Southeast Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam all contribute to the global dumpling phenomenon.
Due to their versatility and deliciousness, they have become a worldwide staple. You can get your dumplings steamed or fried, and you can stuff them with whatever you like (meat or vegetables).
But in the Fried vs Steamed Dumplings debate, which one is preferable? Steamed and fried dumplings are two types that garner different reactions from the general public, so we’ll explore the key differences between the two.
Fried vs Steamed Dumplings: What’s the Difference?
Aside from slight differences in cooking times, the preparation of steamed and fried dumplings is identical. Dumplings require a filling and a dough for rolling and shaping, which can be prepared from flour or water.
The dumpling itself determines the nature of the contents.
While pork and scallions are the most common fillings, dumplings can also be made with beef, poultry, or vegetables.
When the filling is added and the dumplings are pressed together, they should be cooked and can be steamed or fried.
Steamed dumplings are prepared by placing them in a steamer for ten to fifteen minutes, which renders them chewier, softer, and more shiny in appearance.
Nevertheless, fried dumplings require a frying pan with oil on the bottom to cook properly. After putting the dumplings in the oil and adding a little water, the pan is covered for about 10 minutes.
When you fry dumplings, you get a crispy exterior on one side, which provides a nice contrast to the chewy interior. Dumplings, also known as potstickers, can be ordered steamed or fried, depending on your preference, at most restaurants.
The main difference between steamed and fried dumplings is the texture of the exterior, which can be either crisp or soft, depending on personal preference.
Fried vs Steamed Dumplings: Comparison Chart
| Differences | Fried Dumplings | Steamed Dumplings |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft but crispy on the outside | Soft and chewy |
| Fillings | There can be any filling: pork, beef, chicken or vegetables | There can be any filling: pork, beef, chicken or vegetables |
| Flavor | More flavor on the outside | Bland on the outside |
Are Fried Dumplings Or Steamed Dumplings Better?
When it comes to dumplings, the choice between fried and steamed is entirely up to personal taste.
Some individuals believe that fried dumplings are superior to other types because the oil-frying process gives them a crispier and more flavorful exterior.
Yet, the most typical method of cooking Chinese dumplings is by steaming them. They can be steamed in a special appliance or fried in a pan with water.
The steamed version of these dumplings is likewise recommended as the healthier choice. Because of this, steamed dumplings are a popular choice.
The fillings of steamed and fried dumplings are interchangeable, and they can be made in either large batches or to order. Hence, the filling you use in your dumplings will not change, regardless of whether you choose to steam or fry them.
Making dumplings from scratch might be time-consuming, but steaming them could save you time if you’re cooking a lot.
Invest in a good-sized steamer, and your dumplings will rise to the top without scorching. But, while cooking fried dumplings, it’s important to keep an eye on them so the bottoms don’t burn.
What’s the Difference Between Pan-Fried and Steamed Dumplings?
The method in which the dumplings are cooked, and how it influences the texture of the outside, is the main difference between pan-fried dumplings and steamed dumplings.
The steamer is the tool that is used for making these delicious steamed dumplings. This makes their exterior soft and chewy. The Chinese consider them to be the best dumplings ever.
A frying pan is used to create fried dumplings, which are then cooked in oil while also being steamed at the same time. This makes the exterior crispier and more delicious, which appeals to a wide range of people.
Steamed dumplings, on the other hand, are preferred by many as a healthier option because they are not fried.
Are Chinese dumplings fried or steamed?
Chinese dumplings can be steamed or fried; the latter are commonly referred to as “potstickers.”
Chinese dumplings are traditionally steamed. But, if you like, you can have them fried at most places.
The only difference between steamed and fried dumplings is in their exterior; the fillings of both types are the same. Choose fried dumplings if you’d like a crunchier exterior. Steamed dumplings, on the other hand, have a softer and chewier exterior, which may appeal to those who love this texture.
Can you deep fry dumplings?
Authentic Chinese dumplings are not deep-fried but rather pan-fried or steamed.
Yet as dumplings have become more well-known, people from all walks of life have tried new things with them. There are some American restaurants that serve deep-fried dumplings; however, this is not the conventional preparation method and should be avoided.
Dumplings can be cooked in a pan or deep fryer, with the first producing a crispier yet still soft dumpling and the latter producing a highly crispy exterior. There’s no need to add extra oil while preparing dumplings at home, and doing so would make the dumpling much oilier.
What Can You Put in Your Dumplings?
The options for what to put into your own homemade dumplings are practically limitless.
The most common filling for Chinese dumplings is pork and scallions. Nevertheless, other filling options include shrimp, chicken, beef, and even vegetables.
The dough used to make dumplings is often plant-based, so they can easily be converted vegan.
Mushrooms, chicken, and tofu are other common fillings; however, you can easily make your own filling with whichever ingredients and seasonings you choose.
To prevent the filling from oozing out of the dumplings, use tiny bits of vegetables and ground meat, and use barely a teaspoon’s worth of filling per dumpling.
Can You Make Your Own Dumpling Dough?
The short answer is yes; you can prepare your own dumpling dough.
The ingredients are water and flour, which are worked into a dough. Don’t touch it for 30 minutes to let it rest, and when you do, roll it out very thinly for your dumplings.
Making a large quantity of dumplings requires some time, despite the fact that the dough is simple to prepare. Instead, dumpling wrappers can be found in the frozen food section of most supermarkets.
Dumpling wrappers are able to withstand lengthy periods of time in the freezer. This means that you can make dumplings whenever the mood strikes. Wrappers can be purchased pre-cut to save time when forming the dumplings.
It’s up to you whether you want your dumplings steamed or fried. Try your hand at both if you’re still on the fence. Try steaming some and frying some to decide which method you prefer.
As you can see, there is no limit to what you can do with dumplings. You can use them as an entrée, a side dish, or an appetizer.
