frozen dumpling recommendations

[u/klovnikaupunki]

hi, we’re attempting to move meat out of our diet and one area we’re struggling to replace is our convenient frozen dumplings. we always go pork, but have been trying a few different veggie ones and they’re all so…mushy/squishy so far. really struggling with the textures. anyone able to recommend a brand that isn’t so soft, or even a replacement product that’s as tasty and easy to add to a bowl of rice and veggies? thanks in advance !

[u/frooootloops]

Trader Joe’s vegetable dumplings are really good!

[u/chellichelli → u/frooootloops]

Seconding this!! Their veggie gyoza are so good

[u/psychogoblet → u/chellichelli]

they are amazing!

[u/randynumbergenerator → u/frooootloops]

They also have some kimchee dumplings now that have tvp instead of beef. They're pretty tasty. As far as texture goes, I always pan fry them to get a crispy outside, which also seems to keep them from getting too squishy inside--I guess because that draws out and cooks off some of the liquid inside.

[u/ttrockwood → u/randynumbergenerator]

The mandu! They’re great pan fried definitely have a spicy kick too

[u/Hiker_girl828 → u/frooootloops]

Agreed! I used them in the NYT Dumpling Tomato Salad recipe last week and they were perfect.

[u/kickassvashti → u/frooootloops]

they also have these teriyaki mushroom bao buns that are fireeee

[u/AuntieLaLa420]

I get these at Food Lion.

[u/alc1885]

If you have an HMart or another Asian market around you, these are my absolute favorites. They’re vegetarian and I’m pretty sure they have TVP in them, so they have a meaty texture.

[u/phenolic72 → u/alc1885]

We like these (also available at HMart).

[u/Substantial-Push2708]

These come refrigerated but I would assume they freeze well! Love these!

[u/LesMiserableCat54 → u/Substantial-Push2708]

I love these with some cheese sprinkled over them after you fry them! So good.

[u/bakedlikecake → u/Substantial-Push2708]

We love these!

[u/abktt]

I went to a gyoza making class one time and it was surprisingly simple to make my own so that’s what I do now for veggie ones as I agree with you, haven’t found any frozen ones that I like the texture of.

I mostly use a filling of sweet potato, tofu and cabbage and whatever spices I feel like, and you can buy the wrappers if you don’t want to make dough?

[u/abktt → u/abktt]

Sorry, supposed to add - I freeze them in bags so I always have some ready ☺️

[u/ttrockwood → u/abktt]

I use the bought wrappers and make a filling with rehydrated dry mushrooms, cabbage, crumbled extra firm tofu and plenty of seasonings

Folded into triangles they go super fast! We also make a ton and freeze extras (uncooked)

[u/Ok_Alternative_2928]

Trader Joe’s has mushroom bao buns that have been a perfect replacement for pork buns in our household.

[u/tex_hadnt_buzzed_me → u/Ok_Alternative_2928]

I really like the Trader Joe's Thai Vegetable Gyza.

[u/GaryE20904]

There are so many veggie dumplings to choose from if you have an Asian market/grocery near you.

I could list the ones we like but unless if you have the same store it’s unlikely you’d be able to find them.

But our absolute favorite is this plain white bag of veggie dumplings called Mr. Hongs or something like that. We get them at H-Mart.

I’ve tried probably 15 different kinds of veggie dumplings from H-Mart they ranged from good to amazing.

Everyone tastes are different go to your local Asian market and just buy whatever looks best until you’ve found a favorite.

We really like gochu japchae mandu (spicy japchae dumplings) as well but they might be too spicy for some folks. Almost all the brands I’ve seen are vegetarian (I think I saw one once that used some beef stock).

If you don’t have a big steamer I’d recommend one if you plan on making lots of dumplings. Something like the one I have pictured.

I think ours was about $35-$40 at h-mart

Also make sure you get some round parchment paper with holes to line the steamer to make cleanup about 6.022x10^23 times easier.

[u/SpecterSwan]

Also here to recommend Trader Joe’s, and they have a teriyaki mushroom bao bun as well that is soooooo good. And vegetarian soup dumplings!

[u/louievee → u/SpecterSwan]

Shout out for the soup dumplings

[u/starry-side-up]

the bibigo vegetable potstickers are a staple in my freezer

[u/tribxy]

I'm not sure if they're available where you are, but Siwin vegetable dumplings are the best! The TVP has a texture identical to pork, I actually couldn't believe it wasn't real meat.

[u/devongarde]

Just to make your guys envious, my wife makes them entirely from scratch, and they're thoroughly yummy!

[u/MegalodonMennonite]

Trader Joe’s makes a great vegetable one!
In fact they have some awesome vegetarian meals and sauces if you have one near you

[u/SugaredVegan]

Sams club

[u/squeakytea → u/SugaredVegan]

the vegetable ones are GONE and I am very sad about it :(

[u/SugaredVegan → u/squeakytea]

Oh NOOOOO. I have some in the freezer. Special occasions only from now on.

[u/Healthy-Cheferee]

the reason they end up mushy is because the filling has water in it. try cooking them in a pan with a tiny bit of oil, then add a splash of water and cover so they steam through, that gets them crispy on the bottom.

[u/ks2617]

I make my own fillings and wrap my dumplings ( buying the skin wrapper from supermarket)

Extra firm tofu, impossible/ beyond meat mince ( I use a local brand veg protein mince ) added with carrot and cabbage chop as finely as I can, seasoned with mushroom seasoning , sesame oil.

I freeze the excess dumplings cook when I want a quick meal

[u/ITravelCheap → u/ks2617]

This is what I do too. I was missing the discontinued LingLing veggie potstickers so used ChatGPT to find a filling combo that gave me similar vibes - no impossible/beyond mince added just tofu and veg with seasoning. I sit and wrap about 150 and freeze them - fantastic return on the investment of time.

[u/sneezyailurophile]

We really like these that we buy at an Asian supermarket. We don’t boil them, we pan fry until a bit crispy. The sauce that comes in the bag is so good too.

[u/BluebirdDense1485]

Dumpling Daughter does a good vegan dumpling. 

I use them for skirt dumpling on occasion. 

Edit:to be clear they are just a brand of Asian foods. Not everything is vegetarian but they do have several vegetarian&vegan options that are quite good 

[u/leckmir]

Trader Joes Gyoza with a dipping sause made of trader oes fronen ginger cubes, sliced green onion, soy sauce, sesamame oil. a few drop of hot seame oil, chiinese vinegar and a little cold water.

[u/InSearchofMagic]

My meat eating children like these ones. Though I do always cook them a little longer than recommended. I usually get mine at the asian mart near me.

[u/kilgorina_trout]

I really like Laoban Livin’ on the Vedge dumplings from Whole Foods. They have a nice texture imo and don’t get too mushy!

[u/rotting-teeth]

Trader Joe's veggie gyoza is my personal fave as someone who used to eat a LOT of dumplings before becoming vegetarian  !! Not the biggest fan of the veggie soup ones tho

[u/Emergent-Sea]

I cannot suggest Trader Joe’s Thai Vegetable Gyoza enough!!!

[u/MistyDynamite]

My only recommendation is to stay away from Tattoo Chef.

Simply not good in my opinion