Briefly, there are four ways to reheat dumplings to avoid sogginess: using an oven, using a stove, using a microwave, and using an air fryer. Each way has different steps and heating times, depending on the type and size of the dumplings.
Dumplings are a delicious Chinese dish that usually refers to the dough wrapped around the filling. The filling can be varied, and the dumplings themselves can be cooked, steamed, or fried.
A common question about this dish is whether it can be reheated at all. The answer is yes, but there are undoubtedly wrong and better ways to do it.
If you try to steam dumplings again, it can happen that they become gooey and soggy. If they are an integral part of the soup, then you can heat them together with the rest of the soup for a few minutes.
However, if you preheat the dumplings themselves, whether they are cooked, steamed, or fried, here are a few good ways you can do it.
Reheating Dumplings In An Oven
Although somewhat slower, the oven is actually a pretty good method for reheating dumplings, no matter how they were originally prepared.
You want to avoid the dish becoming soggy, and it will not happen in the oven. Here are a few simple steps you need to take.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 390 °F
You first need to preheat the oven well before putting dumplings in it. Set it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and wait for it to warm up thoroughly.
Step 2: Arrange the Dumplings in the Oven
It would be best to avoid the pan altogether and place the foil directly on the oven racks. So when you arrange the dumplings on it, they will heat up perfectly on all sides, both below and above.
However, if you do not like the mess resulting from clumsy handling, feel free to put dumplings in the pan.
Step 3: Heat for about 5 Minutes
It will take a very short time for your dumplings to warm up well. About 5 minutes at the set temperature will be quite enough. Of course, check if the result is satisfactory, or it will take another half a minute to a minute longer.
Heating Dumplings On The Stove
If you have pan fried dumplings, it will be best to reheat them by frying in a pan again. Stove is the best method to reheat Chinese food.
You can do this with other types of dumplings as well, only they will no longer be cooked originally but you will also get a crispy fried flavor. The procedure is more than simple. Here are steps for reheating fried dumplings in a skillet.
Step 1: Put the Pan on the Fire to Heat up a Bit
It is best to use a frying pan with a non-stick bottom. Especially if in this way you are reheating cooked or steamed dumplings. Use medium heat, never turn on the stove at the strongest.
Step 2: Put Some Oil in a Pan and Add Dumplings
Once the pan is heated, put a teaspoon of oil in it. Very quickly, the oil will also heat up so you can add dumplings. Fry them like this for about 3 minutes until well heated. Alternatively, you can add more time to achieve a crispier result.
How To Reheat Dumplings In The Microwave
Definitely, the quickest and easiest way to warm up would be to put dumplings in the microwave. You just need to avoid them becoming rubbery, and you can do this by using a wet towel while warming up. The microwave method is especially suitable for reheating steamed dumplings since they are not crispy.
Step 1: Arrange the Dumplings in a Suitable Container
Use only dishes that can be safely used in the microwave. Arrange dumplings in it and cover them with a damp kitchen paper towel.
Step 2: Nuke for 45 Seconds to 1 Minute
First, put the dish in the microwave and turn on for 45 seconds. Then, take them out and check the condition. If extra heating is needed, put them back for an additional 15 seconds, and a few seconds more as needed. Add soy sauce, and enjoy.
Warming Up Dumplings In An Air Fryer
The air fryer usually makes the dish a little crispier, which is great if you want to reheat fried dumplings.
But if you have leftover boiled dumplings, consider whether you want to make them brittle or decide on another method to keep them soft.
Although almost any dish can be heated in an air fryer, we would still leave soup dumplings out of this method.
With the fryer method, you can reheat frozen dumplings without first thawing them.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 350 °F
Set the device to medium heat of 350 degrees and let it heat up completely. During this time, you can arrange the dumplings in the basket.
Step 2: Place the Dumplings in the Air Fryer Basket
To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the basket grate, you can coat it with a bit of oil or simply put parchment paper on it.
Arrange the dumplings in a single layer and leave some space between each one. If you deem it necessary, you can put a little cooking spray on each ball, but it is not essential.
Step 3: Heat for about 5 Minutes
It will take approximately 5 or 6 minutes to warm up thoroughly. It is recommended to flip each dumpling halfway to heat it up better.
If you have frozen dumplings, extend the heating time by 3 minutes and check if it is hot enough. Add your favorite dipping sauces and serve.
FAQs
How do you store dumplings?
You need to keep leftover dumplings in the fridge and be sure to put them inside as soon as possible after consumption so that they do not stand on the kitchen counter for a long time. In the refrigerator, they should last for two to a maximum of 3 days to not spoil. Don’t keep them longer than that.
Can I freeze dumpling leftovers?
You can freeze the dumplings leftovers. First of all, it would be good to put them on a paper sheet with a little space between them and put them in the freezer. You do this so that they do not stick to each other when freezing. You can then put them in a plastic freezer bag and store it for a longer time.
Can I make dumplings in advance?
Yes, you can make dumplings in advance. You can refrigerate it for days and can be kept frozen for months.
Can you reheat steam dumplings?
Yes, you can reheat steam dumplings. To do so, steam them again in a steamer or a microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
Conclusion
Dumplings are certainly best when freshly prepared, and no reheating method can perfectly restore its taste. However, this does not mean that the thing has failed if you are left with leftovers after lunch.
Our suggested methods will help you reheat fried and steamed dumplings perfectly. Choose for yourself which method is most practical for you, then enjoy a delicious meal.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
