Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs / Walmart
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There’s a new frozen dumpling brand in town. Yawn, you say. I’ve had frozen dumplings. Wake me when frozen summer rolls happen. But wait, stay! I promise this one is different and worth your time. Say hello to Ajinomoto, Japan’s #1 hane-style gyoza. It’s finally in America as of October 1.
What are hane-style dumplings?
You’ve seen them on Instagram, you just didn’t know what they were called. Hane-style dumplings (aka hanetsuki gyoza aka “gyoza with wings”) are those dumplings with the crispy, lacy bottom. That crispy disc is the result of the dumplings pan-frying in a starchy slurry. Hard to get with frozen dumplings. But Ajinomoto figured it out. Do they taste good, though? I cooked up both the pork dumplings and the chicken dumplings to find out.
Ajinomoto Pork Gyoza
Pros: This pro encompasses both the chicken and pork dumplings: The skins are thin and delicate and delicious. And the lacy, crispy bottom really works! All you do is place the dumplings in a pan over medium-high heat, add some water, cover, and cook, then uncover and cook some more. The impossibly light and crispy disc forms right before your eyes. Amazing! In terms of the pork variety in particular, the meat is very porky and very juicy.
Cons: The pork filling could use a bit more seasoning. It tastes like pork but that’s pretty much all it tastes like. Personally, I could use some garlic or ginger or green onion in the mix.
Verdict: If you don’t like chicken, then these pork gyoza are certainly worth trying for the skins and crispy bottoms alone. But if you do eat chicken, buy the chicken.
Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs
Ajinomoto Chicken Gyoza
Pros: Thin, tender skins. Light-as-air crispy bottoms. All the same praise as the pork dumplings. The difference is the chicken filling is both juicy and ultra flavorful. It’s really well seasoned and includes some garlic chives that really amp things up. No dumpling sauce required for these dumps!
Cons: My only con is that while these (and the pork dumplings) are easy to make, there is still room for error. A lot of the crispy bottom was left on the pan. But I chalk that up to human error or pan choice error.
Verdict: Buy these immediately! They’re available right now at Walmart and Albertson’s and cost about $8. Get them!
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
Dining and Cooking