How to Hack the Frozen Dumplings in Your Freezer

The very first thing I see once I open my freezer is a stack of frozen dumplings. Whether or not they’re spherical and crammed with kimchi or sq. and full of chives, they all the time turn out to be useful once I need to eat nicely with no effort. I can pan fry, steam, or air fry them (which has been my go-to methodology these days), drizzle them with loads of chile crisps and a touch of ponzu, and I’m glad. However, typically, I need extra.

So I started to analysis enjoyable methods to up my frozen dumpling recreation. As anticipated, the Web didn’t disappoint: There are such a lot of inventive dishes that I by no means thought-about utilizing dumplings for, however that I’ve now added into my rotation. The widespread denominator is that frozen dumplings can achieve this far more than what the bundle tells you — the hot button is to consider them as a clean canvas, much like pasta, rice, or noodles. And since they’re already crammed with meat and/or greens, it doesn’t take a lot extra work to make them into a really spectacular dish.

Should you’re within the temper for one thing saucy:

Deal with your frozen dumplings such as you would any sort of protein, like hen or tofu. Dumplings are already full of seasoned fillings, however after they get baked or coated with sauce, they turn into one thing fully totally different. I counsel making rice to serve alongside to assist sop up the sauce, however these recipes are all flavorful sufficient that no different add-ons are actually wanted.

Dumplings with hot pepper sauce: This recipe is impressed by kkanpunggi, spicy, garlicky fried hen with greens. It’s probably the most beloved Korean-Chinese language dishes, well-known for its stability of spicy and candy flavors. As a substitute of fried hen, you should utilize crispy dumplings as a automobile to hold that scrumptious sauce to your mouth.

Dumpling gyudon: Gyudon is a traditional Japanese rice bowl, and there are a number of variations with eggs, beef, and even frozen dumplings. Microwave your frozen dumplings with a splash of water for a minute, simply in order that they aren’t fully frozen. Then deal with them such as you would a protein utilizing this recipe from Just One Cookbook. As they prepare dinner, the dumplings will steam and absorb the sweet-and-salty mirin and soy sauce. Topped with a velvety soft-cooked egg, the steamed dumplings make a simple, comforting rice bowl in minutes.

Dumplings in alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce is a simple solution to elevate frozen dumplings. Deal with them like pasta and prepare dinner them within the simmering sauce; sliced onion, chopped garlic, or bacon are all good additions for additional taste. Should you don’t have jarred sauce readily available, milk or heavy cream generally is a fast repair.

Dumplings gratin: Dumplings are unbelievable with tomato sauce and cheese. All you do right here is break them aside into bite-sized items, pour tomato sauce (and even marinara or vodka sauce) over them, add a number of greens like corn, onions, and mushrooms, lay some cheese on high and warmth the entire thing up within the microwave or within the oven.

Gochujang dumplings: Crispy dumplings, ideally cooked within the air fryer, are nice coated with the sauce right here, which is heavy on gochujang and gochugaru. Though it packs plenty of warmth, the sauce is sweetened with corn syrup (or honey), which creates a balanced, savory taste. Serve the dumplings with a bowl of rice to make it a full meal.

Should you’re within the temper for one thing extra hearty:

Generally I really feel like one thing’s lacking if I’m simply consuming dumplings for dinner. I all the time must pair them with one thing else, like crispy scallion pancakes or peanut noodles, to make a whole meal. However these recipes are so hearty and filling that they don’t want something additional — simply your urge for food.

Dumpling jeongol: Jeongol is a time period for a Korean-style scorching pot. With frozen dumplings, you may put collectively a show-stopping centerpiece in minutes: Simply prepare all of your greens, make the seasoning paste, add the dumplings and the broth, and also you’re executed. The great thing about this dish is that there aren’t any precise guidelines for what so as to add, so long as you make the seasoning paste. Simply combine and match no matter greens you’ve within the fridge with several types of dumplings, and luxuriate in this super-filling dish.

Dumpling quesadilla: A tacky quesadilla is likely one of the best and most satisfying snacks you may make rapidly, and smashed steamed dumplings may give it an extra-savory layer of taste. Simply load up one facet of your tortilla with the dumplings, sprinkle them with loads of cheese, crisp up the tortilla, and sauce it with something from scorching sauce to mayo.

Dumpling fried rice: You may make fried rice with just about something, and frozen dumplings aren’t any exception. As a result of they’re already crammed with seasoned meat and greens, you don’t want to arrange plenty of different components, however I’d add a splash of oyster sauce to tie every little thing collectively. Don’t overlook to complete with a yolk-rich, fried egg on high.

Spicy cabbage slaw with crispy dumplings (bibim mandu): Pair crispy dumplings with tangy, spicy cabbage slaw for a dish that’s each refreshing and satisfying. The slaw will get combined with gochujang, soy sauce, and vinegar, bringing collectively spicy and tangy flavors. I like to recommend combining dumpling and slaw into every chunk to benefit from the unbelievable textures. It’s the right ingesting meals.

Dumpling egg pancake: When pan frying dumplings, you may combine water and starch right into a slurry to type a starch skirt, a skinny, crispy layer that kinds across the dumplings as they prepare dinner. However how about utilizing eggs? Your dumplings might not get these super-crispy edges, however you’ll get a halo of fluffy, silky egg round them as an alternative. Prime it off with recent scallions, drizzle some furikake for garnish, and also you’ve bought your self a powerful two-ingredient dish.