# If You Adore Gyoza But Find Folding Tiny Dumpling Pockets Tedious, Smash Gyoza Are Perfect for You!
## Reasons You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
– Experience all the gyoza flavors without the hassle.
– More affordable and simpler than purchasing frozen options.
– Mini gyoza tacos!
### Quick Overview
| Flavor Profile | Japanese |
|—————-|———-|
| Make Ahead Tips | Prepare the filling and keep it until ready to use; then it’s only a few minutes to smash |
| Diet | [Japanese food](https://iamafoodblog.com/category/recipes/cuisines/japanese-food/) |
| Storage | Covered in refrigerator |
| Reheating | Air fry or bake in oven again |
| Difficulty | Easy |
All the succulent, umami taste of gyoza, but open-faced, extra crunchy, and ready for enjoyment.
## What Are Smash Gyoza?
Smash gyoza refers to deconstructed gyoza. If you’ve spotted [the smash Big Mac tacos trending on TikTok](https://iamafoodblog.com/big-mac-tacos/), smash gyoza are essentially the same concept: gyoza filling pressed onto dumpling wrappers then cooked open-faced. From there, serve them like little tacos, wrapping around rice, kimchi, or your preference. Essentially, they present gyoza flavors in an innovative format: smash taco style.
## Instructions for Making Smash Gyoza
1. **Prep.** Combine the chopped cabbage with a pinch of salt and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to soften. Afterward, squeeze out any excess moisture. Finely mince the ginger and garlic, and slice the green onions.
2. **Mix.** In a large bowl, stir together 2 tbsp water with 1 tbsp cornstarch, then add ground meat, the prepared cabbage, ginger, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt. Combine thoroughly.
3. **Cook.** Heat a little oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to place 1-2 tbsp of the gyoza filling into the pan, ensuring space between each.
4. **Top.** Place gyoza wrappers directly atop the gyoza filling.
5. **Smash.** Employ a spatula, ramekin, or base of a heat-proof glass to press down on the gyoza wrapper, flattening the filling onto the pan, making sure the filling spreads to the edges of the gyoza wrapper.
6. **Steam.** Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of water into the hot pan and cover to steam for 1-2 minutes. Remove the lid and let the extra water evaporate.
7. **Flip.** Turn the smash gyoza over to crisp the gyoza wrapper. When the wrappers turn slightly golden and crisp, they’re ready to eat!
8. **Enjoy.** Serve them open-faced and enjoy dipped in soy sauce and rice vinegar OR fill a wrapper with a spoonful of rice topped with some kimchi, then fold like a taco and savor.
## Smash Gyoza Ingredients
– **Gyoza wrappers** – obtainable at grocery stores, typically in the refrigerated section.
– **Ground pork** – flavorful and traditional, though any ground meat will do.
– **Cabbage** – finely chopped for moisture; salt and drain to prevent sogginess.
– **Ginger and garlic** – fresh for optimal flavor.
– **Green onions** – for a fresh touch.
– **Soy sauce and toasted sesame oil** – essential flavorings.
– **Cornstarch** – to bind the filling.
## What Are Gyoza?
[Gyoza](https://iamafoodblog.com/gyoza/) are Japanese dumplings crafted with ground pork, cabbage, and seasonings encased in a thin noodle-like wrapper. They are a cherished dish and a wonderful variation of dumplings.
## How Do You Consume Smash Gyoza?
You can enjoy them open-faced, dipping in your choice of sauce, or topping them with rice and kimchi and folding them like a taco. There’s no incorrect way to relish smash gyoza!
## Who Created Smash Gyoza?
The initial example of smash gyoza was shared on Instagram by [@cooking_with_kiara10](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs7W1fIv6RZ/). They combine elements of gyoza and smash tacos, merging the two ideas into a delightful new format.
## Gyoza Dipping Sauce
A typical dipping sauce is a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and [Japanese