Boiled Gyoza (Dumplings) (2024)

5 from 11 votes

For Soaking Shiitake

• 8 dried shiitake
• 2 1/2 cups water (for soaking)

The Rest

• 8 hydrated shiitake (or use fresh ones)
• 2 oz napa cabbage, core removed
• 1 block (16 oz) super firm tofu (typically sold vacuumed packed)
• 4 cloves garlic grated
• 2 inches ginger knob grated
• 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tbsp potato starch or corn starch
• 1 package (about 24 sheets) Nasoya Vegan Wonton Wraps (or any other brands)
• 2-3 tbsp grapeseed oil
• 1 scallion julienned (optional)

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

• Soy sauce only
• Soy sauce + rice vinegar 2:1 ratio
• Soy sauce + rice vinegar + Japanese chili oil (ra-yu)

**If using fresh shiitake, skip to Step 3

• Put dried shiitake in a bowl then add water to soak. Put a tiny plate over to completely submerge them in the water (they will float!) Soak for 8-12 hours.

• After soaking, rinse and clean plumped shiitake under running water to remove unwanted particles trapped in the gill. Don’t waste the soaking water!! Save it as shiitake broth for later use---Place a paper towel on a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour the soaking water slowly to strain and to catch the dirt. Store in the fridge or freeze.

• Cut the stems off from shiitake and mice the caps. Set aside.

• Boil water in a large pot. Cook napa cabbage for about 10 minutes. Use a colander to drain water. Rinse under running water to cool down. Squeeze out water and mince them. Squeeze once again to remove remaining water. Set aside.

• In a large prep bowl, use hands to crumble tofu into tiny bits. Then add shiitake, napa cabbage, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and potato starch (or corn starch.) Mix altogether with hands. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

• After resting, start wrapping. Prepare a small bowl with 2 tbsp of water. Also have a baking sheet with parchment paper (or on a large plate covered with plastic wrap) to array dumplings. Take a wonton wrapper on your palm, then place a small amount of tofu mixture in the center. Use your finger to apply water around the edges and fold in half to make a triangle. Next, apply water again on the two bottom corners then fold over towards the center to make a shape like an open envelope. Place the dumpling on the baking sheet then put a plastic wrap over to avoid drying out. Repeat the process.

  Tips: When you fold wonton wraps, don’t over fill and try not to have air pockets. Seal the edge very well to avoid the tofu mixture spilling out.

• Boil water in a medium pot. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium high. Gently drop dumplings one by one in the boiling water (cook 6-8 at a time.) Cook for 3-4 minutes. They will start floating up when they are ready. Scoop them out with a skimmer and transfer to a serving bowl. Repeat the process.

• Serve with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and scallions on top (optional) along with a dipping sauce of your choice (see the suggestions in the ingredients section.)

• While dried shiitake has more flavor, feel free to replace with fresh ones as a quicker cooking option.
• Once package is open, wonton wrappers get dry pretty quick. Use them all instead of saving them for later. If there are any wrappers left, be creative and try to have fun wrapping some leftovers in the fridge.