Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (2024)

Nov. 01 Fri byJenniferThings to Eat

  • Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (1)

Cookbook of Japan: Gyoza

Japan has a longstanding love affair with food and the art of cuisine. And whilefood and taste is subjective, and one palate may prefer other flavors over another - with Japanese cuisine, it is widely loved by many people and its easy to see why. The variety is large, there are delicious dishes in all categories, the flavor profile is varied, and there are unique snacks and desserts in addition to all the savory meal dishes available!

In today's post for the Cookbook of Japan series, let's delve into one of Japan's most loved dishes, the perfect companion to ramen or the standout solo dumpling dish, gyoza!

Gyoza can be found throughout Japan, and it can even be said that its one of the staple dishes of Japan that almost everyone knows about. Gyoza is a Japanese style of potstickers that consists of a meat base, traditionally pork, mixed in with garlic chives, finely minced cabbage,and sometimes sh*take mushrooms all wrapped into a thin wonton wrapper.Gyoza is usually dipped in a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar with some chili oil called ra-yu dribbled in. Often it is either served as a side order to ramen, but in Japan, you can also find people eating it with rice. Depending on the type of gyoza, the sauce it is eaten with may vary.

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (2)

Gyoza has its origins in a Chinese dish calledjiaozi. Although the look is quite similar, as is the filling, somehow there are subtle differences in wrapping style and the look of the dumpling where you can just somehow make out a difference. The Japanese style gyoza usually has a thinner wrapper, the filling and spices are just different enough where it tastes unique, and the preparation method differs. When you eat it, many have distinguishedflavors that areuniquely their own with differences that make it known which type of dumpling you're eating. The Japanese have adapted the Chinese style of their delicious dumpling, and made it an entity entirely its own, although it still gives nod to its origins.

There are usually three types of gyoza that are found and enjoyed in Japan. That is yaki gyoza, age gyoza, and sui gyoza. The traditional method of steaming isn't so often seen in Japan unless dining in a Chinese food establishment. You can order the traditional type of gyoza in most ramen places, as well as many izakayas, in addition to Japanese-Chinese (chuka ryori) restaurants.In Japan, the most common and loved version is yaki gyoza.Yaki gyozais gyoza that first is fried in a pan with just a little bit of water so that it steams, but then is continued to be fried so that the outer layer becomes crispy.Age gyoza(pronouncedah-geh) is fried gyoza where the entire dumpling is deep-fried in oil. This gives a new texture and flavor profile to the gyoza, with a little bit more of an oily consistency. The last type, sui gyoza, is when the gyoza is boiled and does not use any oil in the cooking method. Sui gyoza is softer and squishier then the other gyoza, resembling the wonton dumplings found in wonton soup.

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (3)

Although it is the most common to find the traditional stuffing mix of ground pork and vegetables listed above, there are variations even within Japanese cuisine, where you can find shrimp fillings and just vegetable fillings as well. If you decide to make your own, its fairly simple although time-consuming, and you can choose your own filling. Below is a recipe for a basic traditional gyoza recipe so that you can try it out for yourself and you too can get a little taste of Japan!

Gyoza Recipe
Makes approx. 50dumplings

1 pack of 50gyoza wrappers (At most Asian markets)
Small bit of water
1/3 head of cabbage, finely minced
1 lb. ground pork
3 sh*take mushrooms (rehydrated if dried)
1/2 bunch of garlic chives (Sometimes called nira)
1 clove grated garlic (more if you prefer)
1 tsp. grated ginger
​2tsp. salt
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp soy sauce

***

1. Finely chop cabbage. Massage cabbage with 1 tsp of salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess water.

2. Finely chop your sh*take and chives, and grate your ginger and garlic.

3. In a bowl, combine your ground pork, cabbage, chives, and mushrooms into a large bowl. Add in the grated ginger and garlic.

4. Once combined, knead (use gloves)in the remainder of your salt, the soy sauce, and sesame oil into the mixture. The mixture should turn a light brown pink with the colors of vegetables peeking through.

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (4)

5. Prepare your gyoza wrappers. Place your bit of water nearby.

6. Take one wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the mixture into the center of the wrapper.

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (5)

7. Put a small bit of water around the rim of your wrapper. Be careful not to put too much as it will fall apart during the cooking process. Put too little and it may not stick at all.

