＊You can also read this article in Korean and Taiwanese. Please click on the links below.교자: 일본 만두의 풍부한 맛과 독특한 특징을 발견하다餃子：探索日本餃子的豐富風味與獨特特點Gyoza: Discovering the Rich Flavors and Unique Features of Japanese DumplingsWhat is Gyoza: Japanese DumplingsThis article invites you to explore your knowledge of Gyoza, the beloved Japanese dumplings, as we delve into their intriguing characteristics, the differences between Gyoza and Chinese dumplings, and the rich flavors that make them so delicious.Japanese dumplings (Gyoza in Japanese), also affectionately known as fried dumplings, are a Japanese take on Chinese dumplings, designed to cater to the taste buds of local Japanese. In Japan, especially in the Kansai region, fried dumplings are often eaten with rice. This way of eating dumplings as a side dish rather than a staple food has amazed many foreign friends, especially those who are used to treating dumplings as a staple food, such as Chinese people.Looking back historically, this change can be traced back to the post-war period. At that time, you could find both boiled and fried dumplings in restaurants, but due to the scarcity of supplies, eating dozens of dumplings was almost a luxury. The Japanese quickly discovered that deep-fried dumplings, with their enticing aroma and paired with fresh vegetables, were not only delicious but also a great accompaniment to rice. And when enjoyed with traditional Japanese delicacies like ramen, gyoza can be the icing on the cake. After entering modern times, the popularity of dumplings in Japan has plummeted, while fried dumplings have become the star of the dinner table. So when talking about dumplings in Japan, they generally refer to fried dumplings.Japanese Dumplings (Gyoza) and Chinese DumplingsThe story of Japanese fried dumplings and Chinese boiled dumplings is like a cross-cultural food exchange, reflecting their unique flavors and cooking techniques. In China, boiled dumplings are recognized as the first choice for family gatherings, with thick skin and rich fillings; while in Japan, fried dumplings are a common dish on the table and are also a favorite daily delicacy. Japanese fried dumplings usually use thin dough, and the fillings are mainly pork, cabbage, garlic and leeks. This combination of ingredients gives Japanese dumplings a unique taste.For example, the addition of cabbage reflects the Japanese people's flexible use of ingredients. In China, cabbage is the traditional choice for boiled dumpling fillings, and the use of cabbage as a filling makes Japanese fried dumplings more distinctive. About another frequent guest of Japanese fried dumpling fillings - garlic, there is also an interesting historical heritage. Legend has it that when dumplings were introduced from China to Japan, it was during the difficult period of food shortage in Japan. At that time, lamb was often used in the meat filling of dumplings. In order to remove the mutton smell of lamb, the smart Japanese added garlic. Although Japan is rich in material resources today, this tradition continues to this day. Even though pork filling is now commonly used, the combination of garlic and other fillings is still refreshing.In fact, in Japan, fried dumplings are not just a dish, but also a cultural symbol. Whether at a family gathering or in a busy street restaurant, ordering a plate of steaming fried dumplings and drinking a beer with the tempting aroma is a pleasant enjoyment. Every bite, the crispy skin and the delicious filling blend together, as if taking us through Japan's unique food culture, reflecting the charm and richness of Japanese cuisine. Whether you are a loyal fan of dumplings or trying it for the first time, Japanese dumplings can bring surprises and satisfaction to your taste buds.The Appeal of Japanese Gyoza WrappersJapanese dumpling wrappers have been traditionally integrated with the local Japanese food culture and particularities, so compared with dumpling wrappers in China, the birthplace of dumplings, and other countries, they have some unique characteristics.First of all, Japanese dumpling wrappers are usually thinner and more uniform. Compared with Chinese dumpling wrappers, Japanese dumpling wrappers pay more attention to lightness and transparency. This thin skin design not only allows the dumplings to quickly become crispy when fried, producing a crispy taste, but also highlights the taste of the fillings inside the dumplings, forming a sharp contrast between crispy outside and tender inside. This kind of dumpling with thin skin and rich fillings gives people a sense of exquisite beauty, both in taste and appearance.In addition, the elasticity of Japanese dumpling wrappers is also a major feature. Whether it is cold water noodles or hot noodles, the dough kneaded is very soft and tough, so that the dumpling wrappers can wrap the fillings well during the cooking process.The characteristics of Japanese dumpling wrappers can be attributed to being thin and tough, elastic, and having a delicate taste. These characteristics make Japanese dumplings unique in flavor and beauty whether they are fried, boiled or steamed, which not only ensures the taste of dumplings, but also maximizes the deliciousness of the fillings.Gyoza Fillings 101: From Traditional to CreativeFor Japanese dumplings, not only the dumpling wrapper we just introduced is important, but also the selection and preparation of the filling is the soul of Japanese dumplings. Traditional Japanese dumpling fillings are mainly pork, and minced pork brings a rich taste and oily aroma. Of