Smash Gyoza

Smash Gyoza is a delightful twist on traditional dumplings, combining savory ground chicken or pork with fresh veggies like cabbage, carrots, and green onions. The unique “smash” technique flattens the gyoza into a crispy, golden-brown delight, perfect for pan-frying.

This quick and easy recipe offers a satisfying combination of textures, from the crunchy wrapper to the juicy, flavorful filling. It’s an ideal dish to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, especially when paired with Kikkoman’s signature Gyoza Dipping Sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Full Recipe:

1 cup green cabbage, shredded

½ teaspoon salt
½ pound ground chicken or pork
⅓ cup carrot, grated

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger, peeled and grated

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 gyoza wrappers

For Serving:

Green onions
½ cup Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage with salt and let it soften for 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel.
Add the cabbage, ground meat, carrots, green onions, garlic, and ginger to a mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.

Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized mounds of the filling onto the skillet, leaving space between each for gyoza wrappers.
Place a gyoza wrapper on top of each mound of filling and smash with a spatula to flatten. Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Flip each gyoza and cook for another 1 minute uncovered. Repeat with the remaining filling, adding extra oil as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions and accompanied by Gyoza Dipping Sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 8 pieces

History and Origin of Gyoza:

Gyoza is a Japanese dish inspired by Chinese dumplings, known as “jiaozi.” After World War II, Japanese soldiers who had returned from China brought back their fondness for these dumplings, which led to the adaptation and creation of gyoza. Japanese gyoza are typically thinner-skinned, smaller, and have a more intense garlic flavor than the Chinese version. This particular Smash Gyoza recipe offers a modern twist on the traditional preparation by flattening the dumplings during cooking, creating an irresistible crispy texture.

Key Ingredients and Their Role:

Green Cabbage: Adds bulk and a slight crunch to the filling. Cabbage is often used in gyoza to lighten the meat mixture and balance flavors.
Ground Chicken or Pork: The primary source of protein and umami flavor in this dish. Both meats are commonly used in traditional gyoza recipes.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and a slight texture variation to the filling.

Garlic and Ginger: Provide aromatic depth and enhance the savory flavor of the filling.
Gyoza Wrappers: These thin wrappers are essential for creating the crispy exterior when pan-fried. They’re smaller and thinner than traditional Chinese dumpling wrappers.
Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce: A perfect balance of salty and tangy, this dipping sauce complements the flavors of the crispy gyoza and adds a savory finishing touch.

Cooking Techniques:

The Smash Technique: Unlike regular gyoza, where the dumplings are pleated and steamed, this version flattens the filling with a spatula, ensuring maximum surface area contact for crispy, golden-brown results. The technique of smashing the gyoza creates a unique texture that is both crunchy and juicy.
Pan-Frying with a Lid: This ensures the filling cooks through while keeping the wrappers crispy. It’s important to flip the gyoza to evenly brown both sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: With only 23 minutes of total prep and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a spontaneous snack.

Versatile: You can substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version or experiment with different fillings like shrimp or mushrooms.
Crowd-Pleaser: Smash Gyoza makes for an excellent appetizer or finger food for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. The crisp texture and flavorful filling make it a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Nutritional Highlights:

This recipe is relatively light and balanced, offering a good combination of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. With around 230 calories per serving, Smash Gyoza is a guilt-free indulgence, especially when paired with a fresh salad or light soup.

Pairing Suggestions:

Sides: You can serve Smash Gyoza alongside a simple miso soup, steamed rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad to complement the savory, crunchy texture of the gyoza.
Dipping Sauce Alternatives: While the Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce is a perfect match, you can also try soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar, or a spicy ponzu sauce for added zest.

Presentation Tips:

Serve Smash Gyoza hot and garnish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of color. Arranging the gyoza in a circle or in a staggered line on a platter with a small dish of dipping sauce in the center enhances the visual appeal. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

Cabbage: High in vitamins C and K, cabbage is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable that also provides fiber for digestion. It is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. They also add natural sweetness to the filling, balancing the savory flavors of the meat and seasonings.
Ground Chicken/Pork: These proteins are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Chicken is generally leaner, making it a lower-fat option, while pork provides a slightly richer flavor and contains essential nutrients like B vitamins and zinc.

Garlic & Ginger: Both garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They are staples in Asian cooking, adding depth to the dish while providing health benefits. Garlic is especially known for heart health, while ginger aids digestion.
Gyoza Wrappers: Though gyoza wrappers are made from simple ingredients like flour and water, they offer a neutral base that allows the flavorful filling to shine. They provide carbohydrates, fueling the body with energy.

