Hamamatsu Gyoza

Hamamatsu gyoza is a special type of Japanese dumpling that originates from Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka prefecture. Known for their crispy texture and juicy filling, Hamamatsu gyoza are arranged in a circular shape and are often served with bean sprouts as a garnish. This recipe will show you the traditional way to make these delicious dumplings.

Hamamatsu dumpling recipe

Material:

Gyoza filling:

200 g (7 oz) minced pork (or a mix of minced pork and chicken)
1 cup shredded cabbage (preferably Chinese cabbage)
1/4 cup shredded onion
1/4 cup shredded chives or green onions
1/4 cup shredded chives or garlic  (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sake
1 Table spoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 /4 Teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

Gyoza wrappers:

30 gyoza wrappers (store-bought or homemade)

For frying:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup water (for steaming the dumplings) Dumplings

For serving:

1 cup bean sprouts (lightly boiled)

1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying bean sprouts)

1. Table spoon and soy sauce

1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional for a tangy taste)

1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

For dipping sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

procedure:

Preparation of ingredients:

Finely chop the cabbage, onion, chives (or green onions), and garlic chives (if using).

Place the shredded cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Leave it for 10 minutes. This will allow the cabbage to release excess water. After 10 minutes, squeeze the cabbage to remove any excess water. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

In a large bowl, add the ground pork, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, chives, garlic, soy sauce, sake, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and sugar (if using).

Mix ingredients together with your hands or a spoon until well combined - the mixture should be thick and sticky - cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Assembling the dumplings:

Take one dumpling wrapper and place it on a flat surface. Dip your finger in water to moisten the edge of the wrapper.

Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the skin.

Fold the wrapper in half to create a semicircle and pinch the top center to seal. Press one side of the wrapper against a flat surface (usually 3-4 folds) while continuing to fold and pleat until the dumpling is tightly sealed.

Place the finished dumplings on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or lightly floured to prevent them from sticking. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Cook the dumplings:

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Arrange the dumplings in a circle (such as a flower shape) with the flat side down and the pleated side up, leaving some space between each dumpling.

Cook the dumplings until golden and crisp on the bottoms, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Once the bottoms are browned, add 1/2 cup water to the pan and immediately cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and steam the dumplings for about 5 to 7 minutes or until most of the water has evaporated.

Remove the lid and return the heat to medium. Cook the dumplings for another minute or two to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate and the bottoms to crisp up again.

Preparing the sprouts:

While the dumplings are cooking, blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes and drain well.

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a separate frying pan over medium heat. Add the boiled bean sprouts and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes.

Season with soy sauce and a little rice vinegar if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.

Presentation:

Once the dumplings are cooked, carefully transfer them to a serving platter. Arrange the dumplings in a circle, leaving the center open.

For an authentic Hamamatsu presentation, place the stir-fried bean sprouts in the center of the gyoza ring.

Serve the dumplings warm with the dipping sauce (a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil).

How to make the dipping sauce:

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon chili oil (if using).

Adjust the ratio of soy sauce and vinegar to your liking.

TIP : 

For crispy dumplings: 
Cook the dumplings uncovered for a few minutes after the water has evaporated to ensure the bottoms are crispy. 

Prevent soggy: 
To prevent the filling from becoming soggy, it is important to remove excess water from the cabbage. If necessary, squeeze the cabbage using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. 

Freezing the dumplings: 
If making a large batch, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a sealable bag. Cook them while frozen. Just add a few minutes to the steaming time. 

Vegan Friendly: 
Substitute finely chopped mushrooms and tofu for a vegetarian version of Hamamatsu dumplings. This detailed recipe captures the essence and unique style of Hamamatsu dumplings, with crispy dumplings and sautéed bean sprouts for a deliciously balanced meal. 

Serve the flavorful dumplings as a main dish or appetizer, accompanied by rice and a light salad.