How to Steam Dumplings Without a Steamer?

So, how to steam dumplings without a steamer? Steaming is one of the most popular cooking techniques for dumplings, whether making homemade Fried dumplings or boiling frozen ones.

And, as much as we enjoy a lovely steamed dumpling, we agree that it might be scary if you’re unfamiliar with them.

After all, most guides focus on using a sophisticated brass steamer or bamboo steamers.

What if you don’t have access to a steam machine? What if you want delicious steamed dumplings without the fuss? Don’t worry; this article will show you how to cook dumplings without a steamer.

If you prepare dumplings frequently, you should invest in a few wood steamers. Not only are these cheap, but the aroma of bamboo as your dumplings simmer is delicious!

How Do You Steam Dumplings on the Stove?

Here are the steps to successfully steam Dumplings on the stove:

1. First, fill a pan with water. 
2. Ensure your space for each dumpling is 1 inch apart to allow for expansion. 
3. After the dumplings have reached a boil, add them to the pot, cover, and simmer for 8-10 whistles over medium-high flame. 
4. Steam will pour through into the water once it has simmered long enough.
5. Boom! You successfully steamed dumplings on the stove.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Steamer Basket?

Follow the steps below to know how to steam dumplings without a steamer basket:

1. In a medium saucepan, add a couple of inches of water and three golf-ball-sized aluminum foil rounds consisting of Dumplings.
2. On the upper end of the aluminum foil, place a heat-resistant plate.
3. Put the cover on the stove for another 5 minutes to sear.
4. Sauté until the veggies are crisp, for about 5 minutes.

What Is the Best Way to Steam Dumplings Without a Steamer?

Using Aluminum foil.

Using aluminum foil to simmer dumplings without a steamer is a straightforward approach. To steam dumplings, form at least three evenly sized medium to big aluminum foil balls and set them on the pot.

To cook dumplings without the need for a steamer, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill a saucepan or wok with water (half-full) and spray nonstick cooking spray.
2. Fill the saucepan with aluminum foil pellets.
3. In this case, the aluminum foil spheres are employed as a prop support plate. Ascertain that the dish somehow doesn’t come into touch with the water.
4. Toss the dish with some sesame oil. Some people prefer cabbage leaves. This one aims to keep the dumplings from adhering to the plate.
5. Put as many dumplings as feasible on the platter, leaving plenty of room between them.
6. Cover the saucepan with a cover and simmer the dumplings for 10 minutes.
7. Using your tzatziki sauce, eat and enjoy the dumplings.

Using a Wire Rack

Another straightforward approach for supporting a plate comparable to the one described above is to use a wire rack. It’s similar to a raised metal rack in appearance.

You may use this technique to boil dumplings without a steamer:

1. Fill the kettle halfway with water 
2. Place a wire rack in the pot’s bottom.
3. On top of the wire rack lay a plate or a ceramic plate. The liquid must not come into contact with the container or dish.
4. To keep the dumplings from sticking, brush the plate with parchment paper, a little sesame oil, or cabbage leaves.
5. Place the dumplings on the platter or dish.
6. Allow the saucepan to simmer over a moderate flame before covering it.
7. Simmer for a while. We suggest simmering it for 10 minutes
8. Garnish the dumplings with the sauce.

Using a Microwave

If you don’t have a boiler, you can cook dumplings in the microwave. First, assemble the dumplings in a microwave-safe bowl or plate.

To steam in the microwave, pour at least 1 or 2 teaspoons of water into a microwave-safe bowl or dish before placing it in the microwave oven. To keep the vapor in, ensure it’s closed with a lid. You should serve dumplings with a dipping sauce.

You can even use a zippered bag to steam dumplings in the oven; make sure to wet the dumplings first.

Add Dumpling to Noodles

If you don’t have access to a steamer, another simple approach for cooking dumplings is to leave them to steam while you make noodles.

Set ramen noodles over a boiling kettle to do this. 

Cover the saucepan with chopsticks. You could then place the dumplings atop the skewers. Next, cover the saucepan with a lid to enable the dumplings to simmer. Then distribute the dumplings with a dipping sauce of your choice. This is the best one since you can let the noodles and dumplings steam simultaneously.

How to Steam Frozen Dumplings Without a Steamer?

No steamer? No problem. With a carbon steel colander, you can gently boil your dumplings.

1. Fill the saucepan halfway with water and place it on the heat.
2. Arrange the dumplings in the bottom of the saucepan in a metal strainer or sieve. Make sure the colander is the right size to fit within your pan. Check to see whether it’s put too high.
3. Allow your saucepan to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes with the cover on. Turn your dumplings with tongs or chopsticks every few minutes to ensure equal cooking.
4. When finished, take it off from the heat.
5. Continue until all of your dumplings cook.
6. Serve immediately with dipping soy sauce.

How to Cook Soup Dumplings Without a Steamer?

First, follow any of the methods given above, then:

1. Next, boil the soup in the same way for several minutes, just until the liquid has been soaked. 
2. Fill the platter with several dumplings such that the oil starts to spill. 
3. After carefully tucking the plate into the tinfoil ball, cover with a lid and keep the top and bottom along with the foil. 
4. Keep cooking for 7-10 min or till entirely done.

Final Words

Chinese dumplings are filled with beautifully rich stuffing created from soft and squishy wheat flour flattened and rolled into rounds.

The little rings are stuffed with meat, veggies, or a mix of the two.

People traditionally serve dumplings as a snack dish, but you can also serve them as the main meal. Steaming is the conventional method for creating and preparing dumplings, including frozen dumplings. You can eat dumplings either boiled or pan-fried

If you don’t have a conventional bamboo steamer, there are also a few additional options for steaming dumplings which we covered in this article.