course, you can also change the flavor with beef or chicken according to your personal preferences, or even make all-vegetable dumplings, which are refreshing and healthy.Cabbage is also an indispensable element in Japanese dumpling fillings. It not only provides a full taste, but also brings natural sweetness. Along with cabbage, leeks also shine, and the spicy flavor of leeks makes the whole dumpling filling more delicious. If you don't like leeks, green onions are also a good alternative. Although the taste is slightly milder, it can still make the dumplings fragrant. However, don't forget to freshen your breath after eating these dumplings.In terms of fragrance, Japanese dumplings are somewhat different from Chinese dumplings. Japanese people especially like to use garlic to add a rich flavor to dumplings. Garlic not only enhances the aroma of dumplings, but also gives it a warm and spicy feeling. In contrast, although Chinese dumplings also use garlic, the taste is much lighter, highlighting the freshness of the meat and vegetables.The seasoning of Japanese dumpling fillings is very simple. Soy sauce brings a deep salty taste, sesame oil adds a charming aroma to the filling, and the addition of salt and pepper enriches the taste. This seasoning method is simple but wonderful, retaining the natural flavor of the ingredients themselves.If you want to challenge some different flavors, you can try adding other ingredients, such as mushrooms and shrimp. Every attempt may bring new surprises. However, although the combination of dumpling fillings is relatively free, not all ingredients are suitable for dumpling fillings.Some ingredients are not recommended as dumpling fillings because of their texture, water content or flavor. For example, high-water vegetables such as tomatoes can easily release too much water during cooking in dumpling fillings, causing the dumpling skin to be soaked or even cracked. In addition, some ingredients with too coarse texture, such as nuts or tuber vegetables, are not suitable for direct dumpling fillings, because they cannot be fully softened during the short cooking process, which may affect the overall taste.Some ingredients with too strong or special flavors, such as strong blue cheese or pickles, will steal the limelight from other ingredients and make the overall flavor of the dumplings unbalanced. Dumpling fillings emphasize the harmony and layering of flavors, and some ingredients have too unique flavors, which will destroy this delicate balance. Therefore, although free matching is a great pleasure of dumpling fillings, you also need to consider their texture and flavor when choosing ingredients to keep the dumplings in the best taste and flavor fusion.Food, Drinks and Condiments to Pair with Japanese Dumplings As well as being delicious on their own, Japanese dumplings can be paired with other foods, drinks and condiments to make this Japanese dish even more delicious. Next, let's explore the best partners that can enhance the flavor of Japanese dumplings!Food Pairings:Refreshing SaladA simple seaweed salad or cucumber salad is not only colorful, but also brings a crisp taste. Pair it with a little rice vinegar and sesame oil, and the fresh flavor will keep your mouth fresh while enjoying the delicious dumplings.Rice and SoupWhile dumplings are filling on their own, if you want to add a traditional Japanese meal, a bowl of hot miso soup and a small bowl of white rice will be a great choice. This combination not only makes people feel warm, but also makes every bite of the dumplings more delicious.RamenIn Japan, dumplings and ramen are also a fixed pair, especially in Chinese restaurants in Japan. Although this combination of carbohydrates and carbohydrates is not easy for many foreigners to understand, once you have tasted this combination, you can immediately experience the deliciousness of this calorie bomb. Japanese dumplings are usually crispy on the outside and delicious on the inside, while ramen has smooth noodles and a rich soup base. The combination of the two can experience different tastes and flavors in just one meal, enriching the fun of dining.Beverage pairing:TeaIn the hot summer, cold brewed green tea is an excellent choice; while in the cold winter, a cup of warm black tea is the best match. The fresh tea fragrance and the fragrance of dumplings blend with each other, as if you are in a quiet Japanese garden, experiencing a feast of taste.Draft beerIf you like a slightly richer taste, then a glass of iced draft beer is definitely not to be missed. The bitterness of beer and the freshness of dumplings form an interesting contrast, which makes people unable to stop.Plum wineThe unique sweet and sour taste of plum wine is also a good choice for dumplings. Drink a sip of plum wine and then eat a bite of dumplings, and you will instantly feel the layered taste. It is simply a pleasant taste journey.Seasoning combination:Soy sauceTraditional Japanese soy sauce is undoubtedly the classic partner of Japanese dumplings. The rich salty fragrance and the deliciousness of dumplings are perfectly combined. It is an absolutely not to be missed seasoning choice.VinegarWith the help of vinegar, you can take the taste of Japanese dumplings to another level. Try using balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to add a unique sour taste to the dumplings.Chili oilFor people who like heavy flavors and spicy food, chili oil is an indispensable condiment. It adds a hot and stimulating feeling to Japanese dumplings, which makes people's heart beat