Dumplings are versatile and experienced chefs use different fillings (cheese, meat, shrimp, or vegetables) based on the cuisine.
People have embraced cooking dumplings in the microwave besides steaming and pan-frying them.
Microwaving dumplings is easy, fast, and efficient. Read through our guide and learn how to microwave dumplings.
How to Microwave Dumplings
Steaming and pan frying are popular methods for cooking dumplings, but you can also microwave dumplings.
It gives the same results as steaming, but attempts to make your dumplings crispy in the microwave will leave them mushy.
Here are the tested and verified steps for microwaving dumplings:
- Get a microwave-safe plate that can withstand high microwave heat, preferably a glass or ceramic one like the Mora Ceramic Plate. Plastic plates are inappropriate because they warp and melt when heated, while metal plates spark in the microwave.
- Place a damp kitchen towel on the glass plate. When heated, water on the paper towel produces steam (necessary for cooking dumplings).
- Place a dry parchment paper on the damp paper towel to prevent your dumplings from sticking. The Amazon Basics Parchment Paper is a handy option.
- Arrange enough dumplings on the microwavable plate and ensure enough space between them. Ample space allows steam circulation between the dumplings, freeing them from sticking to each other.
- Cover the dumplings on the microwave-safe plate with a microwave-safe bowl to trap the steam from the damp towel.
- Set your appliance on medium power for 3-5 minutes.
- Pause the appliance halfway through the cooking time to flip the dumplings. Flipping ensures even heating.
You can further do the following to enhance the taste and flavor of your dumplings:
- Transfer your microwaved dumplings to a pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan
to give them a crispy touch. Toss some butter on a hot pan and fry the dumplings for a minute; be keen not to burn them. - Season your dumplings with various ingredients, spices, and vegetables, and cook them for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Simmering allows the flavors to get deep into the meat filling.
- You can also use a bowl of water instead of a dump towel. Place a bowl of water on the microwave-safe plate beside the dumplings but don’t spill water or soak the dumplings.
How to Microwave Frozen Dumplings
You can first defrost frozen dumplings and reheat the above process, or you can follow the following steps to microwave frozen dumplings:
- Transfer your dumplings from the storage bag to a microwave-safe bowl like the Mora Ceramic Bowls For Kitchen.
- Add hot water into the bowl until all the dumplings are submerged.
- Cover the bowl with a cling film or a microwave-safe bowl.
- Set your microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
- Check if the dumplings are floating in the water to ascertain they are cooked.
- If cooked, drain off the water using a colander and serve while hot with your favorite sauce.
- You can pan-fry cooked dumplings to get a brown, crispy finish.
- Thawing frozen dumplings reduces the cooking time and allows even cooking.
Related: How to reheat chicken breast.
How to Microwave Suet Dumplings
Suet dumplings are made with self-rising flour and suet, seasoned with spices and herbs. You can also smear a layer of preferred oil to leave the dumpling light and fluffy.
Here are the simple steps to microwave suet dumplings:
- Put your suet dumplings in a microwave-safe bowl and let them float in a gravy or your choice.
- Cover the bowl with a microwavable cling film like plastic wrap. KAMMAK Cling Wrap to trap in the steam necessary for cooking the dumpling.
- Turn your microwave on to high power (800 watts) for 1.5 minutes.
- Pause the microwave to flip the suet dumplings to keep them from burning and allow even cooking.
- Continue to cook for an extra 1.5 minutes.
- Use a fork to check that the middle layer is fluffy and not doughy.
How to Microwave Bibigo Dumplings
Bibigo dumplings are the advanced version of the old-school mandu-royal palace dumplings.
Bibigo is chicken stuffed dumplings; hence, adequate cooking is necessary to kill harmful protein bacteria.
Here is how you cook bibigo dumplings in the microwave:
- Place the bibigo dumplings on a microwave-safe plate, such as the Mora Ceramic Plate, with a moist paper towel.
- Cover the plate with a lid that traps hot steam.
- Set the microwave on high power for 7 minutes.
- Pause the microwave halfway to flip the dumplings to cook the other side.
- Use a kitchen thermometer like the Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer
to confirm the chicken filing attains the recommended internal temperature of 165℉.
How Long Should Microwave Dumplings?
The standard time for cooking dumplings in the microwave is 3-5 minutes. However, the cooking time may differ depending on the following factors:
- The number of dumplings you have. It takes approximately 3 minutes to cook 10 dumplings.
- Your microwave’s settings. Some microwave appliances have low wattage, which translates to longer cooking time.
- The type of fillings in the dumpling. Meat-filled dumplings take longer to cook as opposed to vegetable-filled dumplings.
- Storage conditions of your dumplings. You need extra time to defrost frozen dumplings or more time to heat water for cooking frozen dumplings.
Tips To Remember When Microwaving Dumplings
The following must-do tips will guarantee you exceptional results when microwaving dumplings:
- Thaw frozen dumplings to ensure speedy and even cooking.
- Use a microwave-safe plate that can withstand high microwave heat. The Mora Ceramic Flat Dinner Plate is a handy option.
- Use a damp paper towel or a bowl of tap water to produce the steam necessary for cooking your dumplings.
- Cover your dumplings to trap them in the steam that speeds up cooking.
- Microwave meat-filled dumplings longer to ensure thorough cooking.
- Toss microwaved dumplings on a hot, buttered pan to give them a crispy, golden-brown touch.
FAQs
How Do You Know That Your Dumplings Are Fully Cooked?
Partially cooked dumplings miss the full glamor of ideal dumplings. They need the taste, flavor, and appeal you expect from ready dumplings.
Undercooked dumplings have raw spots that are potentially harmful to human consumption. You should use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the filling attains the recommended internal temperature of 165℉.
You can use these hacks to ascertain if your dumplings are well done:
- Cook not more than 10 vegetable-filled dumplings for 5 minutes and 7 minutes for protein-filled dumplings (meat, shrimp, and cheese).
- If you cooked them in a water bowl, check to see if they float to confirm they are fully cooked.
- Use a fork to split the dumpling to ensure it’s not doughy and dense in the middle.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that meaty dumplings attain an internal temperature of 165℉. The Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer is a handy option.
How Long Before Dumplings Go Bad?
You can refreeze extra cooked dumplings to extend their shelf-life. Proper storage bags and storage conditions enhance their freshness.
Frozen dumplings can last for 6 months and still be fresh.
Fewer leftover dumplings should be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Properly stored dumplings are easy and safe to reheat in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
You can microwave dumplings as an alternative to steaming and pan frying to enhance their taste and flavor.
You should use a microwave-safe plate, place a damp towel or a cup of water on the plate, and arrange your dumplings, ensuring enough space between them.
Microwave on medium power for 3-5 minutes and an extra 2 minutes for meat-filled dumplings.
A microwave gives the same results as a steamer; a pan is necessary to give a final crispy touch.