What to Look for in Packaged Dumplings
We don’t want to blast our own horns, but we’ve been making dumplings long enough to both experiment with new types and know what to look for in packaged dumplings. That’s why we’ve put our spin on the savory beef and classic chicken potstickers—and why we’ve put together this brief guide to help you spot a good packaged dumpling anywhere.
Ingredients in the Best Packaged Dumplings
While it’s hard to go wrong in general with Chinese dumplings of any kind, there are a few signs that you’re eating something made with love and quality. At a glance, it comes down to the meat and the dough that houses it. Here’s what to look for next time you’re restocking your arsenal of frozen dumpling delights.
Where’s the Meat?
At the risk of dropping a reference that nobody under 50 will understand, the best frozen dumplings online or in stores will never leave you wondering where the meat is. It should always have quality meat as its first filling ingredient—instead of just cheaper ones like cabbage or other veggies.
Our soup dumplings always have a high ratio of meat and savory umami broth in every bite. Likewise, our new line of chicken and beef potstickers are bursting with juicy, flavorful meat so you always get a good, substantial bite from each piece. While they do contain some aromatic herbs like green onions and a bit of cabbage for substance, there’s no debating that the meat inside is the star of the show.
Wrapping Up the Ingredients
Supple and homestyle are the names of the game with dumpling wrappers. Our classic soup dumplings have a tender wrapper that’s easy to bite into but has a delightfully toothsome chew. They’re perfectly sealed for the perfect texture that keeps all that delicious, umami-laden broth exactly where you need it before it gets to your mouth.
That’s just as true for our new potstickers. We use the same supple dumpling wrapper recipe for these dumplings as we do for our xiao long bao, all with the durability to withstand pan-frying should the craving strike. However, their shape is different from what you’ll see on our soup dumplings or many of the dumpling packages in the store—because we gave them a signature bow shape instead of the more standard, Japanese-style gyoza shape.
Proper Packaging Pieces Included
A torn dumpling is a sad dumpling. That’s why the best types of packaged dumplings typically come with a steamer liner so you don’t accidentally tear open the wrapper before you’re ready to eat them.
While smaller grocery store packages of our dumplings typically contain one steamer liner, we add in more for online or bulk orders—typically, about one for every 10 dumplings. Even more, if you want to go a step further with your gourmet experience, we also offer dumpling dipping bowls and steamer baskets. After all, while you can certainly MacGyver your way through steaming dumplings, a steamer basket with a steamer liner is the easiest way to go.
On top of having everything you need to cook your dumplings, MìLà’s dumplings are easy to store. While you might be paying a bit more to order a larger bag of dumplings all at once, that’s still cheaper than having to buy a second freezer to store all the bulky boxes of soup dumplings some stores offer.
Cooking Time Trials
Good things come to those who wait. Anyone who has ever had the displeasure of eating a microwaveable soup dumpling knows why: The microwaving process tends to leave dumplings tasting gummy on the outside and like there’s barely anything of substance on the inside.
While buying frozen dumplings online generally means you’ll have to spend a little more time preparing them, you’ll get a better flavor experience in exchange. It’s like the difference between going to a dedicated, high-quality ramen shop instead of making some cup noodles.
The best frozen packaged dumplings take a little more time to prepare, but the results are worth it—because you’ll get restaurant-quality dumplings without having to put on shoes.
What Makes MìLà’s Packaged Dumplings Different?
When you order frozen dumplings online from MìLà, you’ll get higher-quality dumplings that are more authentic, all while having an easier meal experience than trying to make them from scratch. They’re perfect as a freezer staple and make an ideal midweek lunch or dinner.
Even more, all the dumplings and Chinese noodles we make have restaurant-quality ingredients. We wanted to capture a truly authentic experience you can enjoy anywhere, so we’ve created a way to buy frozen Chinese dumplings online—whether you live in Bellingham, Washington or Miami, Florida.
Treat Yourself. Buy Frozen Packaged Dumplings Online Today.
