The Dumpling Debate: Fried vs Steamed | The Dumpling School (2024)

FAQs

Are dumplings better fried or steamed? ›

The steaming process is what creates the shiny-looking soft exterior! Steaming is the traditional way of preparing dumplings and has never gone out of style. Many people around the world are loyal to this method of cooking and prefer it over pan-fried dumplings.

When comparing Chinese dumplings vs wontons, some key differences are: Wrappers: Wonton wrappers are thinner, are usually square, and may contain egg. Dumpling wrappers are thicker, are usually round, and don't require egg. Filling: Dumplings can be filled or unfilled.

Shui jiao have the same wrapper and can use the same fillings as guo tie, but the difference between the two is explained in the name: shui jiao means “water dumpling”. The namesake of these types of dumplings comes from the fact that the dumplings are boiled in water.

Steam-frying (potsticker method)

This method of double-frying is what gives potstickers their signature crispy crust. Most recipes will ask you to use a nonstick pan for steam-frying, as the dumplings have a tendency to stick.

Steamed dumplings are the best option in terms of fat content, with pan fried the next best. “If they do fry it -- like gyoza which are usually lightly fried -- then it puts the fat content up a little,” Austin said. “You want to avoid ones that have been completely deep fried.”

Steamed dumplings

Dumplings offered at a Chinese restaurant are pockets of dough filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, usually pork and cabbage. They are often fried, but you can choose to have them steamed instead to cut down on calories and fat. One medium steamed dumpling is only 40 calories ( 1 ).

The steam-fry or potsticker technique is the classic method for Japanese gyoza or Chinese guo tie. Essentially, you fry the frozen dumplings, then add water to the pan and cover them to steam through, then fry them again once the water evaporates. This double-frying creates an extra-crisp bottom crust.

Sure, steaming saves calories, but whether it's enough to matter depends on what's inside. A steamed pork dumpling is around 80 calories – just ten fewer than the pan-fried version. Those stuffed with vegetables, on the other hand, are about 35 calories a piece.

Pan-fried dumplings (simplified Chinese: 煎饺; traditional Chinese: 煎餃; pinyin: jiānjiǎo; lit. 'dry-fried dumplings'), and (simplified Chinese: 锅贴; traditional Chinese: 鍋貼; pinyin: guōtiē; lit. 'pan stick') also referred to as "pot-stickers"

In Japan, gyoza is almost exclusively pan-fried and steamed, served on its own or with a salty and tangy dipping sauce. Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried; served as is, with a spicy sauce, or in a soup.

What is the difference between gyoza and Guotie? ›

Gyoza: The Japanese version of guo tie, gyoza feature a much thinner skin and a pork-based filling that's often flavored with garlic. They're served pan-fried at ramen shops and even Chinese restaurants.

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Unlike dumplings, potstickers are made with a thin wrapper, sometimes referred to as a dumpling skin. This is because they are steam fried to get a crispy golden bottom layer and to ensure that the filling is juicy and delicious.

Use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil or canola oil. Sesame oil, with it's distinctive flavour, is great in dumpling dipping sauces. Here are some of our favourite dumpling recipes. Video Player is loading.

For starters, potstickers are Chinese while gyoza are Japanese. And beyond that distinction, gyoza tend to be smaller than potstickers, with thinner and slightly more delicate wrappers. They also may be fully steamed, boiled, or fried, rather than cooked using a combination of pan-frying and steaming.

Steaming also enhances the natural tastes of the food without overwhelming them. Furthermore, steaming is a comparatively rapid and effortless cooking method, devoid of intricate procedures. In contrast, when foods are fried or deep-fried, they are immersed in oil or fat, which may contribute to increased body weight.

Dumplings can be steamed (zhēngjiǎo, 蒸饺), pan-fried (jiānjiǎo, 煎饺), or boiled (shuǐjiǎo, 水饺, literal translation: water dumpling). They are then served with a dipping sauce, like Chinese black vinegar or our favorite dumpling sauce recipe. They can also be eaten with hot pot meals or served in soup!

Heat a pan on medium-high with a couple tablespoons of oil in it. Once hot, add your frozen dumplings. Cook in oil for about three to four minutes, turning once to sear multiple sides. Then add just enough water to cover dumplings about halfway, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cover with a tight-fitting lid.