How to Make Microwave Dumplings

Have you ever been to a restaurant, had delicious dumplings, and wished you could make them at home? Well, with simple ingredients and just minutes of cook time in the microwave, almost anyone can have hot, homemade dumplings ready in no time. 

How to make microwave dumplings? You can microwave the dumplings in stock or water for 3 minutes using the highest power setting in your microwave, which will cook them without drying them out. 

If you want to learn more, follow along with our instructions for delectable microwave dumplings!

The Delicious World of Dumplings

Dumplings are a staple food in many cultures around the world, and rightly so. These little pockets of goodness are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

Whether you prefer them steamed, fried, or boiled, there’s a dumpling out there for everyone.  

The History of Dumplings

Dumplings have been a part of cuisines around the world for centuries. In China, dumplings have been a popular food for over 1,800 years. 

Legend has it that a man named Zhang Zhongjing created the first dumplings during the Han Dynasty to help keep his people warm and nourished during a harsh winter. 

In Europe, dumplings have been a staple food for centuries, with each region putting its own spin on the dish. In North America, dumplings were introduced by European immigrants and have since become a beloved comfort food.

Types of Dumplings

There are countless types of dumplings, each with its own unique flavor and texture. 

Chinese dumplings, also known as jiaozi, are typically filled with pork and vegetables and are often served with soy sauce and vinegar. 

Japanese gyoza is similar to Chinese dumplings but is smaller and usually filled with ground pork and cabbage. 

In Italy, tortellini are small, stuffed pasta dumplings that are typically filled with meat or cheese. And in Poland, pierogies are boiled dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut.

Making Dumplings at Home

Making dumplings at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. The key to making great dumplings is using a good filling and having a well-made dough. 

You will need flour, water, and salt for the dough and a filling of your choice. Popular fillings include ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. You can also add spices and seasonings to the filling to give it extra flavor.

To make the dough, start by mixing the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Slowly add water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

While the dough is resting, prepare your filling. There are a few recipes for filling, so you can choose one that’s up to your liking.  

Once the filling is ready, roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal the dumpling.

There are many different ways to shape dumplings, including folding them into half-moons, pleating them into little pouches, or simply rolling them into balls.

Then, it’s just a matter of steaming, boiling, or frying them to turn them into delicious goodness. You can also make dumplings in the microwave to save time! 

Can You Make Dumplings in the Microwave? 

Dumplings are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal that can be enjoyed as a snack or an entree. While traditionally made by steaming or boiling, it is possible to make dumplings in the microwave. 

However, sometimes you may not have the time or resources to cook them using traditional methods. In such cases, microwaving them can be a quick and easy alternative.  

Factors to consider

When microwaving dumplings, it is crucial to consider the type of dumpling you are cooking and its size. Different types of dumplings have different cooking times and require varying microwave settings. 

For example, if you are microwaving fresh, uncooked dumplings, you should use a high-power setting for a shorter duration to avoid drying them out. 

However, if you are microwaving cooked dumplings, a lower power setting would be ideal for preventing overcooking and keeping them moist.

The Right Microwave Setting

The ideal microwave setting for microwaving dumplings is a combination of power and time. 

To cook fresh, uncooked dumplings in the microwave, set your microwave to high power and cook for one minute. After one minute, reduce the power to 50% and cook for an additional two minutes. This step will ensure that they are cooked thoroughly without becoming too dry.

If you are microwaving cooked dumplings, use a lower power setting of around 30-50% and cook for one to two minutes. This will help to ensure that the dumplings are warmed throughout without becoming overcooked.

How to Make Microwave Dumplings

Making microwave dumplings is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish without the need for traditional cooking methods. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a tasty snack or meal in just a few minutes.

Step-By-Step Instructions 

You will need the following: 

• Uncooked dumplings 
• Chicken, beef, or vegetable stock (Alternatively, you can also use water).
• Microwavable bowl

Step 1: 

Fill the microwavable bowl halfway through with stock or water. Then, heat the stock in the microwave, using the highest heat setting, for about a minute. 

Step 2: 

Add the uncooked dumplings to the bowl while the liquid is still hot. You can stir the bowl a bit so that all the dumplings are thoroughly coated with liquid. This will prevent the dumplings from becoming too dry. 

Step 3: 

Cover the bowl with a microwavable lid and microwave for about 3 minutes using the highest heat setting. 

You can stop about midway through and stir the dumplings around in the liquid so that they are cooked evenly. 

After three minutes, remove the lid and reduce the power to 50%, and microwave at 30-second intervals for about two minutes, stirring in between. This will allow the dumplings to be cooked through. 

Step 4:

After the dumplings are cooked, remove them from the stock and serve while they are still hot. Dumplings are the most delicious when eaten with a bit of soy sauce. You can also use oyster sauce or hot sauce too! 

How to Heat Frozen Dumplings in the Microwave

You can easily buy frozen dumplings in most grocery stores and cook them in your microwave without having to defrost them. This is the easiest way to enjoy dumplings without having to make them from scratch! 

Step 1:

First, remove the dumplings from the freezer and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure to space them out evenly, so they can heat up evenly in the microwave. 

Next, cover the dumplings with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the dumplings moist and prevent them from drying out during the heating process.

Step 2:

Now that the dumplings are properly prepared, it’s time to heat them up in the microwave. The cooking time depends on the size and quantity of the dumplings, as well as the wattage of your microwave. 

As a general rule of thumb, start with one-minute intervals on high power and then check the dumplings. If they are not fully heated, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they are hot all the way through.

Frozen dumplings are usually already cooked, so you only need to heat them up evenly to enjoy them, which is why using short intervals will allow you to cook the dumplings perfectly without drying them out or overcooking them. 

Step 3:

Once the dumplings are heated to your desired temperature, carefully remove them from the microwave and can serve them with a dipping sauce or condiment of your choice. Soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar are all popular choices for dumplings.

How to Cook Dumplings Using the Air Fryer

One of the newest and most convenient methods to cook dumplings is using an air fryer. You can cook dumplings in the air fryer to enjoy “fried” dumplings without all the added oil and fat! 

Step 1:

Place the dumplings in the fryer basket in a single layer. If you’re cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in batches.

Brush them lightly with oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. If you are using frozen dumplings, you don’t even need to thaw them first; just go straight in with the oil. 

Step 2:

Cook the dumplings for 8 -10 minutes at 375°F. After 8 minutes, flip the dumplings to the other side, and coat them again with more oil if they look too dry. Then, cook them for another 8 minutes at 375°F.

Step 3:

Once the dumplings are cooked, you can serve them immediately. Garnish them with some chopped scallions or cilantro for added flavor and presentation, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Conclusion

There are many quick and simple ways to enjoy delicious, home-cooked dumplings. By following these easy steps, you can get perfectly cooked dumplings in just a few minutes.