Smashed Gyozas Crispy Pan Fried

A quick and easy twist on traditional dumplings, these smashed gyozas are pan-fried to crispy perfection using convenient store-bought wonton wrappers. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish brings the flavors of Asian fusion cuisine to your kitchen in just over 30 minutes.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By flattening the wontons, you ensure even cooking and a delightful crunch in every bite. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these gyozas are easy to master and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 200 g ground pork (or chicken)
• 1 cup napa cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 16 store-bought wonton wrappers
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or sunflower)
• Water, as needed

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1

In a bowl, combine ground pork, napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2

Lay out wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.

Step 3

Moisten the edges of each wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon; press gently to seal. Flatten slightly with your palm to smash the dumpling.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place half the dumplings in the pan, flat side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Step 5

Add 2 tablespoons water to the pan and cover immediately. Steam for 2-3 minutes until the wrappers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Step 6

Remove the lid and cook for another 1 minute to re-crisp the bottoms. Repeat with remaining dumplings and oil.

Step 7

Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 8

Serve gyozas hot with the dipping sauce.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure you use a large nonstick skillet with a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the gyozas. Mixing the filling thoroughly helps the napa cabbage and ground meat bind together, ensuring a consistent flavor in every dumpling.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version, substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu. You can also add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots to the filling for extra texture and nutritional value.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these gyozas hot alongside the soy-vinegar dipping sauce. For a professional finish and a fresh herbal note, sprinkle the dish with chopped chives or cilantro before serving.

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These smashed gyozas are an excellent addition to your recipe rotation, providing 12g of protein per serving in a dairy-free package. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory filling and golden-brown crunch for your next meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes smashed gyozas different from regular dumplings?

Smashed gyozas are flattened before cooking, creating more surface area that becomes exceptionally crispy when pan-fried. This technique combines the steamed tenderness of traditional dumplings with an extra-crispy, golden bottom that's impossible to resist.

→ Can I freeze uncooked smashed gyozas for later?

Absolutely. Arrange the filled and sealed gyozas on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding an extra minute to the steaming step. No thawing required.

→ What's the best way to achieve crispy bottoms?

Start with a hot skillet and enough oil to coat the bottom. Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden. The key is the water-steam method: adding water creates steam to cook the filling while evaporating to re-crisp the bottoms.

→ Can I make these vegetarian or use different proteins?

Yes. Substitute ground pork with crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or finely chopped vegetables for vegetarian options. Ground chicken, turkey, or beef work equally well. Adjust seasoning to taste, as plant-based proteins may need extra soy sauce.

→ Why do my gyozas stick to the pan?

Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding oil and gyozas. Use a good quality nonstick pan and don't crowd the dumplings. Let them develop a crust before attempting to move them. If needed, gently shimmy the pan to loosen.

→ What can I serve alongside smashed gyozas?

These pair perfectly with steamed rice, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, add stir-fried vegetables or cold sesame noodles. They also shine as party appetizers with multiple dipping sauces.