8. Slowly bring one side of the gyoza wrapper to the other side taking care not to drop the filling. Pinch and pleat the sides together so it forms a folded over pattern as you pinch close.

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (6)

9. Repeat until all the filling is used up.

*

To Cook (Yaki gyoza style)

1. Add oil of your choice to a large frying pan over medium high heat. Non-stick is preferable.

2. Add the gyoza putting the flat side down on the pan. Brown the bottoms of the gyoza. (Approx 3-4 minutes)

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (7)

3. Add 1/3 cup of water into the pan. Cover with a lid and let steam until most of the water is gone.

4. Continue frying until all the water is gone. If you would like, you can add a bit of sesame oil and re-fry the gyozaso that it is nice and crispy with a nice sesame aroma.

5. Transfer to a plate and serve with a dipping sauce of your choice. Traditionally in Japanese cuisine, it is eaten with soy sauce and vinegar mixture with some ra-yu chili oil added for taste. Enjoy on its own as a meal or as a side dish!

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (8)

You can also freeze your gyoza in a resealablebag or container for up to about a month!

*Disclaimer: This is not a professional recipe created by a trained chef. H.I.S. in no way provides any warranty, expressed or implied, towards the content of recipes on this website. It is the reader’s responsibility to determine the value and quality of any recipe or instructions provided, and to determine the nutritional value (if any)and safety of the preparation instructions.
The recipes presented are intended for entertainment and/or informational purposes and for use by persons having appropriate technical skill, at their own discretion and risk. H.I.S. claims no responsibility or liability for the outcome of any recipe you attempt.

Other Cookbook of Japan Posts:
Dorayaki
Miso Soup

***

Enjoy Japanese food? Check out these half-day food tours in Japan! Priced at a great value and not totally time-consuming, you still get to enjoy some of the flavors of Japan and connect with friendly like-minded travelers and see the cities of Japan along the way!

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (9)
Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (10)Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (11)
Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (12)Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (13)
Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (14)Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (15)

Save this recipe for later!

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (16)

Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (17)

  • Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (18)
Cookbook of Japan - Gyoza (2024)

FAQs

What is Japan's number 1 gyoza? ›

N°1 GYOZA IN JAPAN: Ajinomoto gyoza are the best-selling gyoza on the Japanese market.

What is the correct way to eat gyoza? ›

When eating Gyoza, they shouldn't be eaten on their own, a good dipping sauce is essential. This can be as simple or as complicated as you'd like. Many eat their Gyoza with just soy sauce for dipping, if you wanted to be a little more adventurous you could pick a Ponzu sauce for an additional citrus tang.

What are the three types of gyoza? ›

There are usually three types of gyoza that are found and enjoyed in Japan. That is yaki gyoza, age gyoza, and sui gyoza.

What is the difference between gyoza and dumplings? ›

In Japan, gyoza is almost exclusively pan-fried and steamed, served on its own or with a salty and tangy dipping sauce. Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried; served as is, with a spicy sauce, or in a soup.

Are gyozas Japanese or Chinese? ›

Gyoza (餃子, gyōza) are dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables and wrapped in a thin dough. Also known as pot stickers, gyoza originated in China (where they are called jiaozi), but have become a very popular dish in Japan.

How is gyoza so low calorie? ›

By using hot air to cook off the dumplings, you get that sought-after crunch without the oily pay-off, keeping the calorie intake low. So it turns out store-bought gyozas are actually as healthy as everyone says. The only downside of this craze is that they keep selling out.

How healthy is gyoza? ›

It depends on the type of dumplings. As a general rule, deep-fried dumplings are the least healthy. Normal, pan-fried gyoza are probably slightly better for you.

Are gyoza better steamed or fried? ›

Steamed Dumplings

The steaming process is what creates the shiny-looking soft exterior! Steaming is the traditional way of preparing dumplings and has never gone out of style. Many people around the world are loyal to this method of cooking and prefer it over pan-fried dumplings.

Do Japanese people eat gyoza with rice? ›

Unlike in China, where jiaozi dumplings are generally served in a clear soup, in Japan gyōza are usually fried. Not only that, they are served as an accompaniment for rice or as a snack to go with beer.

Are you supposed to eat gyoza in one bite? ›

As mentioned above, it's best for people not to put the whole dumpling in their mouth at once. Instead, they should take a small bite from the side of the dumpling while it's still on the soup spoon.

