Commonly known as Pot Stickers, Jiaozi are easy to find, simple to cook, and make for a delicious lunch! They are fun to make by hand which I will discuss in a future recipe, but for a quick and easy lunch frozen is the way to go!

Bags of frozen Jiaozi can be found in almost any oriental grocery store. Simply go to the frozen section and you will most likely find a vast assortment of dumplings. In Chinese they are called Jiaozi, however in other Asian countries they have various different names. Most of the time they will have the English equivalent printed on them. They will say vegetable, chicken, beef , or pork dumplings and usually come in 24 oz bags. If you can’t find them, simply ask at the counter for frozen dumplings. If you still have trouble please e-mail me at this site and I will try my best to help.

Jiaozi can be fried, steamed, or even microwaved, but I grew up on them boiled. Cooked this way not only makes them easy, healthy, and delicious, but makes a warm and wonderful lunch. Especially for a cold and rainy day!


24 oz bag of jiaozi -- any variety
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp white vinegar


1. Fill a large pot half way with water leaving enough room for to add the jiaozi.

2. Add salt and bring water to a boil --about 10 minutes.

3. Slowly place the frozen jiaozi in the pot. I like to do this by hand dropping in about 2 at a time, being very careful not to splash up the hot water. I have burned myself one too many times by simply dropping them into the pot!

4. Cook them for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Don’t drain the liquid. The best way to remove them from the pot is to use a slotted spoon. This way they are less likely to break.

6. Serve in bowls with soy and white vinegar. Use 1 tsp of vinegar to 2 tbsp of soy.

7. Serves about 4. A 24 oz bag contains about 35 jiaozi.


Jiaozi are delicious with soy and vinegar, but you can serve them with any sauce you choose. Many restaurants serve them with either a soy ginger or a soy garlic sauce which is wonderful as well!

These dumplings have made my rainy day lunches warm and inviting. I hope you find them simple and delicious also. ENJOY!