Crispy Smashed Gyozas

Smashed gyozas offer a delightful twist on traditional dumplings, combining the ease of store-bought wonton wrappers with a savory, pan-fried finish. These crispy treasures are perfect for anyone looking for a quick weeknight meal or a standout appetizer for their next gathering.

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By smashing the dumplings slightly before they hit the pan, you create more surface area for that coveted crunch. The combination of juicy ground pork and fresh napa cabbage makes every bite incredibly satisfying and packed with Asian-fusion flavor.

Ingredients

• Filling: 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.
• Dumplings: 16 store-bought wonton wrappers, 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or sunflower), water as needed.
• Dipping Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp chili oil (optional), 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds.

Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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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 steam the gyozas properly. Pressing down with your palm is the key to achieving that signature flat, smashed shape that crisps up beautifully during the pan-frying stage.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute ground pork with chicken, turkey, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. For extra texture and flavor, you can also add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots into the meat mixture.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these gyozas immediately while hot with the prepared dipping sauce. For a fresh finish and a pop of color, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or fresh cilantro.

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Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main course, these smashed gyozas bring the authentic flavors of Asian fusion cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and juicy filling of this simple yet impressive dish!

Mount paper towels nearby for quick cleanup of spills, grease, and messes while cooking and prepping meals.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes smashed gyozas different from regular dumplings?

Smashed gyozas are flattened before cooking, creating more surface area for crisping. This technique yields extra-crispy bottoms while maintaining tender steamed tops, offering more texture contrast than traditionally shaped dumplings.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace ground pork with crumbled firm tofu, finely chopped mushrooms, or additional vegetables like shredded carrots and bell peppers. Adjust seasoning slightly as plant-based fillings may absorb more salt.

→ Why do you add water during cooking?

Adding water creates steam that cooks the dumpling filling through without burning the wrapper. The covered steaming step ensures the pork is fully cooked while keeping the wrappers tender, then the final uncovered cooking re-crisps the bottoms.

→ Can I freeze uncooked smashed gyozas?

Yes. Arrange uncooked gyozas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook frozen dumplings directly in the pan, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the steaming time.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover gyozas?

Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this makes wrappers soggy. A toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes also works well.