I made potstickers in 3 different appliances, and there's really only one way to do it right

Steven JohnJun 29, 2024, 20:31 IST

Frozen potstickers can be made in several different ways, but one cooking method is elite. Steven John

I made frozen potstickers with my oven, stovetop, and microwave to find the best cooking method.
If I'm making a big batch, I think the oven probably makes the most sense.

As of 2023, the global frozen-food industry was worth nearly $3 billion, and my family has certainly contributed to that. Frozen appetizers, meals, and sides are an easy way to get dinner on the table during the week.

One of our favorite frozen treats is potstickers, so I embarked on delicious hands-on testing to see if the flavorful dumplings are best when I use my oven, microwave, or stovetop.

Here's how the cooking methods stacked up.

If you're short on time, the microwave only takes five minutes.

The water helps to steam the dumplings so they cook through. Steven John

The microwaved potstickers came out better than I expected — but still not great.

These dumplings looked awful but tasted good.Steven John

Making potstickers in the oven allows me to cook large batches at once.

I could've made a dozen dumplings on one traySteven John

The finished dumplings were a little dry but still exceeded my expectations.

I think I could fix the dry edges next time. Steven John

I had high hopes for the stovetop method.

Like the microwave method, pan-fried dumplings call for a bit of water. Steven John

The pan-fried dumplings were the clear winners.

There's nothing like a golden-brown seared bottom. Steven John

All three cooking methods have their place, but the pan is best when you have the time.

I'd never pick the microwave or the oven over the stove if I had the time. Steven John

I tried 18 of Trader Joe's ice creams and frozen desserts, and I'd buy almost all of them again

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