Gyoza are dumplings made with a wheat flour-based wrapper filled with meat and vegetables, and cooked by pan-frying, steaming, or boiling. Originating in Northern China, they are popular in Japan and around the world.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 20 gyoza wrappers
• 200g ground pork
• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded and salted, then drained after 10 minutes
• 1 bunch chives, minced
• 1 knob ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• Vegetable oil, as needed

Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then drain the excess water. Mince the chives and grate the ginger.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground pork, cabbage, chives, ginger, sesame oil, chicken bouillon powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each gyoza wrapper and fold it into a half-moon shape.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and place the gyoza in the pan.
5. Once the bottoms are golden brown, add 100ml of water and cover the pan with a lid.
6. When the water has evaporated, remove the lid and cook until the gyoza are crispy.

Tips

• Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cabbage to prevent the gyoza from breaking apart.
• Fill the gyoza wrappers with just enough filling to make them easy to fold.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your preference.

Health and beauty benefits

Gyoza offers numerous health and beauty benefits. Firstly, the gyoza wrappers contain carbohydrates, which help replenish energy. The filling includes protein sources such as pork, which support muscle maintenance and repair. Additionally, vegetables like cabbage, garlic chives, and ginger are used abundantly, providing a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals. This can improve immune function and digestive health. Furthermore, ginger has antioxidant properties, which are effective for maintaining healthy skin.