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How to Reheat Dumplings: 5 Best Methods

As a fan of Chinese cuisine, it’s not uncommon to have leftover dumplings that need to be reheated.

When done correctly, reheating dumplings can bring back the delicious flavors and textures that we all know and love.

However, using the wrong method can leave you with rock-hard or soggy dumplings that are no longer appetizing.

This article will explore five different methods for reheating dumplings along with some tips and tricks for making them taste just as good as when they were first made.

How to Reheat Dumplings

Why Reheating Dumplings is Sometimes Necessary

Whether you’re ordering takeout or meal prepping for the week ahead, having leftover dumplings is a common occurrence.

While it’s always best to eat them fresh, sometimes life gets in the way and leftovers are inevitable.

Additionally, not everyone has access to a kitchen at work or school, so being able to reheat your lunch is essential.

Reheating food is also an excellent way to reduce food waste as throwing out perfectly good leftovers isn’t sustainable or economical.

Now let’s dive into the five best methods for reheating dumplings:

Boiling Method

Boiling is a quick and easy way of reheating your dumplings without compromising their flavor or texture. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Fill a pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Once the water comes to a boil, add your frozen or refrigerated dumplings.
  3. Lower the heat and let your dumplings simmer for about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot once they float up.
  5. Serve hot with some soy sauce on top if desired.

To make boiled dumplings even more delicious, add aromatics such as ginger slices or scallions into the water before boiling them.

Steaming Method

Steaming is another popular option for reheating dumplings, especially if you want to keep them moist and juicy.

  1. Place your leftover dumplings in a heatproof steamer basket or line your steamer basket with cabbage leaves.
  2. Fill a pot with enough water to reach just below the bottom of the steamer basket and bring it to a boil.
  3. Once the water comes to a boil, place your steamer basket over the pot and cover it with a tight-fitting lid.
  4. Let your dumplings steam for about 6-8 minutes or until they’re fully heated.

You can use any type of steamer you have on hand, including bamboo steamers or metal ones. Bamboo steamers are great as they add an extra layer of flavor to your dumplings.

Oven Method

The oven method is ideal if you want crispy dumpling skin without having to pan-fry them afterward.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  2. Place small amounts of water on a baking sheet so that the bottom completely covered in water.
  3. Line it with parchment paper and arrange your leftover dumplings on top.
  4. Cover the top lightly with aluminum foil but leave gaps around it so that heat escapes when in the oven
  5. Bake for approximately ten minutes, flipping over if necessary halfway through cooking time depending on dough thickness.

Keep an eye on them while they’re in there – If baked too long, they might dry out.

Microwave Method

Using microwave ovens is quick and convenient but can sometimes result in uneven heating or rubbery texture if not done properly.

  1. Place leftover cooled down dumpling into microwavable dish
  2. Microwave reheat method: cover dish partially (with room left nearby for steam)
  3. Zap at 80% power level intervals every minute for approx. 2-3 minutes, checking on them halfway through each zap.

For larger or thicker dumplings, you’ll need to add additional time or rotate them halfway through cooking time

Remember to always use microwavable containers made from safe materials when reheating dumplings in a microwave. Never use plastic containers that are not microwave-safe.

Pan-frying Method

Finally, pan-frying is a great option if you want to get that crispy texture without using the oven.

  1. Add one tablespoon of oil into a non-stick pan and heat it up until it starts shimmering.
  2. Spread your defrosted leftover dumplings in a single layer in the pan, leaving enough space between each for even browning (3-5 minutes each side approx.)
  3. Use tongs to flip and gently press down until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

Pan-frying can be done on any type of stove top, whether electric or gas, so long as the pans used are non-stick and/or coated with non-stick spray.

Tips for Reheating Dumplings:

Storing your leftover dumplings correctly can help preserve their quality till it’s actually late enough for you to reheat them well. All methods work better if your dumplings were stored properly in an air-tight container before freezing or refrigerating them. Here are tips on how best to store any leftovers

  • Always thaw frozen dumplings before reheating – the method used depends on the degree of moisture they have.
  • Another trick is covering them with a damp paper towel before doing anything else by adding just enough moisture reheat evenly throughout.
  • Don’t overcrowd your steamer basket or pan as this will cause uneven heating/ cooking
  • Try experimenting with different sauces like soy sauce, chili oil or vinegar for added flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are five best methods of reheating frozen or refrigerated dumplings, namely boiling, steaming, ovening, microwaving and pan-frying. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages but which method you choose will ultimately depend on your preference in how you like to eat these delicious morsels.

Remember that properly storing your leftovers is important for successful reheating. By adhering to these helpful tips and tricks shared throughout this article, anyone can enjoy their dumplings reheated to perfection regardless of situation or fast-paced lifestyle.

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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.