With their crispy bottoms and tender dough, Ling Ling’s pork and vegetable potstickers are a beloved freezer aisle find Their convenient preparation and scrumptious flavor make them a favorite appetizer or quick weeknight dinner But one question that often comes up is – are these frozen dumplings precooked or do they require cooking before eating?
In this article, we’ll take a close look at Ling Ling’s pork potstickers, their ingredients and preparation instructions to find out if they are precooked. We’ll also provide tips on the best cooking methods to achieve perfect potstickers every time. Let’s dive in!
For those not familiar, Ling Ling is a popular brand of frozen Asian-inspired foods like potstickers, fried rice dishes and entrées. Their potstickers come in a range of flavors including pork, chicken and vegetable.
The Ling Ling pork and vegetable potstickers contain a savory filling of ground pork, cabbage, green onion and signature Ling Ling seasonings stuffed inside a tender wheat flour dumpling wrapper. Other ingredients include ginger, sesame oil and soybean oil.
According to the packaging, each Ling Ling pork potsticker contains 50 calories and 280 calories per serving (5 potstickers). They are made without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Are Ling Ling Pork Potstickers Precooked?
After closely examining the Ling Ling pork potsticker ingredients, nutrition facts and cooking instructions, we can definitively conclude that no, Ling Ling pork and vegetable potstickers are not precooked.
The packaging specifies to cook them directly from frozen before eating. There is no indication that they have been pre-cooked or blanched during manufacturing.
So to enjoy Ling Ling potstickers safely, they must be thoroughly cooked at home until piping hot whether pan-fried, baked, microwaved or prepared in another cooking method.
Cooking Methods for Ling Ling Frozen Potstickers
To achieve the perfect ling ling potstickers with crispy bottoms and tender tops, it’s key to use the right cooking technique. Here are some top cooking methods:
Pan-Fry
The traditional and most delicious way to prepare potstickers is to pan-fry them. Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Place potstickers in a single layer flat-side down and cook 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
Add 1/4 cup water, cover and steam for 5 more minutes until potstickers are cooked through. The dumpling wrappers will become translucent when fully cooked.
Bake
For oven-baked potstickers, place on a parchment lined baking sheet seam-side up. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until browned.
Microwave
Microwaving is the quickest method. Arrange potstickers on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Check internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.
Deep Fry
Frying potstickers gives an extra crispy texture. Heat oil to 375°F in a pot or deep fryer. Fry potstickers 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Air Fry
Air frying makes delightfully crispy potstickers. Spray air fryer basket with oil before adding potstickers in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
No matter which cooking method you choose, always ensure Ling Ling pork potstickers are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F and are piping hot in the center before serving.
Tips for Cooking Ling Ling Frozen Potstickers
Follow these tips for potsticker perfection:
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet when cooking. This can cause them to stick together.
-
When pan-frying, use a non-stick skillet and don’t move them around too much once in the pan so the bottoms get crispy.
-
Spray or brush oil on potstickers before baking, air frying or microwaving to help them brown up nicely.
-
Add savory ingredients like sliced ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce or hot chili oil to elevate the flavor.
-
Cook frozen dumplings straight from the freezer. Do not thaw before cooking.
-
Adjust cook times as needed based on your appliance wattage and potsticker size.
-
Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine when potstickers reach a safe 165°F internal temperature.
Serving Suggestions for Ling Ling Potstickers
Ling Ling potstickers pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces and ingredients:
-
Soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil – The classic potsticker dipping sauce.
-
Sweet and sour sauce – For a tangy, fruity flavor.
-
Hoisin, sriracha or chili garlic sauce – For spicy dips.
-
Peanut sauce – Creamy and nutty flavored.
-
Hot mustard – Adds a nice kick.
-
Green onions, cilantro and lime wedges – Fresh garnishes.
You can also serve potstickers on a bed of steamed rice or Asian noodles for a complete meal. They make fantastic appetizers for parties served up with a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls.
Storing Leftover Ling Ling Potstickers
Have some potstickers left after dinner? Here are some storage tips:
-
Let potstickers cool completely before storing.
-
Place cooled potstickers in an airtight container.
-
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat gently in the microwave, pan fried or by steaming.
-
Do not re-freeze potstickers after cooking.
More About Ling Ling Potstickers and Products
In addition to their scrumptious pork potstickers, Ling Ling offers other mouthwatering frozen dumplings like:
-
Chicken and Vegetable Potstickers – With tender chicken and cabbage filling.
-
Vegetable Potstickers – A meatless option with cabbage, carrots and mushrooms.
-
Shanghai Style Soup Dumplings – Flavorful pork and broth filled xiaolongbao.
-
Chicken & Cilantro Wontons – Stuffed with chicken and cilantro.
They also produce a line of convenient frozen rice and noodle bowls in flavors like Orange Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Kung Pao Chicken. Their products contain no MSG added.
You can find Ling Ling potstickers and other items at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger and Costco. They offer an easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality potstickers at home.
So next time you’re craving these irresistible Asian dumplings, grab a bag of Ling Ling pork or chicken potstickers from the freezer section. Just remember to thoroughly cook them from frozen before enjoying their scrumptious taste. With the right cooking method, you’ll have crispy, savory potstickers that satisfy any dumpling craving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ling Ling Potstickers
Here are answers to some common questions about Ling Ling’s frozen potstickers:
How are Ling Ling potstickers made?
Ling Ling potstickers are machine-made in a manufacturing facility. The fillings and dough are prepared in large batches, then filling is dispensed into the dumpling wrappers before folding and sealing.
Where are Ling Ling potstickers manufactured?
Ling Ling is owned by Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. and their potstickers are produced in factories in the United States.
Do Ling Ling potstickers contain pork?
Yes, Ling Ling’s original potstickers contain pork in the filling. They also offer chicken and vegetable varieties without pork. Always check the ingredient label to confirm.
Are there egg in the potstickers?
No, Ling Ling pork potstickers do not contain any egg ingredients. They are made with wheat flour, water, salt and vegetable oil.
Can you prepare them directly from frozen?
Yes, you can cook Ling Ling potstickers straight from the frozen state without thawing first. Just increase cook times slightly.
How long do the potstickers keep in the freezer?
If kept continuously frozen at 0°F, Ling Ling potstickers should retain good quality for 9-12 months past the production date. Always check for freezer burn or ice crystals before using.