Smashed Gyozas Crispy Pan Fried

Featured in: Easy Starters & Complements

These smashed gyozas deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. By pan-frying store-bought wonton wrappers until crispy, then steaming to tender perfection, you achieve that irresistible contrast of textures. The pork filling comes together quickly with pantry staples like soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger. Each batch cooks in under 10 minutes, making this ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. The final sizzle creates those signature crispy bottoms while keeping the filling juicy and flavorful.

Updated on Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:01:17 GMT
These smashed gyozas are golden and crispy on the bottom, filled with savory pork and napa cabbage, ready to dip in a tangy sauce.  Save to Pinterest
These smashed gyozas are golden and crispy on the bottom, filled with savory pork and napa cabbage, ready to dip in a tangy sauce. | plateorbit.com

Experience a delightful twist on a classic favorite with these Smashed Gyozas. By using convenient store-bought wonton wrappers and a savory pork filling, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. These dumplings are pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection on the bottom while remaining tender and juicy inside.

These smashed gyozas are golden and crispy on the bottom, filled with savory pork and napa cabbage, ready to dip in a tangy sauce.  Save to Pinterest
These smashed gyozas are golden and crispy on the bottom, filled with savory pork and napa cabbage, ready to dip in a tangy sauce. | plateorbit.com

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick meal, these gyozas offer an Asian Fusion flair that is both easy and satisfying. The combination of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil creates a deep, aromatic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the tangy dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • Filling: 200 g ground pork (or chicken), 1 cup napa cabbage (finely shredded), 2 green onions (finely sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger (grated), 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Dumplings: 16 store-bought wonton wrappers, 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower), water as needed
  • Dipping Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp chili oil (optional), 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Product image
Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine ground pork, napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Gyozas
Lay out wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, fold into a half-moon, and press to seal.
Step 3: Smash and Fry
Flatten slightly with your palm to smash the dumpling. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place half the dumplings flat side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Steam
Add 2 tablespoons water to the pan and cover immediately. Steam for 2-3 minutes until the wrappers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Step 5: Crisp and Finish
Remove the lid and cook for another 1 minute to re-crisp the bottoms. Repeat with the remaining dumplings. Mix the dipping sauce ingredients and serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, make sure the cabbage is very finely shredded so it blends seamlessly with the meat. When smashing the dumplings, press firmly but gently to avoid tearing the delicate wonton wrappers.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute ground pork with chicken, turkey, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. For extra texture and nutrients, you can also add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots to the filling mixture.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these gyozas hot with the prepared dipping sauce. For a fresh finish and a pop of color, garnish the plate with a sprinkle of chopped chives or fresh cilantro.

A close-up shows the tender, pan-fried smashed gyozas garnished with sesame seeds, served hot as a delicious weeknight appetizer.  Save to Pinterest
A close-up shows the tender, pan-fried smashed gyozas garnished with sesame seeds, served hot as a delicious weeknight appetizer. | plateorbit.com

With a total time of just 32 minutes, these Smashed Gyozas are a fantastic way to enjoy homemade Asian Fusion cuisine without the complexity of traditional folding. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory filling and crispy dough in every bite!

Product image
Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.
Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

What makes smashed gyozas different from regular dumplings?

Smashed gyozas are flattened before cooking, creating more surface area for crispy bottoms. The unique cooking method—pan-frying, then steaming, then frying again—produces an irresistible texture contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Can I freeze uncooked smashed gyozas?

Yes, arrange uncooked gyozas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the steaming time.

What dipping sauces pair well with these dumplings?

The classic soy-vinegar-chili oil combination is perfect. You can also try ponzu sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil for added depth.

How do I prevent gyozas from sticking to the pan?

Use a well-seasoned nonstick skillet and ensure it's properly heated before adding oil. Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. The initial oil creates a natural nonstick surface for the first batch.

Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Replace ground pork with crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or a meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like finely chopped carrots, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots for texture. Check that your wonton wrappers are egg-free for vegan version.

Why do some gyozas open during cooking?

This usually happens due to overfilling or inadequate sealing. Use about 1 teaspoon of filling per wrapper, moisten edges thoroughly with water, and press firmly to seal. The slight flattening helps distribute filling evenly and reduces pressure on the seal.

Smashed Gyozas Crispy Pan Fried

Crispy pan-fried dumplings with seasoned pork filling, using convenient wonton wrappers for a quick Asian-inspired appetizer or weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
32 minutes
Recipe by Plate Orbit Tyler Ramos

Recipe Category Easy Starters & Complements

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Asian Fusion

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy

Ingredient List

Filling

01 7 oz ground pork or chicken
02 1 cup napa cabbage, finely shredded
03 2 green onions, finely sliced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 1 tablespoon sesame oil
07 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 1/2 teaspoon sugar
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dumplings

01 16 store-bought wonton wrappers
02 2 tablespoons neutral oil such as canola or sunflower
03 Water as needed

Dipping Sauce

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce
02 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
03 1 teaspoon chili oil optional
04 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare the filling mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, shredded napa cabbage, sliced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, sugar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 02

Assemble the gyozas: Lay wonton wrappers flat on a clean work surface. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges with water using your fingertip.

Step 03

Fold and flatten: Fold each wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press gently to seal the edges. Flatten the dumpling slightly with your palm to create the characteristic smashed appearance.

Step 04

Pan-fry the first batch: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place half of the dumplings in the pan with the flat side facing down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.

Step 05

Steam the dumplings: Add 2 tablespoons water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid. Steam for 2 to 3 minutes until the wrappers become tender and the filling cooks through completely.

Step 06

Crisp the bottoms: Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1 minute to re-crisp the bottoms of the dumplings. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat steps 4 through 6 with the remaining dumplings and oil.

Step 07

Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil if using, and toasted sesame seeds until well combined.

Step 08

Serve: Arrange hot gyozas on a serving platter and present alongside the dipping sauce for immediate consumption.

Essential Tools

  • Large nonstick skillet with fitted lid
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl for dipping sauce
  • Silicone or wooden spatula

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat from wonton wrappers
  • Contains soy from soy sauce
  • May contain sesame from sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds
  • May contain eggs depending on wonton wrapper manufacturer specifications

Nutrition Per Serving

Details provided for informational reasons—not a substitute for advice from a healthcare provider.
  • Calorie Count: 220
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 12 g