Smash Gyoza Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, delightfully crispy, and wonderfully fun to make, you’re going to love this Smash Gyoza recipe. These little flattened dumplings combine a juicy filling of seasoned ground chicken or pork with fresh veggies, all enveloped in a golden, crispy wrapper that’s pan-fried to perfection. Smash Gyoza is an easy and satisfying twist on traditional gyoza that brings a crispy crust and tender center in every bite, making it a perfect snack or appetizer to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Smash Gyoza lies in its simple ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor, from the fresh crunch of cabbage to the savory spiced meat filling and the crispy pan sear that finishes it off.

• 1 cup green cabbage, shredded: Provides crunch and moisture while balancing the meat’s richness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and helps soften cabbage.
• ½ pound ground chicken or pork: The hearty protein base packed with juicy flavor.
• ⅓ cup carrot, grated: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped: Brings a mild, fresh oniony zest.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Injects savory warmth to elevate the filling.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, peeled and grated: Adds a subtle spicy brightness that complements the meat.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For frying and achieving that irresistible crispy crust.
• 8 gyoza wrappers: The delicate, thin dough that crisps up perfectly when smashed in the pan.
• Green onions (for serving): A fresh garnish to sprinkle on top for extra color and flavor.
• ½ cup Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce: The perfect partner to dip each crispy bite into.

How to Make Smash Gyoza

Step 1: Prepare and Soften the Cabbage

Start by mixing the shredded cabbage with salt in a small bowl. This step is essential because the salt draws out excess moisture, softening the cabbage so it melds beautifully into the filling without making it soggy. After about 10 minutes, be sure to drain off the liquid and squeeze the cabbage dry with a paper towel—this little extra step ensures your gyoza won’t be wet inside.

Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Once the cabbage is prepped, add it to a larger mixing bowl along with the ground meat, grated carrot, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix everything together thoroughly so every bite gets a perfectly harmonious blend of savory and fresh flavors with a lovely bit of texture from the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook and Smash the Gyoza

Heat a large nonstick skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat for about two minutes to get it nice and hot. Then, scoop heaping tablespoon-sized mounds of the filling onto the skillet, making sure to leave some space between each one. Place a gyoza wrapper on top of each mound and confidently smash it down with a spatula until it’s flattened out. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gyoza cook for 1-2 minutes—this steaming step helps cook the interior filling through.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and carefully flip each gyoza over. Let them cook for another minute uncovered, allowing the bottoms to crisp up to a golden brown perfection. If you have more filling, just repeat the process, adding a little more oil to the pan as needed. The end result is a batch of beautifully golden, crispy Smash Gyoza with tender, juicy filling inside.

How to Serve Smash Gyoza

Garnishes

Serve your Smash Gyoza hot and sprinkle some fresh green onions on top for a burst of vibrant color and added freshness. The bright green not only looks beautiful but also pairs wonderfully with the crispy gyoza.

Side Dishes

Smash Gyoza pairs amazingly well with simple sides like steamed rice, a light cucumber salad, or even a bowl of miso soup to keep things balanced and comforting. These sides complement the savory notes of the dumplings without overwhelming your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange the Smash Gyoza on a long platter in a single layer to show off their crispiness, and serve with individual dipping bowls of Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce. You can also try topping them with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra flavor kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Smash Gyoza left over (though these rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, making them a perfect quick snack for the next day.

Freezing

To enjoy Smash Gyoza at your convenience, you can freeze them with ease. Place the uncooked, flattened gyoza on a parchment-lined tray, making sure they’re not touching, and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer bag. This method prevents sticking and keeps them fresh for up to two months.

Reheating

For the best crispy texture, reheat your Smash Gyoza in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil, flipping halfway through until warmed and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use other meats besides chicken or pork for Smash Gyoza?

Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even finely chopped shrimp can be great alternatives depending on your preference. Just make sure the meat is fresh and well-seasoned.

Do I have to use gyoza wrappers, or can I make my own?

While homemade wrappers are delicious, store-bought gyoza wrappers save time and are just as tasty for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own can add a lovely personal touch.

What if I don’t have Kikkoman® Gyoza Dipping Sauce?

You can easily whip up your own dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, a little sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Adding some chili flakes or fresh chopped garlic gives it an extra zing.

How do I prevent Smash Gyoza from sticking to the pan?

Using a good quality nonstick skillet and enough vegetable oil is key. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the gyoza and avoid overcrowding them to allow even cooking and easy flipping.

Can I make Smash Gyoza vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of grated vegetables. Adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the filling flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Making Smash Gyoza at home is one of those rewarding cooking experiences where the process is just as fun as the delicious results. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned with fresh ingredients, these dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your spatula and give Smash Gyoza a try—it’s a game changer for easy, flavorful bites that everyone will love.

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