Tips for Customizing Smash Gyoza:

Vegetarian/Vegan Adaptation: For a meat-free version, replace the ground chicken or pork with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more diverse filling.

Different Meat Options: Try experimenting with different proteins, like ground shrimp, turkey, or a blend of chicken and pork for a more complex flavor profile.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic paste to the filling if you enjoy spicy food. You can also serve the gyoza with a side of spicy sriracha or chili oil for a heat kick.
Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be added to the filling for extra freshness. You can also introduce Asian seasonings like a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to enhance the umami flavor.

Gyoza Variations Around the World:

Though gyoza has its roots in Japan, variations of this dumpling-style dish exist worldwide, making it a beloved food in many cultures:

Chinese Jiaozi: The Chinese version, jiaozi, is typically boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, similar to gyoza. It often has more garlic and uses thicker wrappers.
Korean Mandu: In Korea, mandu is a popular dumpling filled with a variety of ingredients like meat, tofu, and kimchi. Mandu can be steamed, fried, or added to soups.

Russian Pelmeni: Russian pelmeni are similar to gyoza but filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. They are often boiled and served with sour cream or butter.
Italian Ravioli: While ravioli are typically boiled rather than fried, they share the dumpling-like concept. Stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, ravioli are part of Italy’s rich culinary tradition.

Cooking Equipment Suggestions:

To achieve the best results for Smash Gyoza, here are some key tools you should have in your kitchen:

Nonstick Skillet: A large, high-quality nonstick skillet is essential to ensure the gyoza cook evenly without sticking. The nonstick surface also helps achieve a crispy golden exterior on the gyoza wrappers.
Spatula: A flat, wide spatula is crucial for the “smashing” part of the recipe. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to press the filling into the wrappers without breaking them.
Lid for Steaming: During the initial cooking stage, covering the pan with a lid allows the steam to cook the filling thoroughly, while still crisping the bottom of the gyoza.

Storage and Leftovers:

Freezing Gyoza: Smash Gyoza can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before cooking. Simply place the uncooked gyoza on a tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating Leftovers: Leftover Smash Gyoza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, pan-fry them again in a small amount of oil to restore the crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them soggy.

Perfect Pairings:

Drink Suggestions: Pair Smash Gyoza with a light and refreshing beverage. Options include green tea, a crisp lager, or sparkling water with a splash of lemon. If you want to complement the Asian flavors, try serving it with a cold glass of Japanese sake or plum wine.

Sauce Variations: While Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce is a go-to, here are a few alternatives you can whip up at home:
- Spicy Soy Sauce: Mix soy sauce with rice vinegar and a bit of chili oil for heat.
- Ponzu Sauce: Ponzu is a tangy citrus-soy blend that adds brightness to the savory gyoza.
- Peanut Sauce: For a rich, creamy contrast, a simple peanut butter-based dipping sauce can add a nutty flavor to the dish.

Cultural Significance of Gyoza:

In Japan, gyoza has become a beloved comfort food and is often enjoyed at izakayas (Japanese pubs) or as a side dish to ramen. Gyoza is also commonly prepared at home as a fun family activity where everyone gets involved in making the dumplings. Whether they are steamed, boiled, or fried, gyoza brings people together around the dinner table, embodying the essence of Japanese home cooking.

Smash Gyoza, with its contemporary twist, carries forward the spirit of innovation in Japanese cuisine. The smashing technique reflects the trend of adapting traditional recipes to suit modern palates and cooking methods, all while retaining the authenticity and flavors that make gyoza a cherished dish.

Fun Facts:

In Japan, gyoza is often eaten during New Year’s celebrations, as dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity. Their shape is said to resemble ancient Chinese money, so eating gyoza is thought to bring good fortune.
The largest gyoza ever made weighed 123 kg (271 lbs) and was created in Japan in 2018. It measured about 1.5 meters in diameter!
Gyoza is such a popular food that there is an entire festival in Utsunomiya, Japan, dedicated to it, as the city is famous for its unique style of gyoza-making.

Conclusion:

Smash Gyoza offers a delicious and modern twist on traditional Japanese dumplings, combining crispy textures with a flavorful filling of chicken, cabbage, and aromatic seasonings. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for appetizers or snacks, and can be customized with different proteins or veggies. With its simple preparation and satisfying taste, Smash Gyoza is sure to become a favorite in any home kitchen. Whether you’re a dumpling lover or trying gyoza for the first time, this dish delivers on both flavor and fun!