Soup dumplings, a popular delicacy known for their juicy fillings and flavorful broth, have found their way into homes across the world. If you’re wondering how to cook soup dumplings from Costco, you’re in the right place! Thanks to Costco, you can now enjoy Bibigo’s steamed soup dumplings from the comfort of your home with little to no effort. Whether you’re an experienced dumpling aficionado or a novice, this article will walk you through every step of cooking soup dumplings from Costco, from preparation to serving, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience every time.
What Are Soup Dumplings?
If you’re new to the idea of how to cook soup dumplings from Costco, it’s helpful to understand what makes soup dumplings unique. Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) are small Chinese dumplings traditionally filled with meat and broth. The thin, delicate wrapper holds a savory filling, which encloses the broth until you bite into the dumpling. Although soup dumplings usually appear in dim sum restaurants, the rise of frozen options, like Bibigo’s soup dumplings from Costco, makes enjoying them at home easier than ever.
The Popularity of Costco’s Bibigo Soup Dumplings
Costco consistently offers a variety of convenient, high-quality frozen foods, and Bibigo’s soup dumplings are no exception. Learning how to cook soup dumplings from Costco is easy since they come fully cooked and frozen, so all you need to do is heat them up.
At Costco, you can purchase a large box of Bibigo chicken and vegetable soup dumplings for $12.49, which includes six trays, each containing six dumplings. For frequent buyers, these dumplings often go on sale for as low as $8.99, making them a popular and cost-effective option.
How to Cook Soup Dumplings from Costco
Cooking Bibigo soup dumplings is a simple and convenient process. Since they are already pre-cooked, you only need to heat them properly. Follow these easy steps for the best results.
Preparing the Dumplings
Before you begin cooking your dumplings, follow these simple preparation steps:
- Take one tray of Bibigo soup dumplings from the freezer.
- Leave the dumplings in the tray and cut one corner of the plastic bag to allow steam to escape.
Microwave Instructions for Perfect Soup Dumplings
Microwaving works best for Bibigo’s soup dumplings, ensuring the dumplings heat thoroughly while keeping the broth inside intact. Follow these steps:
- Place the dumpling tray, still in its bag, directly into the microwave.
- Heat on high power (1000W) for 2 minutes.
- After microwaving, carefully open the bag at the seams. Be cautious of hot steam.
- Let the dumplings sit for 1 minute to allow the broth to settle.
Costco’s soup dumplings heat conveniently in their tray, which reduces cleanup. Additionally, each tray has a designated spot for the dipping sauce, making it easy to pour and enjoy the sauce with each bite.
Why Other Cooking Methods Aren’t Recommended
Though you might feel tempted to try steaming, air-frying, or pan-frying the dumplings, Bibigo recommends sticking to the microwave. Other methods can cause the dough to harden or break apart, which releases the flavorful broth too early. Microwaving, however, heats them up faster and keeps the texture perfect.
Serving Suggestions for Soup Dumplings
Once your Costco soup dumplings are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! These dumplings are versatile and pair well with various sides to make a complete meal.
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve directly from the tray: This creates less mess, and the tray’s designated sauce spots make it easy to dip.
- Plate them with sides: Serve the dumplings alongside fried rice or stir-fried vegetables for a full meal.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds: These toppings add freshness and crunch.
- Pair with a dipping sauce: The soy-based dipping sauce works great, but you can also add sriracha, chili oil, or black vinegar for extra flavor.
Dipping Sauce Instructions
The soy-based dipping sauce that comes with Bibigo soup dumplings adds a salty-sweet element to the dumplings. For an extra flavor kick, mix in some chili oil or sriracha for heat, or a splash of black vinegar for tanginess.
- Pour the sauce directly into the designated spots in the tray.
- Dip each dumpling generously before eating.
Adding Soup Dumplings to Soup
You can also enhance your meal by adding the dumplings to a broth or soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the dumplings according to the microwave instructions.
- Remove the dumplings from the tray once cooked.
- Add them to a bowl of hot broth or soup, like miso or chicken broth.
- Optionally, pour some of the dipping sauce into the broth for extra flavor.
