There is a comforting timelessness to the humble dumpling. Steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, these small packets of joy cross boundaries and bring people together by taste and tradition. Dumplings are as much about warmth and community as they are about flavor. Whereas, in a few instances, preparation from scratch is a Sunday devotion or a holiday weekend family affair, today’s freezer aisle has a surprising substitute: the frozen dumpling. These accessible staples have turned what was once a weekend treat into a weeknight sensation, ready in minutes.
1. A Story of Beginnings and Transformation
The origins of the dumpling date back centuries, traversing cross-cultural crossroads and the ingenuity of chefs. Legend has long credited Marco Polo with introducing the concept to Europe, with other such imported spices and novelties. History won’t confirm that precise tale, but it demonstrates how dumplings captivated minds in all four corners of the globe.
Further east lies a very vivid legend that explains how they came to be. During the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to A.D. 220), a compassionate doctor named Zhang Zhongjing supposedly invented the initial dumplings in order to cure frostbite for peasants. His solution was genius: lamb and medicinal plants encased in dough, shaped like ears and boiled to provide heat. Validity or not to the tale, the idea that it contains warping restorative, filling ingredients into handy warmth has weathered the centuries.
2. The World’s One Language of Dumplings
Today’s dumplings come in a dizzying array of forms, ranging from dainty dim sum to hefty pierogies. Some are boiled for silky texture, while others are pan-fried to golden crunch. There are dumplings bobbing in broths, steamed to preserve their tender textures, or baked for heavy, hearty gratification.
- Soup dumplings burst with savory broth
- Har gow feature shrimp in a fragile wrapper
- Pierogies and empanadas offer starch-filled, homely fillings
- Ravioli, as Italian as they are, share the same general idea
The diversity of dumplings indicates their global popularity and applicability. No matter where they have appeared geographically, the basic idea a filling enclosed in dough is surprisingly widespread.
3. The Case for Frozen Dumplings
Homestyle or in-house freshly made dumplings from hectic dim sum houses or home kitchens do have their charm, but frozen dumplings offer something priceless: ease of use. For the busy or restaurant-less individual, the frozen versions make it easy to enjoy wonderful dumplings at home.
Few shoppers are aware that name brands and chain eateries now market frozen versions of their best sellers, and grocery store chains stock a range of them. Chosen wisely, frozen dumplings can deliver big on flavor and texture. They’re easy, tasty, and amazingly close to the fresh variety when prepared properly.
4. How We Tested
Our team performed an exhaustive study of direct shipment and national store-distributed dumplings. For a level playing field, we focused on the ear-shaped traditional kind a nod to Zhang Zhongjing’s legendary creation. This allowed us to standardize when considering three key aspects:
- Wrapper Integrity: Was it thick or thin? Did it hold shape without rupture?
- Filling Quality: Was the flavor full, texture clear, or was it mushy and tasteless?
- Overall Mouthfeel: Did wrapper and filling meld together well in each bite?
Each dumpling was prepared with the method recommended, typically pan-frying or a shortcut version for home preparation.
5. Top Performers in the Frozen Dumpling Aisle
- Laoban Pork Soup Dumplings
A winner in many reviews, Laoban’s pork soup dumplings deliver restaurant-quality gratification. The broth is sealed during cooking the only one of the frozen soup dumplings. Wrappers get silky with golden bottoms, and the pork filling has deep umami richness.
Though little in size, they are surprisingly filling. Cooked with stir-fried vegetables or dipping sauce, they quickly make a full meal. - Tai Pei Pork Pot Stickers
Too easily overlooked, Tai Pei’s pork potstickers thrilled with their well-seasoned wrappers and perfectly crunchy pan-fried. The wrapper developed a nutty, golden crust, and the filling was well-balanced and tender.
These potstickers are a fine value, especially when bought in bulk-packaged bags. They’re a reliable, full-flavored choice for a satisfying snack or side dish. - Bibigo Mandu Dumplings
Bibigo has some excellent choices. Beef and vegetable mandu features high-quality, flavorful beef with green onion, cabbage, and a hint of jalapeño. The wrappers hold up to any cooking method, and air-frying adds another textural kick.
Their vegetable and steamed pork dumplings are also impressive. The included steamer tray makes microwave cooking a breeze. Crisp scallion and onion flavorings add to the pork. At around $4 a package, they’re a steal. - Twin Marquis Jiaozi and Gyoza
Their peels have made Twin Marquis popular, and their pork and mushroom jiaozi and pork and napa cabbage gyoza are excellent. The wrappers are thin and are but firm, and the fillings are traditional, well-combined flavors.
Air fryer cooking instructions on the gyoza are a considerate detail, leading to a crispy result with no pan-frying work needed. - Good & Gather Spicy Korean Pork Potstickers
Target’s in-store brand is flavorful. These potstickers mix pork, cabbage, chili paste, and sake for a strong, multilayered flavor. Spice is assertive but contained, with sweet and sour undertones adding depth.
Vegetables stand up, avoiding the mushy texture so common in inferior dumplings. A sleeper winner among taste tests. - P.F. Chang’s Pork Dumplings
P.F. Chang’s frozen dumplings are denser than their weight. Their gyoza-style wrappers are chewy and hold up with heat. The scallion in the pork filling adds a freshness, helping to create a bright, clean flavor.
Not restaurant quality, but a good freezer substitute for a speedy, filling dinner. - Trader Joe’s Gyoza and Soup Dumplings
Trader Joe’s chicken gyoza potstickers are consistently a top pick. Chicken, cabbage, and ginger make up the filling, for a satisfying bite. Wrappers are strong, and air-frying = a pleasant crunch.
Their pork and ginger soup dumplings are delicious but prone to the occasional small broth leak. But at $3.99 for 20, they’re a value champion.
6. What Makes a Great Frozen Dumpling?
- Based on our testing, greatness comes down to some key considerations:
- Wrapper Texture and Strength: Optimal wrappers strike a balance thin but firm enough that they will not tear, gum up, or leave sticky residue.
- Delicious Fillings: Top recommendations have well-seasoned proteins and vibrant vegetables with robust flavor profiles.
- Cooking Performance: Consistent performance with common preparation techniques (pan-frying, boiling, microwave, or air-frying) is a requirement.
- Easy to Use: Clear directions for preparation, given steam trays, or air-fryer directions all add value.
- Affordability: Value options like Trader Joe’s and Bibigo prove that great dumplings do not have to cost a fortune.
Frozen dumplings are the ideal combination of tradition and convenience. The best ones preserve the character of hand-made ones, with the richness of flavor, the regard for texture, and the convenience of preparation. From crisper potstickers to heavier soup dumplings to microwave instant service, all the aforementioned brands rate in both flavor and convenience.
With growing innovation in frozen foods, the dumpling aisle is a gourmet destination in itself. With some curiosity and a good skillet or steamer, you can bring international flavors to your kitchen-one dumpling at a time.
