Crispy Fried Pork Gyoza Recipe – A Japanese Delight

Fried pork gyoza, also known as Japanese dumplings, are a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on the bottom while keeping the top soft and juicy.

Originally inspired by Chinese jiaozi, gyoza has become a staple in Japanese households and restaurants. The secret to great Fried Pork Gyoza gyoza lies in the perfect balance of flavors, a juicy filling, and the right cooking technique. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a full meal when paired with rice and dipping sauces.

This recipe will guide you through making homemade Fried Pork Gyoza from scratch, ensuring that each bite is filled with rich umami flavors and a satisfying crispy texture. With a little practice, you can easily master the art of making these delicious dumplings at home!

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Ingredients for Fried Pork Gyoza

For the Gyoza Filling:

• ½ pound (225g) ground pork
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Wrappers and Cooking:

• 24 gyoza wrappers (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup water

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

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Directions for Fried Pork Gyoza

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the ground pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
2. Fill the Wrappers: Place a gyoza wrapper on your palm. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
3. Seal the Gyoza: Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Fold the wrapper in half and pinch the center closed. Make small pleats along one side, pressing firmly to seal. Repeat with all wrappers.
4. Cook the Gyoza: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the gyoza flat-side down in the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
5. Steam the Gyoza: Pour ¼ cup of water into the pan and immediately cover with a lid. Let the gyoza steam for about 5 minutes or until the water evaporates.
6. Final Crisping: Remove the lid and let the gyoza cook for another 1–2 minutes to crisp up the bottoms.
7. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
8. Serve Hot: Transfer the Fried Pork Gyoza to a plate and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

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How to Prepare Fried Pork Gyoza

Tips for the Best Fried Pork Gyoza:

• Finely Chop Ingredients: Ensure the cabbage and green onions are finely chopped for a smooth filling texture.
• Don’t Overfill Wrappers: Too much filling makes them hard to seal and may cause them to break.
• Use Fresh Wrappers: Dry wrappers can crack, so keep them covered with a damp towel while working.
• Crisp the Bottoms Well: A good sear adds a delicious crunch to the dumplings.
• Steam Properly: Adding water and covering the pan ensures the gyoza cook through without drying out.

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How to Make Homemade Gyoza Wrappers

If you can’t find store-bought wrappers, making them at home is simple. Here’s an easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120ml) hot water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cornstarch or extra flour (for dusting)

Directions:

1. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add hot water while stirring with chopsticks or a spoon.
2. Knead the Dough: Once it forms a rough dough, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Rest the Dough: Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
4. Roll Out Wrappers: Divide the dough into small pieces (about the size of a cherry tomato). Roll each into a thin circle about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. Dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
5. Use Immediately or Store: Stack them with a little flour between each and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.

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Dipping Sauce Variation for Fried Pork Gyoza – Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce

This dipping sauce has a bold, flavorful kick and pairs perfectly with crispy Fried Pork Gyoza.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chili oil (or more for extra spice)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.
2. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Serve with hot gyoza and enjoy!

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Here are some delicious gyoza filling variations to try!

1. Chicken and Vegetable Gyoza 🥟🐔

A lighter alternative to pork, packed with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• ½ pound (225g) ground chicken
• 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Tip: Add a small amount of chopped mushrooms for extra umami flavor!

2. Shrimp and Garlic Chive Gyoza 🦐🌿

A seafood twist with a fresh and savory taste.

Ingredients:

• ½ pound (225g) shrimp, finely chopped
• ½ cup garlic chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger

Tip: Use a mix of shrimp and ground pork for a richer flavor!

3. Spicy Kimchi and Pork Gyoza 🌶️🥬

A bold, tangy, and spicy variation for kimchi lovers!

Ingredients:

• ½ pound (225g) ground pork
• ½ cup finely chopped kimchi (drained of excess liquid)
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

Tip: For extra crunch, add a few sesame seeds to the filling!

4. Vegetarian Mushroom and Tofu Gyoza 🍄🧄

A flavorful, meat-free option packed with umami.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup firm tofu, crumbled
• ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or button)
• ¼ cup finely shredded carrots
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Tip: Squeeze excess moisture from tofu before mixing to avoid a soggy filling!

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Conclusion

Fried pork gyoza are a delicious and satisfying dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With their crispy bottoms, juicy filling, and flavorful dipping sauce, these dumplings are sure to impress your family and friends.

By following this recipe, you can create restaurant-quality Fried Pork Gyoza in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, gyoza are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

Once you get the hang of folding and cooking them, you can experiment with different fillings like chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian options. Don’t forget to make extra because these dumplings disappear fast!

Enjoy your homemade crispy fried pork gyoza! 🍽️🥟

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