When you add Bibigo soup dumplings to soup, they absorb the broth’s flavors while adding the richness of the filling. This method also makes the dish more filling and hearty.
Nutritional Breakdown of Costco Soup Dumplings
When you examine frozen foods, Costco’s Bibigo soup dumplings have a surprisingly balanced nutritional profile, especially for a comfort food like this.
Caloric Content
Each tray of Bibigo soup dumplings includes six dumplings, amounting to about 250 calories. This makes them a relatively light snack or appetizer. Here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 250 per tray
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 15g
Sodium and Nutritional Concerns
A potential downside of these dumplings is their sodium content. Each tray contains 570mg of sodium, and pairing them with the soy-based dipping sauce brings the total sodium content to 940mg. That amount equals nearly 40% of your daily recommended intake, so it’s wise to eat these in moderation, especially if you’re monitoring your sodium levels.
If you want to reduce the sodium content, use a lower-sodium soy sauce or make a homemade dipping sauce. If you plan on eating multiple trays, balance the meal with low-sodium side dishes like steamed vegetables.
Reviews and Customer Feedback on Costco Soup Dumplings
Costco’s Bibigo soup dumplings have received many positive reviews, and overall, customers are impressed. People love the convenience, flavor, and affordability. Let’s look at some of the common reviews:
General Reception of Bibigo Soup Dumplings
Most customers find these dumplings to be a convenient and tasty option for a quick snack or appetizer. The juicy filling and broth get frequent praise. However, some note that while these dumplings are great for a frozen option, they don’t quite reach the quality of fresh dumplings served in restaurants.
Cost vs. Value
Priced at $12.49 for 36 dumplings, Costco’s soup dumplings deliver excellent value, especially given their taste and quality. When on sale for $8.99, they become an even better deal. While restaurant dumplings might offer a more refined experience, the frozen variety allows you to enjoy them at home without the higher price tag.
Taste Test: How Do They Compare to Restaurant Dumplings?
One frequent question people ask is how Costco’s soup dumplings compare to those from a restaurant. While they taste delicious, they might not entirely match the experience of dining in a dim sum restaurant. However, considering the price and convenience, they come remarkably close!
The filling features chicken, cabbage, onions, and mushrooms, with a hint of ginger. The rich broth soaks into the thin wrapper, creating a tasty bite. Though restaurant dumplings may have slightly more refined flavors and textures, Bibigo’s Costco dumplings make an excellent frozen alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Costco Soup Dumplings
- Are Costco Soup Dumplings Precooked? Yes, Bibigo’s soup dumplings sold at Costco come fully cooked. You just need to heat them before serving.
- Can You Air-Fry Bibigo Soup Dumplings from Costco? Some people might try to air-fry them, but Bibigo advises against it. The dumpling skin could turn crispy or hard, ruining the experience of enjoying the soft dough and broth.
- What Are the Main Ingredients in Bibigo Soup Dumplings? Bibigo’s dumplings include a filling of chicken, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, and ginger inside a soft wrapper.
- Can You Freeze Soup Dumplings After Cooking Them? It’s best to eat Bibigo dumplings right after cooking. Freezing them again could compromise their texture and flavor.
- What Dipping Sauces Go Best with Costco Soup Dumplings? The included soy-based sauce works perfectly, but for added flavor, you can mix in chili oil, black vinegar, or sriracha.
- How Do These Dumplings Compare to Trader Joe’s Soup Dumplings? Both options are popular, but many find Costco’s Bibigo dumplings have a more robust broth and better texture than Trader Joe’s version.
Conclusion Bibigo Soup Dumplings from Costco?
Costco’s Bibigo soup dumplings offer a delicious, convenient, and affordable way to enjoy a traditionally labor-intensive dish at home. Whether you eat them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these dumplings will satisfy your cravings. While they may not reach restaurant quality, they provide an excellent frozen alternative for busy individuals who want a quick, tasty meal.
With the easy-to-follow microwave instructions, pairing suggestions, and dipping sauce tips, you’ll be ready to prepare the perfect dumplings in no time. So, the next time you’re at Costco, grab a box of Bibigo soup dumplings—you won’t regret it!