Reheat Dumplings Perfectly 

Dumplings are a delicious and convenient food that can be made ahead and reheated. Whether steamed, fried, or boiled, there are several easy ways to reheat dumplings and make them taste fresh again. Follow these simple instructions for reheating dumplings using common kitchen appliances.

Microwave Method

1. Place dumplings on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
2. Cover the plate loosely with a damp paper towel. The towel will help create steam to keep the dumplings moist.
3. Microwave on high power for 60-90 seconds. The time will vary based on your microwave wattage and amount of dumplings.
4. Allow the dumplings to rest for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. The residual heat will finish cooking the centers.
5. Check that the filling is hot all the way through. If not, microwave in 30 second intervals until thoroughly heated.
6. Serve immediately while hot. Be careful when biting into microwaved dumplings as they may be very hot on the inside.

Oven Method

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place dumplings on sheet in a single layer.
2. Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil. The foil will trap steam and help reheat.
3. Bake at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until hot throughout.
4. Remove dumplings from oven and keep covered for a minute or two as residual heat finishes reheating.
5. Serve oven-baked dumplings immediately while hot. Be cautious when biting into hot filling.

Steamer Method

1. Fill the bottom pot of a steaming apparatus or bamboo steamer with water – Add enough water so it will reach just below the bottom of the steamer basket when placed inside.
2. Bring water to a rapid boil over high heat. The water should be fully boiling before placing dumplings in.
3. Prepare the steamer basket – Line it with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the steamer with oil.
4. Place dumplings in steamer basket in a single layer – It’s important not to overcrowd them. Leave a bit of space between each dumpling for the steam to circulate.
5. Place steamer basket in pot over boiling water. – The water should not be touching or splashing the basket. It should sit right above the water line.
6. Cover pot with tight fitting lid. – This traps the steam inside the pot so it can heat the dumplings.
7. Steam dumplings for 4-5 minutes. – Set a timer so you don’t overcook them. The time will depend on the size and amount of dumplings.
8. Check doneness and steam longer if needed. – Use a thermometer to test the center of one dumpling. It should reach 165°F.
9. Remove steamer basket from pot. – Use oven mitts to carefully lift the hot steamer out of the pot.
10. Transfer dumplings immediately to plates or bowls. – The residual steam will keep reheating them off the heat.
11. Serve and enjoy hot steamed dumplings!

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to reheat steamed dumplings?

A: The gentle steam method works best for delicate steamed dumpling wrappers. Place them in a steamer basket or loosely cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 60-90 seconds. Let sit 1-2 minutes before serving so the heat evenly spreads.

Q: How do you keep the wrappers from getting soggy when reheating fried dumplings?

A: Use dry heat methods like air frying, baking, or pan frying over medium-high heat to recrisp the exterior and avoid sogginess. Brush lightly with oil before cooking for extra crispness.

Q: What if my dumplings are from the freezer – how long should I reheat them?

A: Frozen dumplings may take a bit longer to reheat fully. Test the internal temperature with a food thermometer and aim for 165°F. Be prepared to extend the cook times by 2-3 minutes if needed.

Tips

• Don’t overcrowd dumplings when reheating. Give them space to steam and crisp properly.
• Undercooking is better than overcooking when reheating. You can always cook a bit longer, but you can’t reverse mushy dumplings!
• Check the fillings are piping hot all the way through. Meat and veggie fillings carry more bacteria risk.
• For fried dumplings, fry in batches to prevent steaming and softening. Overcrowding will make it hard to crisp up the wrappers.
• If reheating dumplings in the oven or air fryer, brush or spray lightly with oil first. This helps recrisp the outer shell.
• Adjust cook times based on the size of the dumplings. Larger dumplings may need more time to reheat all the way through.
• If dumplings are stuck together, use a nonstick cooking spray or oil to separate before reheating.
• Check the internal temp with a meat thermometer to ensure fillings reach safe temp.

Recipe Ideas

Dumpling Ramen Soup:

Cook ramen noodles per package directions. Add 6-8 reheated boiled dumplings and 2 cups shredded cabbage to the broth. Garnish with scallions, cilantro and chili oil.

Dumpling Fried Rice:

Cook rice according to package instructions. Heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet. Add cooled rice, diced carrots, scrambled eggs and 6-8 reheated fried dumplings chopped into pieces. Toss together until heated through.

Dumpling Quesadillas:

Lay 2 reheated fried dumplings between 2 flour tortillas. Add shredded cheese on top. Cook in a skillet with oil until crispy and melty. Cut into wedges to serve.

Dumpling Salad:

Chop 4-5 reheated steamed dumplings. Toss with mixed greens, sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, and Asian vinaigrette dressing. Top with sesame seeds.

Here are recommended models for each appliance that work well for reheating dumplings:

Microwave:

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven – 1100 watts, large 1.2 cubic ft capacity
2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S – 1200 watts, inverter technology, stainless steel
3. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1000 watts, 10 power levels, 34 liter capacity
4. LG NeoChefTM LMC1575ST – 1.5 cubic ft, 1000 watts, sensor cooking
5. GE JES1656SRSS – 1.6 cubic ft, 950 watts, medium capacity for dumplings

Oven:

1. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven – spacious interior, convection fan
2. Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro – 1800 watts, convection setting, large capacity
3. Oster TSSTTVDGXL-SHP Extra Large Digital Countertop Oven – self-cleaning, adjustable racks
4. Hamilton Beach 31126 Toaster Oven – roll top door, easy access, fits 9″ pizza
5. BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB – 8 cooking functions, even crisp technology

Steamer:

1. Cuisinart STM-1000 CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer – 5 liter capacity, timer
2. Aroma Housewares ASP-137 3-Tier Bamboo Steamer – stackable tiers, bamboo basket
3. Oster CKSTSTMD5-W 5-Quart Stainless Steel Steamer – 2 tiers, self-basting lid
4. KitchenAid KCSS10ER Stainless Steel Steamer – 1.5 quart, electronic controls
5. Hamilton Beach Digital Steamer – 12 liter capacity, automatic shut off, BPA-free

With these simple methods, you can enjoy leftover dumplings that taste just-made. Reheat steamed, fried, or boiled dumplings using the microwave, oven, steamer or air fryer for quick and delicious results.