Gyoza

Steamed gyoza with crispy fried bottom

Steamed gyoza is a popular Japanese dumpling that consists of a thin wrapper filled with a savoury mixture of meat, vegetables, and seasonings. The filling is juicy and tender, while the wrapper has a delicate and slightly chewy texture. Steaming the dumplings results in a soft and moist texture that perfectly complements the rich and flavourful filling. The crispy fried bottom yields a delightful crunch, adding a nice contrast to the steamed wrappers.

For this recipe, we are going with a classic pork and white cabbage filling. Pork gyoza is a classic type of Japanese dumpling, and it is often served with various dipping sauces made of, for example, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chilli oil. The combination of the juicy filling, chewy wrapper and crispy bottom make steamed pork gyoza a satisfying and delicious dish that is sure to please.

Savour Japanese flavours from miso, sesame, and sake

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its distinctive and delicious flavour combinations, and the steamed pork gyoza dumplings are a prime example of this. The dumplings are steamed in a mixture of miso, sesame oil, and sake, which creates a savoury and aromatic broth that infuses the dumplings with a rich and intricate flavour. The miso provides a slightly sweet and earthy taste, while the sesame oil adds a nutty and fragrant aroma. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, enhances the umami flavours and helps to tenderise the meat. The combination of these flavours, in addition to the juicy meat and vegetable filling, creates a mouth-watering dish that is impossible to resist.

For more delights from Japanese cuisine, be sure to check out our recipes for sushi bowls with salmon and avocado, Japanese fluffy soufflé pancakes, and crispy tempura vegetables.

Traditional Japanese pork gyoza filling

The traditional pork filling for Japanese gyoza consists of a combination of minced pork, white cabbage, spring onions, shiitake mushrooms, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil. This mixture creates a savoury and succulent filling that perfectly complements the delicate wrapper of the dumpling. The minced pork provides a rich and meaty taste, while the cabbage and spring onions add a sweet and fresh flavour. The shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and garlic add a subtle earthy and spicy kick, while the soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil give the filling a deep and complex umami flavour. Whether you are a fan of Japanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, the traditional pork and vegetable filling for Japanese dumplings is a must-try.

Add your own touch

Adding a personal twist to pork gyoza is a great way to experiment with new flavours and tastes. One way to do this is by trying different herbs, such as cilantro or mint, to add a fresh and fragrant twist. If you like a bit of heat, try adding some chilli flakes or sriracha to the filling for a spicy kick. Another option is to use different vegetables in the filling, such as carrots or leeks, to create a different flavour profile.

For a touch of Chinese cuisine, try making shrimp and pork dumplings with both in the filling for a seafood-inspired dumpling that is both rich and delicate. The combination of shrimp and pork creates a savoury and slightly sweet flavour, and the texture of the ground pork complements the tender and succulent texture of the shrimp.

Serve with a gyoza dipping sauce

To take the flavours to the next level, we recommend serving a dipping sauce for gyoza on the side. Traditionally made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chilli oil, this flavourful gyoza sauce adds a sweet and tangy taste that perfectly complements the succulent filling. Drizzle the sauce over or serve it on the side for dipping, and enjoy the burst of flavour that it adds to each bite. This gyoza dipping sauce is easy to make and elevates the overall taste of the dish, making it a perfect addition to your meal.