How To Make Vegetable Gyoza (Japanese Vegan Dumplings Recipe)

Gyoza is a dish that originates from China, but now you can say that it is practically Japan's national dish. Japanese people of all ages love Gyoza, and there are many different types available.

You can buy ready-made Gyoza at supermarkets, of course, and you can also find Gyoza specialty shops offering uncompromisingly delicious Gyozas. Utsunomiya city in Tochigi prefecture has especially long been renowned for Gyoza, boasting a lot of Gyoza specialty shops that are definitely worth a visit.

In addition to these Gyoza scenes in Japan, unmanned Gyoza stores have recently been gaining popularity, allowing people to buy delicious Gyoza 24/7. Thus, for many Japanese people, it is not an exaggeration to say, 'No Gyoza, No Life.'

In Japan, Gyoza made with ground pork and vegetables is the authentic choice for homemade preparation. We've shown you how to make this classic version on our blog, and we've also shared a version made with shrimp.

While Gyoza is typically a main dish, we are going to introduce vegetable Gyoza that can serve as the main course, a side dish, or an appetizer. This option gives a new position to Gyoza and also caters to those who prefer a meat-free alternative.

Usually, Japanese people use Chinese seasonings such as Chinese chicken soup stock and oyster sauce to make Gyoza at home. However, this time, we have opted for Japanese seasonings, which not only exclude animal-derived ingredients but also add a savory flavor to our vegetable Gyoza. Don’t forget to include shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and garlic. These ingredients not only function as seasonings but also provide even more umami flavor to the dish.

As we are going to make vegetable Gyoza with tofu instead of ground meat, there is one tip you should keep in mind when you make this vegetable Gyoza: removing the water from the tofu. This prevents the Gyoza from becoming watery and ensures a more flavorful dish.

Vegetable gyoza are also a great option for everyday cooking because they are lighter yet still deeply satisfying. The combination of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms creates a filling that is rich in texture and umami without feeling heavy. They are easy to prepare in batches and freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep or quick meals. When serving, a ready-made gyoza dumpling sauce enhances the flavors even more. 

Another appeal of vegetable gyoza is how approachable they are, even for home cooks who are new to Japanese cooking. The ingredients are familiar and easy to find, and the cooking process is simple once you get the hang of folding. Pan-frying creates a crisp bottom, while steaming keeps the filling moist and tender. Because the flavors are balanced and mild, vegetable gyoza also pair well with many side dishes, making them easy to fit into everyday meals or casual gatherings.

If you enjoy plant-based Japanese dishes, try comforting favorites like vegan oyaki (Japanese eggplant dumplings) and vegan okonomiyaki (plant-based savory Japanese pancake), or browse our full collection of vegan Japanese recipes for more easy and satisfying meal ideas.