Steaming dumplings in an Instant Pot is a hands-off way to get plump, juicy wrappers without a bamboo steamer or stovetop watch. The pressure cooker creates a hot, moist environment that cooks frozen or fresh dumplings evenly in minutes, and you can do a whole batch at once. This method works for potstickers, gyoza, bao, or any filled dumpling you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh or frozen dumplings (potstickers, gyoza, or bao)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water, for the Instant Pot
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil, for the steamer basket (optional)
- For serving: soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot insert. Place a steamer basket or a trivet with a heat-safe plate inside. If using a steamer basket, lightly oil it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the dumplings in a single layer on the steamer basket or plate, leaving a little space between each so they don’t stick together as they cook. If you have more dumplings than fit in one layer, cook them in batches.
- Lock the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.�
- Press the “Steam� button (or “Manual� on older models) and set the time: 5 minutes for fresh dumplings, 8 minutes for frozen dumplings. The pot will take about 5–10 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.
- When the cooking time is done, do a quick release: carefully turn the valve to “Venting� and wait for the steam to stop. Open the lid, keeping your face away from the steam.
- Use tongs to remove the dumplings. If they stick to the basket, gently loosen with a spatula. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd: Dumplings need room to expand. If they touch, they’ll stick together. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a steamer basket with feet: If your basket doesn’t have legs, place a trivet under it so the basket sits above the water, not in it.
- Adjust for thickness: Thick-skinned bao buns may need 1–2 extra minutes; thin wonton wrappers may need 1 minute less. Check one dumpling for doneness before serving.
- No steamer basket? You can place dumplings on a heat-safe plate set on a trivet. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra water to ensure enough steam.
Serving Suggestions
Serve steamed dumplings as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Pair with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a drop of sesame oil. Add a side of stir-fried greens, a simple cucumber salad, or hot and sour soup for a fuller meal. For a family-style dinner, serve with steamed rice and a protein like teriyaki chicken or tofu.
Variations
- Pork and chive dumplings: Use a filling of ground pork, chopped chives, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Vegetable dumplings: Mix finely chopped cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic with a little sesame oil.
- Shrimp dumplings (har gow): Use a translucent wheat starch wrapper and a filling of minced shrimp, bamboo shoots, and scallions.
- Sweet bao: Fill with red bean paste or custard for a dessert version.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover steamed dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes, or microwave on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze cooked dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen in the steamer for 5–6 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I steam dumplings in the Instant Pot without a steamer basket? Yes, place a trivet in the pot and set a heat-safe plate on top. Add enough water to reach the bottom of the plate (about 1 cup / 240 ml). Arrange dumplings on the plate, leaving space between them.
How long do I steam frozen dumplings? Frozen dumplings take 8 minutes at high pressure with a quick release. If they are very large or thick-skinned, add 1–2 minutes.
Why are my dumplings sticking to the steamer? Dumplings stick if the basket is dry or if they sit too long after cooking. Lightly oil the basket or line it with parchment paper, and remove the dumplings as soon as the lid is open.
Can I use the Instant Pot to fry dumplings after steaming? Yes, you can crisp them up: after steaming, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the dumplings for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
Do I need to thaw frozen dumplings before steaming? No, you can steam them straight from the freezer. Just increase the cooking time to 8 minutes.
What if my dumplings are undercooked? If the wrapper is still doughy or the filling isn’t hot, return them to the pot and steam for an additional 2–3 minutes with the same water. Check again before serving.
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