Trader Joe’s Soup Dumplings Are a Treat, But This Trick Will Make Them Even Better

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Trader Joe’s soup dumplings are a fan favorite, and for good reason. The delicious, steamy pockets of dough filled with savory broth and tender meat offer a quick and satisfying meal or snack. But if you’re looking to elevate your dumpling experience beyond just heating them up, there are some easy ways to enhance their flavor and texture.

1. Pan-Fry for a Crispy Bottom

While Trader Joe’s dumplings are typically steamed, pan-frying them after steaming gives them a golden, crispy bottom. This texture contrast between the soft top and crunchy base brings a new dimension to the dumpling, similar to a restaurant-style xiao long bao.

Instructions:

  • Steam the dumplings as per package instructions.
  • Heat a little oil in a non-stick skillet.
  • Place the steamed dumplings in the skillet and let the bottom crisp for about 2-3 minutes.

Tip:

  • Use a non-stick skillet to ensure the dumplings don’t stick while pan-frying.

2. Serve with a Dipping Sauce

The dumplings come flavorful on their own, but a dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Try a combination of soy sauce, black vinegar, and a few drops of sesame oil.

Ingredients for the sauce:

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp black vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Chili flakes or hot oil (optional)
  • Lime or lemon juice (optional)

Tip:

  • Mix the sauce in advance and adjust the spice level to taste.

3. Add Fresh Ingredients

To brighten up the dish, add some fresh elements like chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds.

Garnish Ideas:

  • Chopped green onions or cilantro
  • Sesame seeds
  • Drizzle of chili oil or Sriracha
  • Sprinkle of crispy fried garlic or shallots

Tip:

  • Fresh garnishes enhance both the taste and presentation of the dish.

4. Pair with a Soup or Broth

While the dumplings themselves contain broth, pairing them with a light soup can create a more fulfilling meal. A simple miso soup or a clear chicken broth complements the dumplings well.

Ingredients for soup pairing:

  • 1 cup miso soup or chicken broth
  • A handful of veggies like bok choy or spinach (optional)

Tip:

  • Adding veggies to the broth can round out the meal.

5. Serve with a Side Salad

Balance the richness of the soup dumplings with a refreshing side salad. A crisp cucumber salad with a soy and sesame dressing or an Asian-style slaw can provide a nice contrast.

Ingredients for cucumber salad:

  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame seeds (optional)

Tip:

  • The fresh, tangy flavors from the salad help balance the dumplings’ richness.

6. Steam with Aromatics

To infuse your soup dumplings with additional flavor, add aromatics like ginger slices, garlic cloves, or lemongrass to the steaming water. This subtle enhancement makes them taste even more homemade.

Aromatics to try:

  • Ginger slices
  • Garlic cloves
  • Lemongrass stalks

Tip:

  • Place the aromatics directly in the steaming water for a fragrant infusion.

By adding these easy tweaks, you can take your Trader Joe’s soup dumplings from a quick meal to something special, without too much extra effort. Whether you’re pan-frying for crispiness, dipping them in a flavorful sauce, or serving them alongside a fresh side, you’ll make this convenient dish even better.

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