Are you like me and always end up with leftover dumplings?
I typically make a few too many because I’m not sure how many people will actually show up to eat them.
And then, inevitably, half of them go bad before they’re eaten.
So what can you do with leftover dumplings?
Here are a few ideas that I’ve tried with great success.
Let’s take a look.
Short-term solution
If you only have a few leftover dumplings, it should be easy to reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so.
You can add a small amount of water or broth to the container before microwaving to keep them from drying out and cover with a paper towel if you’re short on time.
A quick steaming will also work in most cases, but be mindful of using too much water, as this may cause the dumplings to become soggy.
Longer-term solution
If you have more than a handful of dumplings leftover, you can shred them into smaller pieces with your hands or a fork to create more surface area.
This will make it easier for the flavors to mingle and become infused throughout each piece.
Take some of your favorite vegetables — bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, and carrots are just a few strong options — and saute them with a small amount of oil.
Add the dumplings before adding soy sauce or salt to taste, allow everything to simmer for about five minutes for the veggies to soften, then serve over rice.
Use them in a soup
If you really don’t know what else to do with your dumplings now that you’ve waited too long, you can always put them in a soup or broth.
But this will create a more watery mixture than the other options.
How about some zongzi?
If you have a lot of dumplings leftover, don’t forget about zongzi.
These sweet treats are made with glutinous rice dough and filled with different flavors (and often meat) for about half the price you paid at the restaurant.
Enjoy your dumplings while they’re still hot, and don’t be afraid to experiment with other varieties of cuisine (Thai, Italian, Greek) to try out what other dishes you can make with them.
Bon appétit.
Fry them
Want a simpler method when it comes time for you to prepare your next meal with leftover dumplings from either scenario above?
Then just add some oil to a pan over medium heat and fry your leftovers until crispy exterior forms around each one.
This way they can be used in any recipe where the fried dough is desired or even eaten with sauce as is.
Just freeze them
If you are cooking a large batch of dumplings to freeze for future use, be sure to lay them out in a single layer away from any moisture.
Then, once they’re frozen solid, you can throw them together in another container where they won’t stick or get freezer burn.
If you bake dumplings for use throughout the week, it is best to cook only what you really need and not make too many at once.
Since most varieties of dough can differ slightly in their ingredients depending on the brand used, if there’s the leftover dough after filling all your wrappers, just mix up the flavors to create something unique like classic beef and broccoli.
How do you store leftover dumplings?
You can store dumplings in the refrigerator for about 2 days at most.
Can dumplings be saved?
Yes, you can save dumplings.
The best way to do this is by freezing them.
Remember to use parchment paper as well and don’t place the dumplings too close together.
Are chicken and dumplings good the next day?
Yes, they tend to taste better the day after.
I also love how the dumplings soak up the broth.
Can you eat leftover chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can eat leftover chicken and dumplings.
You could make this recipe with any cooked meat.
I would recommend eating the chicken and dumplings within 3 days.
Are dumplings keto-friendly?
That’s a tough question to answer because there are so many different types of dumplings.
Some dumplings are made with flour and water dough, while others are made with wheat flour, potato starch, and/or tapioca starch.
And some dumplings contain fillings that are high in carbs and unhealthy fats, while others are filled with low-carb and keto-friendly ingredients.
So, the answer to your question depends on the specific type of dumpling that you’re talking about.
But in general, most dumplings are not considered to be keto-friendly foods.
How to store dumplings?
Again, this depends on the specific type of dumpling.
Generally, though, most dumplings can be stored in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for a few months.
Just be sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer bag so that they don’t get freezer burn.
What is the best way to cook dumplings?
The best way to cook dumplings is by steaming them.
This will ensure that they are cooked evenly and will be moist and tender.
You can also pan-fry dumplings, but they may not be as moist as when they are steamed.
Do frozen dumplings need to be thawed before cooking?
Frozen dumplings do not need to be thawed before cooking.
You can cook them directly from the freezer.
However, it is recommended that you prick them a few times with a fork before cooking, in order to prevent them from bursting open.
Can you leave dumpling filling overnight?
No, you should not leave the filling to sit overnight.
If you do, then the wrappers will get wet and be easy to tear.
Can stew dumplings be reheated?
Yes, you can do it in the oven or on the stove.
But be careful.
Stew dumplings are delicate and can be easily ruined when heated up.
Can I reheat cooked dumplings?
Yes, you can.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Bake for 12-15 mins or until warmed through. (source)
Can you eat soup dumplings the next day?
Yes, you can.
Allow them to cool to room temperature first.
Then, put them in a container that is airtight and lined with parchment paper.
Make sure they don’t touch each other.
If they are cooked, they will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Can I microwave dumplings?
Yes, you can microwave dumplings.
If the dumpling is frozen, put it in a bowl that will fit in the microwave and is microwave-safe.
Fill up the bowl with hot water that is deep enough to cover the whole dumpling.
Cover the bowl and cook it for 4 minutes on high temp for up to 10 dumplings at a time.
Check if they are done by lifting one out of the water and see if they float or not. (source)
Can dumplings spoil?
Yes, if you don’t refrigerate them properly.
If you leave them out, the moisture will make the dumpling skins soggy.
The next day, they might stick to the container or each other and lose their shape.
This is a bigger problem if the dumpling skins are thin.
Do dumplings freeze well?
Yes, dumplings can be frozen.
They will last for around three months in the freezer.
When freezing, it is important to wrap them securely in plastic or foil and then place them in a container.
Can you freeze gyoza dumplings?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze gyoza dumplings.
However, it is best to freeze them before they are cooked.
If you properly save them, they will last in the freezer for up to a month.
However, if you freeze them after they have been cooked, they will lose their crispness and turn soggy and too soft after reheating.
Conclusion
Dumplings are versatile and can easily be transformed into another dish.
With a little creativity, you can come up with your own recipes for using leftover dumplings.
I’ve shared some of our favorites with you, but I want to know – what’s your favorite way to use leftover dumplings?
Let me know.