How to Store Freshly Made Dumplings (만두)

After making all those dumplings, you may not have room to eat them all. 

If that is the case, then here is how to store homemade dumplings using homemade dumpling skin and store-purchased dumpling skin.

• Homemade dumplings using homemade dumpling skin can be frozen raw or cooked.
• Store-purchased dumplings skins store better when they are steamed first than frozen. You can also store them not cooked, but I found that uncooked dumpling skin can crack over time in the freezer. 

When you are ready to put the dumplings in the freezer. First, line them on a tray with flour or parchment paper with enough room apart from each other that they do not stick. Then cover that tray and place it in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Once the dumplings are hard enough that they will not stick to one another, place them in an airtight bag and then in the freezer.

Dumpling Storage Timeline

In general, it is best to eat all dumplings within 3 months. But if you want to stretch the time frame, then here are the max length of times for storing dumplings based on the ingredients inside.

• If the dumplings are made from pork or beef, use them within 4 months
• If they are made with chicken, use them within 9 months to 1 year
• If the dumplings are made with seafood, use them within 6 months

These are just recommendations. The dumplings won’t technically go bad if you freeze them longer than 3 months, but they may lose their nutrients and quality and get freezer burnt if stored for too long.

By the way, you can buy already-made delicious dumplings at your local store and skip all this work, haha! Making dumplings is a task, so only do it if you can. 

Storing Pre-made Store Bought Dumplings:

• If you have store-purchased dumplings, they can last unopened for up to 1 year.
• If your bag of dumplings is opened for the best flavor, use them within 1-2 months.