faster and every bite is full of surprises.Food, beverages and seasonings that go with Japanese dumplings are like colors in paintings. As long as they are reasonably matched, they can show the most beautiful scenery. Next time you enjoy Japanese dumplings, try these pairings. I believe they will bring a whole new experience to your taste buds!How to Make Japanese DumplingsAfter reading so many interesting facts about Japanese dumplings, do you want to make dumplings yourself? Then, let's explore how to make this classic delicacy at home. Let's learn how to make classic Japanese dumplings with pork fillings! Since the method of making dumpling wrappers has been detailed in the previous article, we will not repeat this part.First, we need to prepare some fresh ingredients as dumpling fillings. For example, the cabbage, leeks, and green onions mentioned above can all be used as dumpling fillings. Chop these ingredients, the finer the better, so that the fillings will be more evenly flavored when making dumplings.Next, we need to season our fillings. While stirring, add the seasonings you want, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. This step is critical. Seasoning can add a rich layering to the dumplings and make every bite full of surprises.Now it's time to add the protagonist - pork! Add the chopped pork to the seasoned vegetable mixture and stir thoroughly in a large bowl to make sure all the ingredients are blended together. In this way, the dumpling filling is ready. At this point, the smell is enough to make you salivate!It seems that here, do you want to try making Japanese dumpling wrappers yourself? Then, let's learn how to make authentic Japanese dumpling wrappers right away!First of all, it should be noted that the production methods of Japanese dumpling wrappers are usually divided into hot water and cold water according to different uses. These two methods have subtle differences in feel and final taste.Hot water needs to be used to moisten 2/3 of the flour first, and then add cold water after cooling to knead into dough. This method makes the dumpling wrappers softer. This method is suitable for the most common fried dumplings in Japan.Cold water dough is often used for boiled dumplings because its dumpling wrappers are elastic, resistant to boiling and not easy to break. When making, usually 2 cups of flour to 1 cup of water, adjust the amount of water according to the water absorption of the flour.Finally, no matter what kind of dough is used, it needs to be kneaded for 20 to 30 minutes after kneading, and then kneaded until it is smooth and non-sticky. The kneaded dough is divided into small pieces and rolled into dumpling wrappers with a thick center and thin edges. For fried dumplings, oval wrappers are used to make them crispy, while for boiled dumplings, round wrappers are used to make them easy to stew in a pot.In general, the process of making Japanese dumpling wrappers is delicate, but full of fun and a sense of accomplishment. Every time you make it by hand, it is like a dialogue with flour and water, feeling the changes in ingredients and the transmission of temperature. It is this care and attention that creates the unique flavor and texture of Japanese dumpling wrappers, which is endless aftertaste.Actually, in Japan, you can find commercially available Gyoza wrappers that are easy to use for home cooking, so it's recommended to use those for convenience!When Gyoza wrappers are ready, wrapping the dumplings is the most enjoyable part. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the dumpling wrapper, then use your finger to dip in some water and gently seal the edges to ensure that the filling does not come out during the cooking process. Of course, you can also try different ways of sealing the edges to add a personalized style to your dumplings!After wrapping the dumplings, the next step is to cook them! Pour a proper amount of oil into a frying pan and heat it to a moderate temperature. Carefully put the dumplings into the pan and fry them slightly until the bottom is golden and crispy, then add a small amount of water. Remember not to pour too much water. Then, turn to medium-low heat, cover the pot, and steam quietly for 5 to 7 minutes. You can adjust the time according to the number of dumplings.The fried dumplings can be eaten directly, but we can also prepare a delicious dipping sauce for the dumplings. You can choose a simple soy sauce, or add some vinegar and chili oil to mix your favorite flavor. Dip the dumplings gently in the dipping sauce, and every bite is an ultimate enjoyment for your taste buds.See, making Japanese dumplings is not complicated! Whether you do it with your family or enjoy this time alone in the kitchen, it is a pleasant experience. Come and try your hand at making them and enjoy the happiness brought by these delicious dumplings!Let’s Find the Best Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Delicious Gyoza!Among the restaurants we recommend, Chinese restaurants are the most likely to serve delicious Gyoza. However, not every establishment guarantees Japanese-style Gyoza. If you're looking to enjoy authentic Japanese Gyoza in Japan, be sure to check the menu when making a reservation. Wishing you a wonderful dining experience in Japan!About the WriterThe writer is a graduate student currently studying in Japan, where they have been living for three years. With a passion for Onigiri and anime, they share unique insights and experiences that highlight the richness of Japanese culture and cuisine.
