Dumplings, Reinvented: 14 Cooking Methods Beyond Boiling and Steaming

Dumplings are one of the most versatile foods out there, and the way you cook them can totally change their texture and flavor. Whether you love them crispy, tender, or melt-in-your-mouth soft, there’s a cooking method for you.

Think dumplings only get cozy in a steamer or hot tub of boiling water? Think beyond the steamer—this guide is your golden ticket to dumpling deliciousness. We’re taking these little flavor pillows on a wild ride—grilled, air-fried, deep-fried, even smoked (yes, smoked dumplings are a thing).

Whether you like yours chewy, crispy, or comfortingly soft, there’s a method here to match your mood. And if you’re still deciding which dumpling deserves a spot in your skillet, check out our Ultimate Guide to 18 Must-Try Dumplings from Around the World for flavor-packed inspiration.

But first—let’s find your perfect cooking style. Grab your chopsticks (or your fingers—we won’t judge), and let’s turn up the heat on dumpling night!

If you’re in the mood for dumplings that are super tender and soak up all those savory flavors, slow-cooking them is a must-try. This works best for dumplings that are served in soups or stews, like Chinese wontons or Polish pierogi.

How to Do It

• Add your dumplings to your slow cooker along with your broth or sauce of choice.
  
• Set on low and cook for about 4–6 hours, depending on the size and type of your dumplings.
  
• The dumplings will absorb all the flavors, and the texture will be incredibly soft and comforting.

Boiling is the most traditional way to cook dumplings, especially for jiaozi (Chinese dumplings), pierogi, and wontons. It gives them a soft, juicy texture and ensures the filling is perfectly cooked.

How to Do It:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  
• Add the dumplings, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
  
• When the water returns to a boil, add ½ cup of cold water (this helps control the cooking temperature).
  
• Repeat this process 2–3 times until the dumplings float and look plump (usually about 6–8 minutes).
  
• Drain and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

Tip: If you’re cooking frozen dumplings, don’t thaw them—just increase the boiling time by a few minutes.

Smoking dumplings adds a unique, rich flavor, especially for heartier fillings like pork or beef.

How to Do It:

• Set up a smoker at 225-250 °F (107-121 °C) with wood chips like hickory or applewood.
  
• Place dumplings on a wire rack and smoke for 30–40 minutes.
  
• Serve as-is or quickly pan-fry for an extra crispy texture.

Steaming is ideal for delicate dumplings like xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and har gow (shrimp dumplings) since it keeps them tender while locking in all the juicy goodness.

How to Do It:

• Line a bamboo steamer or steaming basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
  
• Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
  
• Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the steamer over the pot (without the dumplings touching the water).
  
• Cover and steam for 10–15 minutes (depending on size and filling).
  
• Remove carefully and enjoy with dipping sauces like soy sauce or black vinegar!

Tip: If using a metal steamer, lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

If you love the crispy texture of frying but want to keep things a bit healthier, the air fryer is your best friend. You’ll get that perfect crunch without all the oil. Air-fried dumplings come out crispy, and they’re great for things like gyoza or wontons.

How to Do It:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C).
  
• Lightly spray the dumplings with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of oil.
  
• Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
  
• Air fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Pan-frying dumplings is like giving them a crispy golden halo. The bottom gets beautifully browned and crispy, while the inside stays soft and juicy. You’ll often see this technique used for gyoza (Japanese dumplings) or potstickers.

How to Do It:

• Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  
• Add your dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottoms are golden brown.
  
• Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and let the dumplings steam for a few minutes to cook through.
  
• Voilà! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Tip: Avoid burned dumplings, always use medium heat, and a splash of water.

Broiling gives dumplings a crispy, slightly charred top while keeping the bottom tender. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to deep-fry.

How to Do It:

• Preheat your oven’s broiler setting.
  
• Arrange dumplings on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil.
  
• Broil for 3–5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

If you’re looking for a serious crunch, deep-frying is where it’s at. The dumplings turn golden brown and crispy all over, creating an irresistible contrast with their soft, flavorful filling. This is a great option for dumplings like samosas (Indian dumplings) or empanadas (Latin American dumplings).


How to Do It:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to around 350 °F (175° C).
  
• Carefully drop in your dumplings, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  
• Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes.
  
• Drain on paper towels and enjoy the crunch!

Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker speeds up the cooking process while infusing dumplings with intense flavor.


How to Do It:

• Add dumplings to the pressure cooker with a small amount of broth or sauce.
  
• Cook on high pressure for 3–5 minutes, then do a quick release.
  
• The dumplings will be super tender and flavorful.

If you want to skip the frying and keep things a little lighter, try baking your dumplings. They come out crispy and golden without the oil, and it's perfect for empanadas, pierogi, or even ravioli.

How to Do It:

• Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
  
• Place your dumplings on a baking sheet, brushing them lightly with oil or butter for that golden finish.
  
• Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the dumplings are crispy and golden brown.
  
• For an extra touch, sprinkle with herbs or cheese for added flavor.

Grilling dumplings? Yep, it’s a thing! Grilled dumplings get a smoky flavor that pairs well with the charred edges, making them a perfect option for Chinese baozi or mandu (Korean dumplings).


How to Do It:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
  
• Lightly brush the dumplings with oil to prevent sticking.
  
• Place them on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and have those grill marks.
  
• Serve with a dipping sauce for the full experience.

Sautéing is a quick and flavorful way to cook dumplings, especially if you’ve got fillings like vegetables, shrimp, or ground meat. The high heat helps seal in the filling while giving the dumplings a nice, crispy edge.


How to Do It:

• Heat a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  
• Add your dumplings and sauté for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  
• Serve immediately with a tangy dipping sauce!

Sous vide is an unconventional way to cook dumplings, but it ensures an even cook while keeping them juicy. It's great for dumplings with delicate wrappers that might break in boiling water.


How to Do It:

• Seal dumplings in a vacuum bag or airtight bag.
  
• Submerge in a water bath set to around 160 °F (70 °C) for 30-45 minutes.
  
• Once cooked, quickly pan-fry or broil them for a crispy finish.

Poaching is similar to boiling but uses lower temperatures to keep dumplings tender and prevent them from bursting. This method is great for delicate dumplings like Chinese wontons or Georgian khinkali.


How to Do It:

• Bring a pot of water or broth to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil).
  
• Add the dumplings and let them cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on the size.
  
• The dumplings are ready when they float to the top and the filling is fully cooked.

The Verdict?

Why limit yourself to just boiling or steaming when there are so many fun ways to cook dumplings? Whether you’re going for crispy, smoky, or tender, experimenting with different cooking methods will add a new layer of deliciousness to your dumpling-making adventures. So go ahead—mix things up and get ready for a dumpling flavor explosion!