How to panfry our dumplings.
You’ll need a nonstick pan with a lid and any high-heat cooking oil (such as canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil).
Add 1-2 Tbsp of oil to a cold pan, just enough to cover the bottom. Turn the heat on to medium high.
Place the frozen dumplings into the heated pan. They should sizzle as they hit the pan. If you don’t hear the sizzle, continue heating the oil for another 30-60 seconds, then try again.
Fry the dumplings for 1-2 minutes without moving. Check the bottoms periodically. Once they’re golden brown, add ⅓ c water and immediately cover with a lid. Turn the heat down to medium-low and steam with the lid on for 5-7 minutes.
Remove the lid. If there’s still some excess water, turn your pan to low and let the water gently cook off. Once the water is completely absorbed, the dumplings will pop right off the bottom of the pan without sticking.
FAQs:
Can I boil dumplings instead? Yes, any of our crescent-shaped dumplings can be boiled. You can follow the instructions for boiling wontons, repeating the process of boiling & shocking with cold water (steps 2-3) up to three times. Please note that we don’t recommend boiling our classic potsticker or triangular shapes, which are designed specifically for panfrying.
I don’t have a nonstick pan; can I use something else? Absolutely. We use cast iron at the Dumpling Club kitchen, and our founder Cathay does all her cooking demos in stainless steel. We recommend nonstick for beginners, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Help, I don’t have a pan with a lid! Not a problem. You can use aluminum foil as a makeshift lid, just be careful not to burn yourself when putting it on and taking it off.
How to store our dumplings, wontons, and baos.
Our dumplings, wontons, and baos arrive frozen and raw for maximum freshness. When you get them, put them promptly into your freezer. Do NOT thaw them before cooking; they go straight from the freezer into the pan or pot!
If you plan on hoarding your goodies for a long time, we advise transferring them to an airtight container such as a freezer bag. They can last up to 1-2 months.