japanese-style gyoza.

These are not necessarily traditional gyoza, which are Japanese potstickers. Traditionally they are made with shredded cabbage & ground meat. These are little vegan treats made with edamame, ginger & basil...they are creamy on the inside & have a lovely fresh taste. Perfect for this amazing Spring weather.

Gyoza can be fried or steamed, but the technique I used for these little guys I learned from Jamie Oliver's super old show, Oliver's Twist: a quick, shallow fry on the bottom, then a quick steam.

These would be a great appetizer because they can be made ahead of time & cooking is less than ten minutes. Oh, & these are surprisingly really simple.

vegan japanese-style gyoza.

makes about 16-18 wontons

1 small onion, diced (I used a vidalia since they are looking good this time of year)

1 TBL pickled ginger

1-2 cloves garlic, grated

olive oil

1. In a pan over medium heat, cook until tender (not browned though) about 7 minutes...stirring often.

1 cup fresh edamame

1. Add and cook 1 or 2 minutes longer.

4 basil leaves, thinly sliced

1 tsp. sesame oil

sea salt & cracked pepper to taste

1. Add onions, edamame & rest of ingredient into a food processor. Blend until combined. If you don't a food processor, using a potato masher would be fine.

1 pkg. wanton wrappers

water

1.  Lay your wrappers down on a clean surface. Put a good tsp. of filling in the center of each wrapper.  With your index finger apply water on edges of wanton wrappers. Bring corners to the center & pinch together.
2. Wipe out the pan from before, add a glug of olive oil to the pan & bring to a medium-high heat.
3. Place the gyoza in the pan, not letting them touch. Cook until the bottoms are golden (about 3 minutes), then add about a cup of water & cover. 
4. Continue to cook for about 4 minutes until all the water is evaporated. Serve right away with dipping sauce.

dipping sauce.

3 TBL tamari

1 TBl rice vinegar

1 TBL scallions, chopped

2 basil leaves, thinly sliced

a pinch of red chili flakes

a pinch of cane sugar

--Mix together in a small bowl.

happy eatings & cheers!