I absolutely love dumplings. There’s something so comforting about biting into a warm, soft dumpling filled with delicious flavors. Whether it’s steamed or fried, dumplings are a staple in many cuisines around the world. But did you know that you can also microwave dumplings? Yes, you read that right! Microwaving dumplings is a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings without having to wait for a pot of water to boil or oil to heat up. In this article, I will share with you some tips and tricks on how to microwave dumplings perfectly every time.
Choosing the Right Dumplings
Before we dive into the microwaving process, let’s talk about the kind of dumplings that are suitable for this cooking method. While most dumplings can be microwaved, some types work better than others. Here are a few popular dumpling varieties that are perfect for microwaving:
Potstickers
Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling that are usually filled with a combination of meat and vegetables. They have a thin, delicate wrapper and are known for their crispy bottom. You can find pre-packaged potstickers in the frozen section of your local supermarket, making them an excellent choice for microwaving.
Wontons
Wontons are another type of Chinese dumplings that are often filled with seasoned ground meat or seafood. They have a thinner, more translucent wrapper compared to potstickers. Wontons are commonly served in soup or can be pan-fried, but they can also be easily microwaved.
Now that we’ve narrowed down the type of dumplings suitable for microwaving let’s move on to the cooking process.
Preparing Dumplings for Microwaving
Microwaving dumplings is a simple process, but there’s a bit of preparation involved to ensure they cook evenly and taste delicious. Here’s what you need to do:
Defrosting Frozen Dumplings
If you’re using frozen dumplings, it’s important to defrost them first. You can do this by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl and using the defrost setting on your microwave. Alternatively, you can also let the dumplings thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Adding Water
Adding water to the microwave-safe bowl is essential as it helps create steam, which will cook the dumplings evenly. You can add about two to three tablespoons of water to the bowl, depending on the number of dumplings you’re microwaving.
Arranging Dumplings
To ensure even cooking, it’s important to arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the bowl. If you’re cooking a large batch, you may need to microwave them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the bowl.
Now that your dumplings are prepped and ready, it’s time to get them cooking!
Microwaving Dumplings
Microwaving dumplings is a relatively quick process, especially when compared to traditional cooking methods. Here’s how you can do it:
Covering the Bowl
To trap the heat and create steam, it’s important to cover the microwave-safe bowl with a microwave-safe plate or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will ensure that your dumplings cook evenly and don’t dry out during the process.
Setting the Time and Power Level
Microwaving times can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so it’s best to start with short intervals and check the dumplings’ doneness after each interval. A good starting point is microwaving the dumplings for 2 minutes on medium power.
Checking for Doneness
After the initial 2 minutes, carefully remove the cover from the bowl and check the dumplings for doneness. They should be slightly translucent and heated through. If they’re not fully cooked, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they are done.
Resting Time
Once the dumplings are cooked, it’s important to let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This rest time allows them to cool slightly and ensures that the filling is evenly distributed.
Enjoying Your Microwaved Dumplings
Now that your microwaved dumplings are ready, it’s time to enjoy them! You can serve them as is or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a combination of vinegar and soy sauce are all excellent options.
Microwaving dumplings is a convenient and efficient way to satisfy your cravings for these delightful treats. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can enjoy perfectly cooked dumplings in no time. So the next time you find yourself craving dumplings but don’t have the time or energy to cook them traditionally, give microwaving a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!