Half-Steamed Half-Fried Gyoza with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

These Japanese dumplings are cooked half by steaming and half by frying for a perfect contrast of tender and crispy textures, served with a nutty sesame soy sauce. This japanese-inspired dumplings ready in about 30 minutes blends gyoza wrappers, ground pork, stalks, finely chopped green onions into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz ground pork, 2 finely chopped green onions, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 gyoza wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about 1 tbsp filling into its center. Moisten the edges with water and fold in half, pleating the edges to seal. Repeat for remaining wrappers.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 8-10 gyozas flat side down and fry for 2 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup water into the skillet and immediately cover with a lid to steam the gyozas. Cook for 5 minutes until the water evaporates and wrappers are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid and cook uncovered for 1 more minute to crisp the bottoms again. Transfer gyozas to a plate.
  6. Step 6: For dipping sauce, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside the gyozas.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Steamed Half-Fried Gyoza with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Half-Steamed Half-Fried Gyoza with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Steamed Half-Fried Gyoza with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Steamed Half-Fried Gyoza with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Steamed Half-Fried Gyoza with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce?

Japanese dumplings like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.