Everything you need to know about Dumplings, Dim Sum and Gyoza
Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food for many people. Cultures all over the world have their own version of this tasty treat. If you’re already a fan of dumplings, consider exploring some new varieties you might not have tried yet. Or if you’re a newcomer to the wide world of dim sum, gyoza, and other yummy pocket foods, read on for everything you need to know about these delicious staples!
Everyone loves dumplings
Dumplings are a popular food in many cultures. Found in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Made mostly with meat. They are boiled, fried or baked. Dumplings are a type of dim sum. Thus, it would be correct to say that dumplings are merely a kind of dim sum. But dim sum itself refers to a style of Chinese cuisine, served in small bite-sized portions, including but not limited to dumplings.
Dumplings are generally considered to be dumpling-like if they have some sort of flour-based filling that is steamed or simmered in a liquid until cooked through (though some people will dispute this definition). The filling may include meat or vegetables by popular demand. Therefore how it’s prepared depends on where you’re from. In China and Japan, gyoza (stuffed dumplings) typically have pork and chive fillings; in Italy they’re more likely to use potato puree.
They come in all different shapes and sizes
They come steamed, boiled, or fried; stuffed with meat or vegetables; round, square, or triangular. With growing popularity the filling may change and adapt to the culture. It’s easy to fall in love with these little guys—and it’s also easy to eat too many of them! Remember to pace yourself while you eat dim sum.
Gyoza is the Japanese version of Dumplings
The Japanese word for dumplings is gyoza. It is a popular street food in Japan. You pan fry gyoza. And it is generally served with a soy-based dipping sauce. They are similar to Chinese potstickers but slightly larger and more filled with cabbage than ground pork or chicken. We make our gyoza with a pork, chicken or shitaki (veg option) filling. You can also eat gyoza and other dumplings in Cape Town at PandaBox Restaurant.
The filling can be meat or vegetables
But most traditionally meat. Dumplings can be boiled in water, but they’re also steamed and served with a dipping sauce.
The most common dumplings are filled with pork, beef or chicken—the latter two often mixed together to form a hodgepodge of meaty goodness. You might also see vegetable-filled dumplings on the menu, which is another way to get extra veggies into your diet without having to resort to salads. Vegetable fillings include cabbage and chives but we like to make ours with shitaki mushroom which gives it that meaty texture.
Shumai is a popular dim sum dumpling
Shumai is a popular dim sum dumpling. With the common filling of pork. Served as an appetizer in restaurants. It is perfect for dipping in soy sauce or chili sauce. Although shumai originates from southern China, there are many variations of this delicious dish found elsewhere in Asia like Japan, Thailand and surrounds.
We hope you enjoyed this guide. And you learnt some tasty things about dumplings, dim sum and gyoza! Eat gyoza at home with our private chef service.
