Craving Asian flavours, but don't have the time (or energy) to spend hours in the kitchen? The frozen food aisle is your best friend, but how do you navigate the world of Asian steamed dumplings? Between bao, jiaozi, and siu mai, it's easy to get lost.
As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my role is to guide you. Our mission: to give you the keys to choosing products that deliver on their promise, combining authentic taste with effortless preparation.
Buyer's Guide: 3 Criteria for Choosing the Best Steamed Dumplings
Venturing into the frozen Asian food section is much simpler when you know what to look for. Here are the key things to check before filling your basket.
1. Understand the Different Varieties
Each bite is an experience in itself. Knowing their unique characteristics will help you make the right choice for your cravings:
- Bao (or steamed Chinese bun): This is an ultra-fluffy, steamed bun that encloses a generous filling. The pork bao is a timeless classic, loved for its soft texture and flavourful filling.
- Jiaozi (or Beijing-style dumplings): These dumplings are distinguished by their thin, wheat-flour wrapper. The filling, as in the classic pork and chive jiaozi, harmoniously blends meat and vegetables. They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried (guotie method).
- Xiao Long Bao: Originally from Shanghai, these delicate dumplings are famous for the savoury broth they contain. Eating them is an art: you take a small bite to sip the broth before eating the rest.
- Siu Mai: These open-topped, often cylindrical bites are a dim sum staple. The thin wrapper surrounds a dense filling, typically made with pork and shrimp, as seen in the pork siu mai.
2. Decode the Ingredients and Origin
A close look at the label says a lot. The percentage of meat or vegetables is an excellent indicator of how generous the filling is. For example, a product with 22% pork won't have the same flavour as one with 74%. Also, remember to check the list of allergens and the origin of key ingredients like the meat, which is often specified (e.g., "Origin: France" or "Origin: EU").
3. Choose the Right Cooking Method
The cooking method plays a crucial role in the final texture.
- Steaming: This is the quintessential traditional method. It preserves the unparalleled softness of steamed Chinese buns and the delicacy of xiao long bao.
- Boiling: Perfect for jiaozi, this method gives them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Pan-frying (guotie method): Ideal for jiaozi, this creates a crispy, golden-brown side that provides a delicious contrast to the rest of the dumpling.
Selected Asian Steamed Dumplings
We've uncovered some gems for you on Joybuy, selected for their transparent ingredients and rich flavours.
FRESHASIA Steamed Pork Buns 400g
- Why we love it: This pork bao features a classic, comforting recipe that's a guaranteed winner. The filling combines 19% pork with shiitake mushrooms for a beautiful umami flavour, all wrapped in an ultra-fluffy dough. Preparation couldn't be simpler: just a few minutes in the steamer, straight from frozen.
- The highlights:
- Fluffy dough and a well-balanced filling.
- Express cooking without thawing.
- Authentic flavour reminiscent of a traditional Chinese breakfast.
- Who is it for?: For those looking for a tasty snack on the go, a unique breakfast option, or a first introduction to steamed buns.
Hoa Nam Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) approx. 16 pieces 400g
- Why we love it: These xiao long bao from Hoa Nam, a French company, are filled with a pork filling (origin: France) and designed to release a savoury broth when cooked. They're the perfect option for trying this speciality right at home.
- The highlights:
- Pork sourced from France.
- The signature experience of broth inside the dumpling.
- Made in France.
- Who is it for?: For the curious and the gourmets who want to try their hand at the delicate art of eating soup dumplings.
FRESHASIA Pork & Chive Dumplings 400g
- Why we love it: These pork and chive jiaozi are inspired by the homemade style of Northern China. With their thin wrapper and generous filling (22% pork and 14% chives), they are suitable for all cooking methods: boiling, steaming, or pan-frying.
- The highlights:
- The classic pork and chive combination.
- A thin wrapper that highlights the filling.
- Versatility: 3 possible cooking methods.
- Who is it for?: For those who love culinary variety and are looking for the authentic, aromatic taste of Beijing-style dumplings.
Foo Seng Réunion Island Pork Siu Mai 400 g
- Why we love it: This pork siu mai stands out with its record-high meat content: 74.2% pork (EU origin). Its recipe, inspired by the flavours of Réunion Island, incorporates kaffir lime leaves and a hint of chilli for a welcome touch of originality to this frozen dim sum classic.
- The highlights:
- A very meaty, dense, and flavourful bite.
- Original aroma of kaffir lime and chilli.
- Made in France by a specialist in Asian products.
- Who is it for?: For dim sum lovers who want a meaty dumpling with a twist on the traditional Cantonese recipe.
Want to Explore Other Flavours?
This selection is just a taste of what we offer. To discover even more options, whether for a family meal or simply to add some variety to your routine, take a look at our collection.
Discover our selection of 400g pork products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you cook frozen Asian steamed dumplings?
Most products can be cooked directly from frozen. The three main methods are:
- Steaming: Place the dumplings in a steamer basket over simmering water for 8 to 12 minutes. This is the gentlest method and best preserves their texture.
- Boiling: Drop the dumplings (especially jiaozi) into a large pot of boiling water. They are ready when they float to the surface (about 6-8 minutes).
- Pan-frying (guotie style): Brown one side of the dumplings in a little oil, add a splash of water, cover, and let them steam until the water has completely evaporated.
For perfect results, always follow the instructions on the packaging.
What's the difference between a bao, a jiaozi, and a siu mai?
In short:
- Bao: A thick, fluffy, and completely sealed bun.
- Jiaozi: A crescent-shaped dumpling with a thin wrapper, completely sealed.
- Siu Mai: A small, basket-shaped bite, open at the top to reveal the filling.
How should you store frozen dim sum?
Keep them in their original packaging in the freezer at -18°C or colder. Please note, a thawed product should never be refrozen. Consume it quickly.