Do you put water or oil first in gyoza? ›

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook gyoza in the hot skillet until lightly browned, about 1 minute per side. Add water to the skillet, reduce the heat, cover, and steam gyoza until water is gone. Remove from the heat.

What is a deep fried gyoza called? ›

Though considered part of Chinese cuisine, jiaozi are also popular in other parts of East Asia, where a Japanese variety is referred to as gyoza, and in the Western world, where a fried variety is referred to as potstickers.

Do you eat gyoza hot or cold? ›

After it has been cooked it is best to eat it straightaway while it's still hot, though some people like a cooler, or even cold, gyoza, however you don't just eat it as it is. If you are eating in a restaurant then they will provide a dipping sauce, and if you buy it in a supermarket it will normally come with a sauce.

What does gyoza stand for? ›

First recorded in 1965–70; from Japanese gyoza, from Chinese dialect (Shandong) giǎoze ( Mandarin jiǎozi ), equivalent to giǎo “stuffed dumpling” + ze “l*ttle child” (used as a diminutive suffix)

Is gyoza just potstickers? ›

Gyoza is the Japanese variation on the traditional Chinese recipe of potstickers. They are usually made with thinner, more delicate wrappers, and the filling is more finely textured. The thinner skins mean that gyoza get crispier than chewy potstickers.

What is the Chinese version of gyoza? ›

Jiaozi. One of the most ubiquitous types of Chinese dumplings, jiaozi (饺子) are usually steamed or boiled and have been enjoyed across China for millennia. They often have a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatics, along with a paper-thin dumpling wrapper.

Is gyoza similar to pierogi? ›

Pierogi is a square or crescent shaped dumpling of unleavened dough, stuffed with sauerkraut, cheese, mashed potatoes, cabbage, onion, meat, or any combination of these, or with a fruit filling. Gyoza is the Japanese version of something brought back to Japan from China, jiaozi. It is a 🥟 dumpling…!

What is a fun fact about gyoza? ›

Gyoza was Invented to Treat Frostbitten Ears (Maybe)

Zhang believed this was due to poor nutrition and a lack of warm clothing amongst the poor in China and would fill dough wrappers with a mixture of boiled lamb, peppers and various other medicines.

Why do Americans call them potstickers? ›

According to the stories, a chef was making dumplings and walked away from his pot for so long that the water all boiled off, and he found his dumplings had stuck to the pot. He served the crunchy dumplings to his guests—some stories say the Emperor—and the potsticker was born.

What is the meaning of the word gyoza? ›

/ɡiːˈoʊ.zə/ a Japanese food consisting of meat or vegetables wrapped in dough (= flour and water mixed together) and fried in oil: We had Japanese gyoza to start.

Is Fried gyoza bad for you? ›

“If they do fry it -- like gyoza which are usually lightly fried -- then it puts the fat content up a little,” Austin said. “You want to avoid ones that have been completely deep fried.” The quality of the meat filling can also affect the healthiness of dumplings.

Is it healthy to eat dumplings every day? ›

In Conclusion. Just like anything else dumplings are a great source of food and nutrition when taking moderation in mind. They can even offer health benefits with their fillings and multiple options. There are many different types of dumplings ranging from fillings, spices, and even how they are cooked.

Can you eat gyoza on keto? ›

This Asian side dish is super tasty and indulgent; no one would guess it's Keto-friendly. What meat can you use for the filling? Traditionally, gyozas are prepared using ground pork; however, we have used ground chicken for this Keto gyoza recipe.

Which Japanese city is famous for gyoza? ›

Utsunomiya , the self-proclaimed gyoza capital of Japan with over 200 shops, can keep you dining out on gyoza for days.

What is the world record for most gyoza eaten? ›

At the 2018 Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship, Joey Chestnut took the title with a dominant 359-gyoza haul. His 2014 world record title of 384 Day-Lee Foods gyoza in 10 minutes will be on the line again this year.

Are gyoza popular in Japan? ›

Gyoza, a favorite of all Japanese people, from children to adults, is one of Japan's indispensable dishes at Chinese restaurants and Ramen shops.

What brand are Japanese frozen gyoza? ›

Ajinomoto brings you authentic frozen gyoza and meat dishes with authentic Japanese flavours. These gyoza are filled with pork and cabbage and Japanese flavours to fill your stomach with the best little dumplings available. Gyoza can be served a variety of ways including steamed, deep fried, pan fried, or boiled.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 5577

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.