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AliceS Jan 7, 2007 04:50 PM

frozen potstickers in microwave?

I just got some frozen potstickers and I want to try to steam them in the microwave, any ideas on how to? Do you just put them in a small amount of water? the stovetop steaming directions say 8min, how long for the 'wave? do I need to buy a microwave steamer of some sort?

  1. d
    drietres Mar 6, 2007 07:49 PM

    Be careful when microwaving potstickers, be sure the meat is cooked. There is only one brand that I felt safe microwaving, it has precooked meat and the veggies didn't mush. They cooked in seconds. They were fabulous, but I can't find them anymore. I was getting them at Sams after Costco discontinue and put the lousey Ling Ling back in. Anyone know where I can find them? I think the name is Peninsula but I'm not sure any more. Anyone know??

    1. vicki_vale Jan 9, 2007 02:30 AM

      If you must use the microwave,
      1. soak the frozen potstickers in cold water for 3 to 5 seconds
      2. drain and cover loosely with a stiff paper towel
      3. microwave 2 to 3 minutes on HIGH

      1. v
        vsoy Jan 8, 2007 04:38 AM

        I can't remember the exact directions, but I remember the back of the LingLing potstickers sold at Costco had microwave directions that worked. It was something like adding enough water in a bowl of potstickers to cover and nuking it for a few minutes. I think to serve, the water was drained.

        1. irodguy Jan 8, 2007 03:11 AM

          Actually I microwaved some just last night, it does however depend on what kind of potstickers, some have thicker dough than others.

          What I did:

          1) Added a little water to a bowl and microwaved three minutes
          2) Tossed them into a towel to lightly dry
          3) Fried with a little oil in a non stick until nicely browned.

          Now is this method as good as pan steaming and then frying, nope but not bad for about 6 or 7 minutes.

          1. AKR Jan 8, 2007 01:37 AM

            I would do them in a rice cooker. The microwave sounds like a bad plan.

            1. h
              Hank1 Jan 7, 2007 10:24 PM

              They are going to get tough in the microwave. The simplest way to cook them (assuming you don't want the traditional fry/steam) would be to just boil them in water until they float.

              1. mamaciita Jan 7, 2007 07:22 PM

                I found the method I use on one of the bags I bought at the Oriental Supermarket--the translation was questionable, but the method is fast and easy.

                Heat a bit of oil in a (I use non-stick) skillet and add frozen potstickers. Cook until the bottoms are brown, add 1/4 cupwater and cover. Steam 3-4 minutes, remove lid and let the water boil off.

                I mix hoisin, rice vineger, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a few chopped scallions for dip.

                6 Replies
                1. re: mamaciita
                  soypower Jan 7, 2007 10:29 PM

                  i second this method for preparing frozen potstickers!! ~

                  1. re: mamaciita
                    m
                    MShapiro Jan 8, 2007 08:21 PM

                    Your sauce for the dip - do you have the measurements? Also do you heat it up or serve it cold?

                    1. re: MShapiro
                      mamaciita Jan 9, 2007 12:35 AM

                      I think it's about 2 tablespoons hoisin, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper and a tablespoon or so of scallions.

                      I've never actually measured it, just keep adding vinegar until it tastes right.

                      I serve it at room temperature.

                      -m

                    2. re: mamaciita
                      m
                      MobyRichard Jan 8, 2007 08:28 PM

                      I used to cook frozen potstickers this way, but discovered that I like it better when the order is reversed. I put the small amount of water into the non-stick pan with the frozen potstickers, let them steam for a few minutes, then drain any excess water and add a teaspoon or so of oil and let them brown and crisp up on the flat side. I think the slight crispiness adds a lot to the mouthfeel.

                      1. re: MobyRichard
                        mamaciita Jan 9, 2007 12:38 AM

                        I'll try that.

                        I usually let the water evaporate at the end in order to crisp up the bottoms, but that seems redundant.

                        1. re: mamaciita
                          m
                          MobyRichard Jan 9, 2007 03:23 AM

                          Let me know if you like it better that way.

                    3. c
                      ChiliDude Jan 7, 2007 07:14 PM

                      I've cooking Trader Joe's potstickers as if they are won ton. One can of low-sodium chicken broth brought to a boil in a high-sided pan with lid. Add 10 potstickers. When broth again comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Add soy sauce to taste to the soup and dish half of it into a bowl. Cover pot containing the remaining 5 potstickers until ready for 2nd helping if prepared for 1 one person instead of 2 people.

                      1. revsharkie Jan 7, 2007 07:10 PM

                        The frozen pot stickers I buy from the Schwan's man come in little plastic bags, 4 in a bag (6 little bags in the package). The instructions say you cut a little slit in the bag so it doesn't explode, and cook it (starting from frozen) for 1 minute, 15 seconds.

                        1. AliceS Jan 7, 2007 07:00 PM

                          I have a stovetop steamer, and I guess that is what I will do. I ask because I would like to make them for chowbaby and when she wants to eat, 8 minutes is not going to cut it. I just thought there was some way to seal up a steamer device in the microwave so that all the dumpling sees is the steam, but if not, then so be it.

                          1 Reply
                          1. re: AliceS
                            The Dairy Queen Jan 7, 2007 09:19 PM

                            Oh, I bet potstickers are perfect for the chowpup!

                            ~TDQ

                          2. j
                            jcanncuk Jan 7, 2007 06:01 PM

                            The m.wave is going to cook them as you are trying to steam them and they are going to turn to mush. Seriously, splurge the $3 and go to a local Asian store and buy a 8" bamboo steamer. All you have to do is boil water & place the steamer on top for a couple of minutes! So easy! Stick pieces of waxed paper under the pot stickers and then you don't even have to clean up the steamer.

                            1. The Dairy Queen Jan 7, 2007 05:59 PM

                              I know this isn't exactly responsive to your question, but I like to steam my frozen potstickers in the vegetable basket of my rice cooker. Quick & easy!

                              ~TDQ

                              1. Candy Jan 7, 2007 05:53 PM

                                Your question has me thinking and mulling that over and some how it just seems like a bad idea. It is only my opinion but it seems like that would toughen them. Is there some reason you cannot do them stove top?

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