inside, but an extra minute will make the wrappers extra crispy. Set the lid aside and keep heating your dumplings to fry the wrapper. Once the water completely evaporates, take your dumplings out of the pan and serve them up![19]XResearch sourceAdvertisement
