Frozen Asian Dumplings: Picks for an Authentic Meal

Finding frozen Asian dumplings that can compete with those from a great restaurant can be an uphill battle. Between bland fillings, overly thick wrappers, and endless ingredient lists, it's easy to get lost. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of frozen jiaozi and frozen dim sum, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or an authentic addition to a Chinese hot pot. Our editorial team has sifted through the freezer aisle to find the gems that deliver on flavour, convenience, and quality.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Asian Dumplings?

Before we get to our top picks, here are a few key criteria to keep in mind, whether you're shopping online or at an Asian supermarket.

1. Analyse the Filling's Ingredients

The quality of a dumpling comes down to its filling. Here’s what to look for:

• Percentage of the main ingredient: A good pork and chive dumpling or beef and celery dumpling relies on a high percentage of meat. This guarantees a robust flavour and a satisfying texture.
• The ingredient list: Favour short, understandable lists. The presence of fresh vegetables like chives, celery, or mushrooms is often a sign of quality.
• Variety of recipes: The options have expanded considerably. Today, you can find excellent shrimp dumplings or flavourful vegetarian dumplings to suit all tastes and dietary needs.

2. Check the Dough's Thickness

The wrapper is the vessel that elevates the filling. Its thickness determines not only the mouthfeel but also the best cooking method:

• Thin wrapper: Ideal for boiling or steaming. It becomes translucent and tender, highlighting the flavour of the filling.
• Thicker wrapper: Perfect for pan-frying (the guotie method). It offers a delicious textural contrast with a crispy bottom and a soft, steamed top.

3. The Right Dumpling for Every Occasion

Not all dumplings are suited for the same moments.

• For a quick meal: Dumplings that cook in just a few minutes in boiling water are the perfect option.
• For a Chinese hot pot: Choose dumplings for hot pot specifically designed not to fall apart in the broth, even after prolonged cooking.
• For an appetiser or starter: Pan-fried or deep-fried dumplings are perfect for their crispy, indulgent quality.

Our Frozen Asian Dumpling Picks

We've selected a few standout products, available from top online Asian grocers, that are distinguished by their quality and taste.

Xianmeilai Shrimp & Egg Dumplings for Chinese Hot Pot (1kg)

Why it stands out: These dumplings are specially designed for hot pot lovers. Their filling combines whole shrimp meat, egg, and pangasius, all wrapped in a silky dough that holds up perfectly when cooked in broth.

Highlights:

• Specially made for Chinese hot pot.
• Protein-rich filling with real pieces of shrimp.
• Cooks quickly straight from the freezer, no thawing required.
• Generous 1 kg pack size, perfect for large gatherings.

Who is it for? For families and groups of friends who love hot pot nights and are looking for a product that is as convenient as it is delicious.

Sanquan Vegetarian Mushroom & Pak Choi Dumplings (450g)

Why it stands out: Sanquan offers a very compelling vegetarian alternative here. The filling is a balanced mix of Chinese cabbage (22.7%), mushrooms (9.09%), and black fungus, providing a rich texture and distinct umami flavours.

Highlights:

• A 100% vegetarian option that is flavourful and well-seasoned.
• Very versatile: can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried.
• Clearly identifiable ingredients for a filling with a pleasant texture.
• An excellent alternative for diversifying meat-free meals.

Who is it for? Vegetarians, flexitarians, and anyone looking to add a high-quality plant-based option to their meals without compromising on taste.

FRESHASIA Pork & Chive Dumplings (400g)

Why it stands out: This product embodies the classic frozen Chinese dumpling. With a generous filling containing 22% pork and 14% chives, it delivers the authentic and comforting taste of homemade dumplings.

Highlights:

• The traditional and hugely popular flavour from Northern Chinese cuisine.
• Juicy and fragrant filling thanks to the perfect pork-to-chive balance.
• A thin wrapper that is equally suited for boiling, steaming, or pan-frying.
• A reliable choice for anyone new to Asian dumplings.

Who is it for? Fans of authentic, traditional flavours. This is the ultimate all-rounder that will please almost everyone.

FRESHASIA Beef & Celery Dumplings (400g)

Why it stands out: This recipe offers a robust and aromatic flavour combination. The filling contains 25% beef and 12% celery, with the latter adding a touch of freshness and a slight crunch that perfectly complements the richness of the meat.

Highlights:

• A generous filling with a high percentage of beef.
• The addition of fresh celery for aromatic complexity and texture.
• Authentic seasoning with soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices.
• Very versatile, it's excellent boiled, pan-fried, or steamed.

Who is it for? Those who enjoy more pronounced meat flavours and are looking for an alternative to the classic pork and chive.

Looking for Other Flavours?

Our selection is just a taste of the possibilities available to you. If you're curious to explore other fillings (chicken, lamb, or other vegetable combinations), feel free to browse the full range.

Discover our full range of frozen Chinese dumplings

Frozen Dumplings: Your Questions Answered

What's the difference between jiaozi, gyoza, and dim sum?

They are often confused, but these terms refer to different specialities.

• Jiaozi (饺子): This is the generic Chinese term for dumplings, usually crescent-shaped. They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried. Frozen jiaozi are the most common type you'll find.
• Gyoza (餃子): This is the Japanese version of jiaozi. They are almost always pan-fried on one side and then steamed, giving them a crispy bottom and a tender top. Their filling is often more finely minced.
• Dim Sum (点心): This is not a type of dumpling, but a broad category of small dishes served in Cantonese cuisine, often for breakfast or lunch (yum cha). Shrimp dumplings (har gow) and pork shumai (siu mai) are part of it, but there are dozens of other varieties.

How do you cook frozen dumplings without them sticking?

This is the bane of every home cook's existence! For perfect boiled dumplings, follow these steps:

1. Use a large pot with a large volume of water.
2. Wait for the water to reach a rolling boil before adding the dumplings (still frozen).
3. Stir gently with a slotted spoon to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
4. Once they float to the surface, let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Pro tip: when the water returns to a boil, add a cup of cold water and wait for it to boil again. Repeat this process once or twice. This technique ensures the filling is cooked through without overcooking the wrapper.

Can you cook frozen dumplings in an air fryer?

Absolutely! It's an excellent method for an ultra-crispy result. Lightly brush the frozen dumplings with oil, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at around 190-200°C (375-400°F) for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and hot all the way through.