Frozen Asian Dumplings: A Guide to Finding the Right Ones

Craving a flavorful Asian meal without spending hours in the kitchen?? Frozen Asian dumplings are the perfect solution for a one-way ticket to Asia, right from your own kitchen. But between gyoza, dim sum, and other steamed bites, the frozen food aisle can quickly become overwhelming.

Don't panic?! Follow our guide to hunt down the products that will delight your taste buds, whether for a quick Asian meal during the week, a unique appetizer, or a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Asian Dumplings

To make the right choice, here are the essential criteria to keep in mind.

1. Know the Different Types of Dumplings

The term "Asian dumpling" covers a vast world. To get a clearer picture, here are the stars of the frozen aisle?:

• Jiaozi (饺子)?: The quintessential Chinese dumpling. Its relatively thick wheat-flour wrapper is well-suited for boiling, steaming, or pan-frying.
• Gyoza (餃子)?: The Japanese version of the jiaozi. Its wrapper is generally thinner, making it ideal for pan-frying to achieve a crispy bottom and a soft top.
• Shumai (烧卖)?: A steamed dumpling, often open at the top, with a thin wheat wrapper enveloping a generous filling. It's a staple in dim sum assortments.
• Wonton (馄饨)?: Recognizable by its very thin, square wrapper, it is most often served in a fragrant broth.

2. Examine the Filling

The filling is the heart of the dumpling. The most popular options include?:

• Pork Dumplings?: A timeless classic, often paired with cabbage, chives, or mushrooms for a richer taste.
• Vegetarian Dumplings?: Modern recipes feature creative blends of mushrooms, tofu, edamame, cabbage, or vermicelli noodles. Don't hesitate to read the ingredient list to discover surprising combinations.
• Shrimp and Other Seafood?: For a more delicate and oceanic flavor, typical of Cantonese dim sum like the famous Har Gow.

Our tip?: take a look at the percentage of premium ingredients (meat, vegetables) on the packaging. It's often a good indicator of the product's quality.

3. Choose the Right Cooking Method for the Occasion

The cooking method makes all the difference in the final taste and texture.

• Pan-fried?: Ideal for frozen gyoza, this method delivers that addictive textural contrast.
• Steamed?: Perfect for Asian steamed dumplings like shumai, this gentle cooking method preserves the wrapper's softness and the filling's integrity.
• Boiled?: Simple and quick, this method is often used for jiaozi and results in a soft, pliable wrapper.

Top Frozen Asian Dumpling Picks

Enough theory, let's get practical?! We tested dozens of products for you to select only the cream of the crop. Here are the products that truly won over our editors.

FRESHASIA Signature Dumplings with Pork, Shiitake & Black Fungus

What makes this product stand out?? These dumplings reimagine a traditional recipe by combining the richness of pork, the texture of black fungus, and the woodsy aroma of shiitake mushrooms. The special touch?? Dried shrimp that add a deep umami note and elevate the entire flavor profile.

Highlights?:

• Generous filling with 23% pork.
• Interesting play on textures thanks to the mix of mushrooms and dried shrimp.
• Thin and elastic wrapper, made following traditional techniques.
• Versatile cooking methods?: excellent boiled, steamed, or pan-fried.

Who is it for?? For purists of the pork dumpling who want a filling with character, rich in flavor and texture. A reliable choice that works equally well as a main course or an appetizer.

Songyuelou Signature Pine Mushroom Shumai

What makes this product stand out?? These shumai prove that 100% plant-based can be 100% delicious. The filling is a little gem of balance between sticky rice, shiitake mushrooms, whole pine nuts, and bamboo shoots. In your mouth, it's an explosion of textures?: soft, crunchy, and intensely fragrant.

Highlights?:

• 100% plant-based recipe, with no animal products.
• Stunning combination of flavors and textures?: the tenderness of sticky rice, the crunch of pine nuts and bamboo, and the aroma of mushrooms.
• Ideal for steaming, which enhances all the product's qualities.
• An elegant option for an appetizer or a dim sum starter.

Who is it for?? For vegetarians, flexitarians, and anyone curious to try original and refined Asian steamed dumplings. Perfect for impressing guests with a truly gourmet plant-based option.

Ajinomoto Mushroom & Edamame Gyoza

What makes this product stand out?? From the famous Japanese brand Ajinomoto, these frozen gyoza feature a modern and perfectly balanced vegetable filling. The trio of mushrooms (button, black fungus, shiitake) combined with edamame beans provides a real sense of freshness and a very pleasant chew.

Highlights?:

• Varied vegetable filling with edamame (SOY), white cabbage, and a trio of mushrooms.
• Thin wrapper specially designed to achieve the crispy bottom typical of gyoza.
• Authentic seasoning with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
• Convenient 20-piece pack, perfect for a quick Asian meal for two.

Who is it for?? For fans of Japanese cuisine and vegetarian dumplings. It's the ideal choice to experience the inimitable crispy-tender texture of gyoza and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal.

Are Mushrooms Your Thing??

If you're a huge fan of woodsy flavors, don't stop at dumplings?! Explore our selection of dishes where mushrooms are the true stars.

Discover our selection of mushroom pasta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between gyoza and other Asian dumplings??

Gyoza is the Japanese version of the Chinese jiaozi. The main difference?? A wrapper that is often thinner and a very specific cooking method?: they are pan-fried on one side until golden, then steamed to finish cooking. This is what gives them their unique texture, crispy on the bottom and soft on top.

How do you cook frozen dumplings without them sticking??

The fear of dumplings sticking to the pot?? Here are a few tips to avoid it?:

• Boiling?: Use a large pot with a large volume of boiling water. Drop the still-frozen dumplings in and stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
• Steaming?: Line your steamer basket with cabbage leaves, perforated parchment paper, or lightly oil it.
• Pan-frying?: Use a non-stick skillet and wait until the oil is hot before placing the dumplings in it.

Are vegetarian dumplings actually good??

Absolutely?! The era of bland vegetarian dumplings is over. The market is now full of high-quality gems. Products like Songyuelou's Shumai or Ajinomoto's Gyoza prove that vegetable fillings can easily compete with meat-based ones in terms of complexity and deliciousness.