What To Do With Leftover Dumpling Filling: From Meatball to Burger

Leftover dumpling filling is one of those things that I can’t stand to throw away. It’s too good to waste! Every time I have extra filling from making dumplings, I get excited about the possibilities. From transforming it into a new dish to simply enjoying it as is, there are so many ways to repurpose this flavorful mixture. It’s an excellent method to exercise creativity in the kitchen and utilize ingredients that might otherwise be discarded.

But what exactly can you do with leftover dumpling filling? Whether you’re craving a hearty meatball, a juicy burger, or something more adventurous, there’s an idea here for everyone. Why limit yourself to just one meal when the options are endless?

In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to use leftover dumpling filling that will make your next meal easy and delicious. So, if you’re ready to give those leftovers a second life, keep reading! You won’t believe how versatile this filling can be.

7 Great Ideas On What To Do With Leftover Dumpling Filling

1. Make A Meatball Soup

hands making dumplings with fresh ingredients

Have leftover dumpling filling and don’t know what to do with it? Make meatball soup! This is a quick and simple recipe that will make use of your excess dumpling filling. 

First, form the filling into small balls. Then, boil a pot of chicken stock and drop it in the meatballs. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked. 

Finally, add some chopped greens and enjoy.

Read: Sweet & Sour Meatballs Side Dishes

2. Make Sausage Rolls

sausage roll

If you find yourself with leftover dumpling filling, don’t despair. There are plenty of delicious ways to use it. One option is to make sausage rolls. 

Take your dumpling filling and form it into sausage shapes, then wrap it in puff pastry. Cut slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape, and brush with egg wash.

Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. 

Read: Do Sausage Balls Need To Be Refrigerated?

3. Use As Toppings For Pizza/Calzone

homemade meat loves pizza

One option is to use the filling as a pizza topping. Spread the filling over your favorite pizza dough, add some cheese, and bake as usual.

Or, for a fun twist on traditional calzones, try using dumpling filling instead of the usual fillings. 

Just cook the filling before adding it to the dough. Otherwise, it won’t be cooked through when the calzone is done.

Read: Pizza Hut vs Papa John’s: Which is Better?

4. Add To Fried Rice

malay nasi goring

Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover dumpling filling. Add the filling to your rice pan and some vegetables, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal.

If you have cooked meat or seafood left over from making dumplings, you can also add it to the fried rice. 

And if you have any leftover herbs or spices, they can be used to season and dry the fried rice to your liking.

5. Make A Dumpling Salad 

Salads Chick-fil-A

Believe it; you can make a great dumpling salad using a leftover filling. Mix the filling with chopped lettuce, carrots, and other veggies you have on hand. 

Make a light dressing using rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce, and toss everything together.

This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. This salad serves as an excellent way to utilize any leftover filling, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste.

Check out: How To Cook Frozen Dumplings Pan Fry?

6. Make Meatloaf

Leftover dumpling filling is the perfect thing to use for a delicious meatloaf. Add bread crumbs, an egg, and chopped onion to the filling and mix everything.

Shape into a loaf and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. 

You can add some ketchup or barbecue sauce to the top of the meatloaf for extra flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

7. Burger Patties

beef burger with french fries

Form the dumpling mixture into patties and fry them in a pan. You can even add some shredded cheese or chopped onions to the mix if you like.

Serve them on buns with your favorite condiments, and you’ve got a delicious and simple meal that your whole family will love. 

Plus, it’s a great way to use any leftover dumpling filling so that nothing goes to waste.

So next time you find yourself with some extra dumpling filling, don’t hesitate to try making burger patties – they might just become your new favorite way to eat dumplings.

Tips On How To Sore Leftover Dumpling Filling

First, if you have cooked meat or vegetables in your filling, cool them down before storing them. Cooked food can spoil quickly, so it’s important to let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. 

Store the filling in the fridge for three days or freeze for three months.

When ready to use the filling again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, proceed with cooking it as per your recipe instructions.

With these tips, you can easily store leftover dumpling filling and enjoy it later. 

Therefore, proceed with the preparation of a substantial quantity of dumplings; you will be grateful for the leftovers when you experience a subsequent craving.

How To Know If It Has Gone Bad

The first thing to check is the smell of the filling. If it smells sour or off, it’s best to throw it out. 

Another sign that the dumpling filling has gone bad is if it has changed color or become slimy.

If the filling doesn’t look like it did when you originally made it, it’s best to toss it out. 

Finally, if the filling has been in your fridge for more than a few days, it’s probably time to let it go.

While dumpling filling can last for a day or two in the fridge, after that, it starts to break down and can become unsafe to eat.

FAQs on Leftover Dumpling Filling

How do you keep dumpling fillings moist?

Dumpling fillings can often be quite dry, so it’s important to keep them moist.
You can do this by using a small amount of water to mix with the filling or steam the dumplings for a few minutes before serving. 
Adding a small amount of oil to the filling is also a good way to keep them moist.

Are dumplings healthy?

It depends on the ingredients in the dumplings. Generally, dumplings are a healthy food because they’re filled with vegetables and meat.
However, some dumplings can be high in sodium or unhealthy fats, so it’s important to check the nutrition facts before you eat them. 
Overall, dumplings are a good source of protein and fiber and are low in calories. So if you’re looking for a healthy snack or side dish, dumplings are a good option.

Is there a difference between wontons and dumplings?

Yes, there is a difference between wontons and dumplings. Dumplings are made with unleavened dough – think of them as small, stuffed pancakes.
On the other hand, wontons are made with a wonton wrapper – an egg-based dough usually folded around a filling.

Final Thoughts

Making dumplings is a lot of work, but the reward is worth it. Not only do you get to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, but you also get to eat leftovers for days.

If you find yourself with leftover dumpling filling, don’t fret. 

There are plenty of things you can do with it. The possibilities are endless, from turning it into a soup to making potstickers.

So next time you make dumplings, don’t be afraid to experiment with your leftovers. Who knows? You might just come up with a new favorite dish.

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