A Guide to Buying Frozen Dumplings

By a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

The quest for authentic Asian flavours at home often leads to a convenient solution: frozen dumplings. They offer a quick and easy way to prepare dishes like dim sum or gyoza without spending hours in the kitchen. However, the growing selection can make choosing difficult. This guide is designed to help you make informed decisions when you're looking to buy frozen dumplings. We'll introduce a selection of different products and offer practical tips based on their key features.

What to Look for When Buying Frozen Dumplings?

To find the right product for your taste and needs, a few key criteria can help guide your selection.

1. The Filling and Wrapper Define the Character

The heart of any dumpling is its filling. Whether it's classic shrimp dumplings, savoury pork, or vegetarian options, the filling is what defines the flavour experience. Pay attention to the percentage of the main ingredient to gauge the intensity of the flavour.

The type of wrapper is also crucial:

• Gyoza: Japanese dumplings that typically have a thin wrapper and are often pan-fried to achieve a crispy bottom.
• Dim Sum (e.g., Har Gow): Cantonese specialities that often feature a translucent, soft wrapper made from wheat or tapioca starch and are steamed.
• Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings): An umbrella term for many Chinese dumplings that can be boiled, steamed, or fried and usually have a thicker, opaque wheat-flour-based dough.

2. Check the Ingredient List and Nutritional Information

A look at the ingredients list reveals the product's quality. A shorter list often indicates a recipe that focuses on essential components. For those with allergies, clear labelling of allergens like wheat, crustaceans, or soy is essential. Nutritional information per 100g also allows for an objective comparison between different Asian ready-to-eat meals.

3. Versatile Cooking Methods

Most frozen dumplings can be prepared in several ways. While some varieties like frozen gyoza are best pan-fried, others develop their full flavour when steamed or boiled. The package instructions provide this information and help you prepare the product as intended.

Featured Frozen Dumplings Selections

Here is a curated selection of products that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Delico Dim Sum Shrimp Dumplings 1kg

Why it stands out: These dumplings are modelled after the Cantonese classic, Har Gow. The wrapper, made from wheat and tapioca starch, becomes slightly translucent when steamed, revealing the filling inside. According to the manufacturer, the shrimp content in the filling is 60%, which ensures an intense seafood flavour.

Pros:

• High shrimp content for an authentic flavour experience.
• Simple and quick to prepare by steaming (approx. 8–10 minutes).
• The 1 kg family-size pack is great for families or multiple meals.

Who it's for: For lovers of Cantonese cuisine who appreciate the pure taste of shrimp in a soft, steamed wrapper. Ideal for anyone looking to order dim sum online and enjoy a traditional dish at home.

bibigo Shrimp Gyoza 400g

Why it stands out: The bibigo brand is known for its Korean- and Japanese-inspired products. These frozen gyoza combine a filling of shrimp (21.44%) with a vegetable mix (26%) that includes cabbage, carrots, and onions. The wrapper is designed for the classic pan-frying method.

Pros:

• A balanced filling of seafood and vegetables.
• Perfect for pan-frying to get a crispy bottom and a juicy centre.
• The brand is widely recognised and stands for consistent quality.

Who it's for: For those who prefer the Japanese gyoza style and enjoy a combination of shrimp and vegetables. A great choice for a quick meal or as a side dish with other Asian foods.

FRESHASIA Spicy Crayfish Dumpling 400g

Why it stands out: These spicy dumplings offer a unique flavour experience. The filling is made with crayfish meat (30%) and seasoned with Sichuan pepper and chilli, creating the characteristic "mala" (numbing and spicy) flavour. This is a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese dumplings.

Pros:

• Unique filling with crayfish meat and a distinctive mala seasoning.
• Versatile to prepare: can be boiled, steamed, or fried.
• Offers a flavourful alternative to more common varieties.

Who it's for: For adventurous eaters and fans of Sichuan cuisine who aren't afraid of some heat. Anyone looking for an alternative to classic fillings will find an exciting option here.

Discover More Options

The world of dumplings is vast. If you haven't found what you're looking for in this selection, or if you're specifically searching for other varieties like Chinese shrimp gyoza, it's worth exploring our wider assortment.

Discover more Chinese shrimp gyoza here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook frozen gyoza?

The most common method for gyoza is to pan-fry them. Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan, place the frozen gyoza inside, and fry until the bottoms are golden brown. Then, add a little water (approx. 60–80 ml), cover with a lid, and let the gyoza steam until the water has evaporated.

What is the difference between gyoza, dim sum, and Chinese dumplings?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences:

• Gyoza are Japanese, usually crescent-shaped dumplings that are typically pan-fried and steamed.
• Dim Sum is an umbrella term for a wide variety of small Cantonese dishes, often steamed in bamboo baskets. Har Gow (shrimp dumplings with a translucent wrapper) is a famous example.
• Chinese dumplings (Jiaozi) is a general term for dumplings from Northern China that are boiled, steamed, or fried and have a thicker dough wrapper.

Where can you order authentic Asian ready-to-eat meals online?

Online shops specialising in Asian foods usually offer a larger and more authentic selection than conventional supermarkets. Here, you can often find niche products and brands imported directly from Asia or made in Europe using traditional recipes, increasing your chances of finding products with an authentic flavour profile.