Why do my dumplings stick to the steamer?

Tip for dumplings sticking to your pan:

This is a very common problem when pan frying dumplings, and most likely it is because your pan isn't hot enough.
The easiest trick would be to buy a nonstick pan, but for those who don't want to spend the money, try out this test.

Table of Contents Show

Tip for dumplings sticking to your pan:
How Can I Steam Dumplings Without a Bamboo Steamer?
More Kitchn Dumpling Recipes
How do you keep dumplings from sticking to a steamer basket?
Why do my dumplings keep sticking?
How do you keep food from sticking to the steamer?
How do you steam without sticking?

To make sure your pan

is at the correct temperature, try the water droplet test.

Heat up your pan, when you think it is hot enough, splash a few droplets of water into your pan:
1. If the droplets sit and start bubbling, it's not hot enough.
2. If the droplets hiss and spit, evaporating immediately, it's TOO hot.
3. If the droplets stays in a single ball and rolls around, your pan is the PERFECT temperature to add your oil!

Method

1. Place your pan on medium heat. When hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil to a non-stick pan.
(If you don't have a nonstick pan, read the tips above to help stop the dumplings from sticking).

2. Place an even layer of frozen dumplings in pan.
Make sure there is oil on the bottom of every single dumpling.

3. Pour in some water, enough to reach about 1/2 - 3/4 up the sides of the dumplings.

4. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes on medium to high heat or until the water
evaporates and the dumplings are cooked through and golden and crispy at the bottom.
Once the water has evaporated, it should take about 3 minutes for the bottoms of your
dumplings to become crispy and brown. Remove the dumplings and serve.

Hakka Dumplings are featured in this step by step guide.

SaveComments

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Homemade dumpling are one of the most gratifying kitchen projects. You make a simple but super flavorful filling and then can meditatively fill, fold, and seal the dumplings all afternoon long until you’ve got a tray of dumplings for dinner and one for the freezer. Even store-bought frozen dumplings are one of our favorite quick weeknight dinners.

Some traditional dumpling recipes call for a stacking bamboo steamer that allows you to cook big batches of dumpling gently all at once. While bamboo steamers are cheap and easy to find, they do take up precious kitchen storage space. So how can you have your steamed dumplings without a bamboo steamer? The solution can be as simple as a metal basket or the combo of aluminum foil and a dinner plate.

How Can I Steam Dumplings Without a Bamboo Steamer?

First of all, if you want to steam the dumplings only, you can use a metal steamer basket. Be warned, though, that the dumplings will want to stick, so spray the steamer basket very thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line metal steamers with lettuce or cabbage leaves to keep your dumplings from sticking.

Alternatively you can craft a makeshift steaming rig with aluminum foil and dinner plate. Make a few large balls of foil (they should be big enough to elevate a plate inside your steaming pot of choice), fill the pot with about an inch of water, add the foil balls, and then weigh them down with a dinner plate. The dinner plate should fit just inside the pot, allowing the steam to circulate. When things are steamy, coat your plate with oil or nonstick cooking spray and then add you dumplings and cover.

But, having said that, lots of dumplings aren’t steamed in the baskets at all. Many dumplings are pan-fried, then steamed by just putting a lid on the pan, with a little water inside to cook them.

More Kitchn Dumpling Recipes

How do you keep dumplings from sticking to a steamer basket?

To prevent dumplings from sticking to the basket: You have three options: Place a slice of carrot (or a small piece of cabbage / lettuce) underneath each dumpling; Coat the basket with a thin layer of oil if you are using a metal steamer; Line small pieces of parchment paper under each dumpling.

Why do my dumplings keep sticking?

Tip for dumplings sticking to your pan: This is a very common problem when pan frying dumplings, and most likely it is because your pan isn't hot enough. The easiest trick would be to buy a nonstick pan, but for those who don't want to spend the money, try out this test.

How do you keep food from sticking to the steamer?

A perforated paper liners is just baking paper / parchment paper with holes in it. It's used to line the base of steamers to stop food from sticking to the base whilst still allowing steam to rise from the simmering water underneath to cook the food.

How do you steam without sticking?

The technique is simple: fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water, place three golf ball–sized balls of aluminum foil on the bottom, rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Add vegetables to the plate, cover, and steam until crisp-tender.