Our 15 Best Dumpling, Gyoza, and Potsticker Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between dumpling and Potsticker and gyoza? ›

Gyoza is the Japanese version of a Chinese dumpling, specifically pan-fried potstickers. It is also crescent-shaped, and the size is usually smaller than a potsticker. However, the gyoza wrappers are thinner and more delicate than potstickers.

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

Dumplings in alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce is an easy way to elevate frozen dumplings. Treat them like pasta and cook them in the simmering sauce; sliced onion, chopped garlic, or bacon are all good additions for extra flavor. If you don't have jarred sauce on hand, milk or heavy cream can be a quick fix.

In Japan, gyoza is almost exclusively pan-fried and steamed, served on its own or with a salty and tangy dipping sauce. Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried; served as is, with a spicy sauce, or in a soup.

Potstickers, or jiaozi, are crescent-shaped Chinese dumplings that are first pan-fried and then steamed, which results in a dumpling that is crispy on one side and soft and chewy on the other. Fillings vary but are usually a combination of minced meat and/or vegetables, plus aromatics for enhanced flavor.

It's best to have your lid ready: Immediately add about 3 tablespoons of water to the pan, just enough to cover the base of the dumplings, then cover and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the water has evaporated. Lift the lid and allow the dumpling to cook for another 30 seconds, to allow the bottoms to get extra crispy.

Don't overmix the dumpling dough!

Overmixing will further develop the gluten, making for a tough or rubbery dumpling.

Arrange your frozen potstickers on a baking sheet in a single layer, spaced ½ inch apart, and if desired, brush or spray with vegetable oil. Bake your potstickers in the oven for 10 to 18 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the dumplings are cooked to your liking (we prefer ours golden brown).

“Pull them out of the freezer when you're ready to cook them,” he says. “When they defrost, they start to stick together and they'll break.” He opts for a non-stick pan with a fitted lid, the latter to form a tight seal that allows for the dumplings to properly steam (and to prevent splatters of oil and water).

Steaming is a much faster method as you only need to bring a few cups of water to a boil instead of an entire pot. Texturally, it'll also leave the skins a little stretchier and firmer. I generally prefer this texture to the softer texture boiling gives.

What is the tastiest dumpling? ›

Jiaozi. Jiaozi (pronounced "jow-zee") are perhaps the most common type of Chinese dumpling. Crescent-shaped and formed with an opaque wrapper made from wheat dough, jiaozi are usually filled with ground pork, cabbage, and scallions, and served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.

A guide to cook dumplings in three ways – boiling, steaming, and pan-frying. Includes equipment needed and tips to make perfect dumplings every single time. We almost always have a bag of dumplings in the freezer – either store-bought or homemade ones.

Potstickers are always dumplings, but not all dumplings are potstickers. The biggest difference between these two are how they are cooked, but the cooking method has also changed the kinds of ingredients and preparation of both potstickers and dumplings over time. Potstickers are dumplings that are also pan-fried.

If you have visited a Japanese restaurant or eaten Japanese style street food, you may have noticed a popular dish called 'Gyoza' on the menu. These delicious treats are Japanese dumplings, made with a variety of different fillings.

Gyoza are the Japanese version of jiaozi, or Chinese potstickers. This version is pan-fried but they work well deep-fried or steamed too.