How to Make the Perfect Japanese Gyoza with Pork and Cabbage
Japanese · Medium · 55 min · 4 servings
Japanese gyoza are pan-fried crescent-shaped dumplings with a crispy bottom and tender steamed top, filled with a savory mixture of pork and napa cabbage seasoned with garlic and sesame oil. They are served with a tangy soy and rice vinegar dipping sauce for a perfect contrast of textures and flavors.
Why this recipe works
This Japanese Gyoza with Pork and Cabbage recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 250 grams ground pork
- 2 cups napa cabbage finely shredded
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 24 pieces round gyoza wrappers
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Mix the drained cabbage with ground pork, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Fold the Gyoza
Place a wrapper in your palm and add a teaspoon of filling in the center. Moisten the edge with water, fold the wrapper in half, and create 5 to 6 pleats along one side only, pressing firmly against the flat back edge to seal.
Step 3: Pan-Fry with Steam
Heat vegetable oil in a flat-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange gyoza flat-side down in a single layer and fry for 2 minutes until the bottoms are golden. Pour in a quarter cup of water, cover immediately, and steam for 5 to 6 minutes.
Step 4: Crisp the Bottom
Remove the lid and allow all the water to evaporate completely. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes until the bottoms are deeply golden and audibly crispy. Serve upside down to display the golden crust with dipping sauce on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground pork → ground chicken or firm tofu crumbled for a lighter alternative
- gyoza wrappers → homemade dough circles made from flour and boiling water for a chewier texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not removing enough moisture from the cabbage which makes the filling watery and the wrappers soggy
- Lifting the lid too early during the steaming phase which drops the temperature and results in uneven cooking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 16g protein, 28g carbs, 13g fat, 2g fiber.
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