Skip to Content

How to reheat dumplings (Is it even possible?)

How to reheat dumplings (Is it even possible?)

If you’re wondering what the possible reheating techniques for dumplings are, hop on! 

This comprehensive guide offers tips and tricks on how to heat dumplings.  Also, you will get an idea of how to store your favorite food. 

Reheating dumplings can be pretty intimidating.
 
They are delicious but also quite delicate. If you worry that the reheated dumplings will be soggy, follow this guide, and your fears will be gone.

I remember my first reheating attempt of dumplings a few months ago, and it was a total disaster! 

I mishandled the situation resulting in overcooked dumplings with stiff and chewy edges. 

(Sigh!)

But it’s okay! 

I learned from my mistakes, and now you can too.

Now I have created a procedure of warming up dumplings the right way.

And I hope that you find them useful!

Before you proceed to warm the dumplings you had, consider their quality first.

Like most other food, leftover dumplings will last for about two hours at room temperature.

When properly stored, you’ll be able to enjoy your dumplings for about three to five days.

Leaving the food in this environment for too long, or at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to be precise, can cause spoilage. So keep that in mind when you are storing your dumplings.

So what will you do if you have leftover dumplings? The answer is to store them in the fridge!

Here are the simple steps on how to store  the cooked or leftover dumplings in the fridge:

1. Simply place your dumplings in an airtight container. Make sure it’s clean and dry.

2. Once done, slide the container into the coldest part of the fridge, and that’s it!

Note: They will last up to five days if properly stored.

How long will leftover dumplings last

In the fridge – Up to 5 days
On the counter – Up to 2 hours

Your leftover dumplings’ shelf life depends on the storage condition of the food. It’s safe to consume and reheat those leftover dumplings if you properly store them immediately. 

Generally, cooked dumplings sitting at room temperature for more than two hours are considered unsafe. 

In the fridge, the dish should last for up to five days. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container before storing them.

Can you reheat dumplings?

Yes, you can reheat dumplings if you store them well. But keep in mind that this reheating journey has no easy route. 

Your biggest challenge when warming up dumplings is to avoid the food from becoming soggy or overcooked. 

Luckily, there are various ways in which you can reheat leftover dumplings, whether they’re fried or steamed. 

For the former, steaming is the best option, while the latter requires a skillet to maintain its flavor and texture. 

If you don’t like both, the best pick is to reheat dumplings in an instant pot!

Reheating fried dumplings in a skillet

There are few things that you need to remember when warming up fried dumplings. 

The first is to pick a large skillet with a glass lid and a thick bottom.

Having these two is essential because they improve and balance the distribution of the heat on the dumplings. 

The second is to avoid using excessive oil. A generous amount of sesame or vegetable oil is enough to reheat your dumplings. 

When using this method, the first step is to heat the dumplings by using hot water. Once the water has evaporated, we crisp the dumplings by cooking them in a tiny bit of oil.

    1. Add some water to the bottom of the skillet. Wait until it starts to boil. 
    2. Once boiled, add the dumplings, then cover the skillet using a lid. Use a baking pan if you can’t find a lid. 
    3. Allow the water to boil and evaporate.
    4. Push the dumplings to one side of the pan. 
    5. Add a small amount of sesame or vegetable oil and allow it to heat up.
    6. Then re-fry the dumplings on low heat once the water evaporates completely. 
    7. Serve immediately.

Another alternative for reheating fried dumplings

If it’s your first time to reheat fried dumplings and you’re worried that your dish might become soggy, then the best and safest method to use is the oven. 

Your dumplings might take time to be thoroughly heated, but the result is worth the wait!

Here’s how to do it:

    1. Preheat the oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. 
    2. Line a baking pan with foil, then arrange the dumplings. 
    3. Reheat the dumplings until warm. Check to see if the dumplings have warmed through. If not, bake them again for another minute or two.
    4. Serve and enjoy!

Reheating steamed dumplings in a steamer

If you’re wondering how to preserve your steamed dumplings’ texture, reheating the food in steam is the best choice. 

For the best result, choose a bamboo steamer as this absorbs moisture from the steam, resulting in moist dumplings. 

Here’s how to reheat steamed dumplings in a steamer:

1. Line your basket layers with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. This prevents the bamboo steamer from absorbing the flavor of your dumplings. 
2. Place the dumplings into the basket layers, then stack them up. Don’t forget to cover it with the basket lid. 
3. Add two to three inches of water to your wok or wide skillet. Ensure that the water won’t touch your dumplings. 
4. Bring the water to a boil. 
5. Place the stack of steamer baskets over the work or skillet of boiling water. 
6. Let the dumplings warm-up for a few minutes until thoroughly heated. 
7. Once done, remove them carefully using tongs and serve.

Quick tip: I suggest picking a skillet or wok that’s wide enough so the side of the bamboo steamer won’t come in contact with the pan. 

This tip is to avoid the basket from burning due to the skillet’s heat. 

Also, you can place the stack of steamer baskets right away over the wok or skillet (with 2 to 3-inch of water) then bring water to boil afterward.

The bottom line

Choosing the appropriate method for each type of dumpling is essential to achieve the best reheating result. 

Are you planning to reheat steamed dumplings?
Choose the perfect steaming method!
Want your fried dumplings to regain their crispy goodness? Warm them in a skillet! 

Another great way to reheat any kind of dumplings is using an instant pot. 
This sleek device features a steaming and keep-warm function ideal for reheating steamed and fried dumplings. Just follow the instructions with your particular device.

How to reheat steamed dumplings in a steamer

How to reheat steamed dumplings in a steamer

Here are the steps on how to warm up steamed dumplings using a steamer method.

Ingredients

  • Bamboo steamer
  • Water
  • Wide skillet or wok
  • Steamed dumplings
  • Tongs

Instructions

  1. Line your basket layers with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. This prevents the bamboo steamer from absorbing the flavor of your dumplings. 
  2. Place the dumplings into the basket layers, then stack them up. Don't forget to cover it with the basket lid. 
  3. Add two to three inches of water to your wok or wide skillet. Ensure that the water won't touch your dumplings. 
  4. Bring the water to a boil. 
  5. Place the stack of steamer baskets over the work or skillet of boiling water. 
  6. Let the dumplings warm-up for a few minutes until thoroughly heated. 
  7. Once done, remove them carefully using tongs and serve.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Skip to Recipe