Gyoza, also known as Japanese dumplings, are a delightful treat that combines a savory filling with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course. The combination of ground pork, cabbage, and aromatic garlic creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, making gyoza at home is a fun and rewarding experience.
If you don't usually cook Asian cuisine, you might not have gyoza wrappers or sesame oil in your pantry. Gyoza wrappers can typically be found in the refrigerated section of your supermarket, often near the tofu or other Asian ingredients. Sesame oil is usually located in the international foods aisle. These ingredients are essential for achieving the authentic taste and texture of gyoza.

Ingredients for Gyoza Recipe
Ground pork: The main protein in the filling, providing a rich and savory flavor.
Cabbage: Adds a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness to the filling.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent taste.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the filling.
Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Gyoza wrappers: Thin dough sheets used to encase the filling, creating the dumpling shape.
Technique Tip for Gyoza
When sealing the gyoza wrappers, ensure that the edges are slightly moistened with water. This helps create a better seal and prevents the dumplings from opening during cooking. Additionally, when pleating the edges, try to make small, even pleats to ensure a uniform appearance and even cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a leaner option and has a milder flavor that still works well with the other ingredients.
ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is another leaner alternative that can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the seasonings.
cabbage - Substitute with napa cabbage: Napa cabbage has a milder flavor and a more tender texture, making it a good alternative for gyoza filling.
cabbage - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy offers a slightly different texture and flavor but still provides the necessary crunch and freshness.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar flavor profile.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor, making them a good soy-free alternative.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of sesame oil, though it will lack the distinct nutty flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative.
gyoza wrappers - Substitute with wonton wrappers: Wonton wrappers are similar in texture and can be used to make gyoza, though they may be slightly thinner.
gyoza wrappers - Substitute with homemade dough: You can make your own dough using flour, water, and a pinch of salt to create a similar wrapper for gyoza.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Gyoza
How to Store or Freeze Gyoza
Allow the gyoza to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the wrappers soggy.
For storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the gyoza in an airtight container, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other to avoid sticking.
- Use parchment paper to separate layers if necessary.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For freezing:
- Arrange the gyoza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they do not touch each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the gyoza are completely frozen.
- Transfer the frozen gyoza to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating from the refrigerator:
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
- Place the gyoza in the pan and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add a splash of water to the pan and cover. Steam for another 5 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating from frozen:
- No need to thaw the gyoza; cook them directly from the freezer.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
- Place the frozen gyoza in the pan and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add a splash of water to the pan and cover. Steam for about 7-8 minutes or until fully cooked and heated through.
For an alternative reheating method:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the gyoza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes if refrigerated, or 15-20 minutes if frozen, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Pan-frying method: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the leftover gyoza in the pan, flat side down. Cook until the bottoms are crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water to the pan, cover, and steam for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Steaming method: Place a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Arrange the gyoza in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and the wrappers are soft.
Microwave method: Place the gyoza on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This method is quick but may not retain the crispiness of the original dish.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the gyoza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray them with oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the gyoza in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Best Tools for Making Gyoza
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ground pork, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Knife: Essential for finely chopping the cabbage and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the cabbage and mincing the garlic.
Spoon: Used to place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each gyoza wrapper.
Gyoza wrappers: Pre-made dough circles used to encase the filling.
Frying pan: Used to cook the gyoza until the bottoms are golden brown.
Lid: Necessary for covering the frying pan to steam the gyoza.
Spatula: Helps to lift and turn the gyoza in the frying pan.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce and sesame oil accurately.
Small bowl: Useful for holding a bit of water to seal the gyoza wrappers.
How to Save Time on Making Gyoza
Prepare the filling in advance: Mix the ground pork, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Use pre-made wrappers: Save time by using store-bought gyoza wrappers instead of making your own.
Batch assembly: Lay out multiple gyoza wrappers and fill them all at once to speed up the process.
Cook in batches: Fry and steam multiple gyoza at the same time to reduce cooking time.
Freeze extras: Make a large batch and freeze the uncooked gyoza for quick meals later.

Gyoza Recipe
Ingredients
Gyoza Filling
- 200 g Ground Pork
- 1 cup Cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 pack Gyoza Wrappers
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- 2. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each gyoza wrapper.
- 3. Fold the wrapper in half and pleat the edges to seal.
- 4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
- 5. Place gyoza in the pan and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- 6. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover. Steam for another 5 minutes.
- 7. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for Gyoza
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