Cooking Tips
How to steam, boil, or fry your dim sum
No bamboo steamer? No problem—pots, plates, or colanders work too. Here’s how to cook each group.
Buns (包子类)
Steamed pillows
Steam from frozen 12–15 mins until fluffy and hot in the center.
- Bamboo steamer: line with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- No steamer: place a heat-safe plate on a rack inside a pot with 2–3 cm water; cover and steam.
- Colander hack: metal colander over a pot of simmering water, cover with a lid or foil.
Dumplings (饺子类)
Boil or pan-fry
Cook from frozen; they’re done when skins are tender and fillings hot.
- Boil: simmer 6–8 mins in salted water; stir gently to avoid sticking.
- Pan-fry (potstickers): sear bottoms in a little oil, add 1/4 cup water, cover to steam 6–8 mins, then uncover to crisp.
- No nonstick pan? Use parchment under a lid to reduce sticking.
Wontons (馄饨类)
Soup-ready parcels
Boil from frozen 4–6 mins until they float and look translucent.
- Boil in broth to make instant wonton soup; finish with sesame oil and spring onion.
- No broth? Boil in water, then dress with soy, chili crisp, and a splash of black vinegar.
Siu Mai (干蒸烧麦类)
Open-top classics
Steam from frozen 8–10 mins until piping hot.
- Bamboo steamer or plate-in-pot both work; lightly oil or line to prevent sticking.
- Keep the lid closed to trap steam; avoid peeking until done.
Spring Rolls (春卷类)
Golden and crisp
Fry from frozen until deep golden, 3–5 mins depending on size.
- Deep-fry: 170–180°C oil, don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Air-fry: light oil spray, 180°C for 8–10 mins, shaking halfway.
- Drain on a rack for max crunch.
Zongzi (粽子类)
Comforting sticky rice
Steam from frozen 25–35 mins until heated through.
- Bamboo steamer or plate-in-pot with extra water for the longer steam.
- Check water level halfway to prevent drying out.
Others (其他类)
Wrappers & pantry
Use wrappers straight from the fridge; keep them covered to prevent drying.
- Thaw wrappers in the fridge overnight; cover with a damp towel while filling.
- Scallion pancakes: pan-fry on medium with a bit of oil 3–4 mins per side.