To prevent them from sticking together or falling apart: the right way to cook dumplings.

Dumplings are an excellent option when you're short on time for cooking, especially if you have some stored in the freezer. However, you may have questions about boiling dumplings—such as how long to cook them and how to ensure they don’t remain raw. Chef Yevhen Klopotenko shares some simple tips that will help you cook perfect dumplings.

How to Boil Dumplings

First, choose the right pot. It’s best to use a low but wide one; this way, your dumplings will have enough space to avoid sticking together and can cook in a single layer. If the pot is narrow, they will cook on top of each other and are more likely to stick.

Take the appropriate pot, fill it with water about two-thirds full, and bring it to a boil. First, add a couple of pinches of salt, and only then add the dumplings. Avoid dropping dumplings into cold water, as they will stick together. To prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir the bottom with a slotted spoon or at least a regular spoon to separate any dumplings that want to stay at the bottom.

When you are confident that the dumplings are ready, use a slotted spoon to remove them so there’s no excess liquid in the plate. If you don’t have a slotted spoon, you can use a colander instead.

How Long to Boil Dumplings

The cooking time depends on the size of the dumplings. Generally, it takes 8-12 minutes. To gauge the time, wait until they float, then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. By the way, if you don’t reduce the heat after they float, the dumplings will overcook and fall apart.

Also, consider the temperature of the dumplings when adding them to the water. If they are frozen, you will need 10-12 minutes; if they are freshly made or already thawed, they will cook in 8-10 minutes.