How Long to Boil Dumplings
Dumplings come in many forms, and how long you need to boil them depends in part on what type you're making. Traditional American dumplings, whether they're the rounded kind or the Southern-style flat kind, will take about 15 to 20 minutes to boil. But Chinese-style filled dumplings take only 6 to 8 minutes to boil.
No matter what kind of dumpling you're making, the cooking method is much the same: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, then add in the dumplings. Stir them so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot. After adding the dumplings in, the boil is likely to slow down. Allow it to resume a full boil, then let the dumplings cook until they're done. American dumplings should have light, fluffy centers; if you stick a toothpick in one and it comes out clean, it's ready. Chinese dumplings will float when they're done.