Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Recipe

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This chicken Gyoza is a mealtime lifesaver, whether I’m craving a quick snack or looking to elevate dinner with something special. But here’s the fun part—Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza isn’t just a heat-and-serve dish.

How to make Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza

Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are Japanese-style dumplings filled with chicken and vegetables, wrapped in thin dough.

Ingredients

For the Basic Pan-Fried Gyoza

• Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers (1 bag)
• Neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or avocado oil) – 2 tbsp
• Water – 6-8 tbsp, depending on your pan size

For a Dipping Sauce

• Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
• Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
• Sesame oil – 1 tsp
• Chopped green onions – 1 tbsp (optional)
• Optional for Stir-Fry Additions
• Mixed vegetables (e.g., snap peas, carrots, bell peppers)
• Trader Joe’s Soyaki or Sriracha for sauce
• Cooked rice or noodles (as a base)

Cooking Instructions

Method 1: Pan-Frying (Classic Potstickers Style)

1. Preheat Your Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Swirl to coat the pan evenly.
2. Add the Gyoza: Place the frozen gyoza flat-side down in the pan, leaving space between each one so they don’t stick together.
3. Sear Until Golden: Let the bottom of the gyoza crisp up for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Steam to Cook Through: Carefully add 6-8 tablespoons of water to the pan and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid. The steam will cook the dumplings. Allow them to cook for 5-6 minutes.
5. Remove Lid to Crisp: Once the water evaporates, remove the lid and let the gyoza crisp up again for about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve: Remove the gyoza from the heat and serve with the dipping sauce.

Method 2: Steaming

1. Place a steamer basket into a pot filled with about 1-2 inches of boiling water.
2. Arrange the gyoza in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch one another.
3. Steam for 8-10 minutes until completely heated through.
4. Serve with dipping sauce for a lighter alternative to pan-frying.

Method 3: Stir-Fry with Gyoza

Elevate your potstickers by incorporating them into a stir-fry dish:

1. Pan-fry the gyoza as per Method 1, then remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté mixed vegetables (snap peas, carrots, bell peppers) in oil for 3-4 minutes.
3. Toss in your choice of sauce—such as Trader Joe’s Soyaki, Sriracha, or a spicy peanut sauce—and cook until the vegetables are well-coated.
4. Add the crispy gyoza back into the pan and toss gently with the vegetables and sauce.
5. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Rush the Crisping Process: The key to perfect potstickers is letting them develop a golden, crunchy bottom before adding water.
• Use a Lid for Steaming: A lid traps the steam and ensures even cooking, but make sure it’s tight-fitting!
• Invest in a Non-Stick Pan: This prevents the gyoza from tearing or sticking during cooking.
• Double the Batch: These potstickers go quick, so make extra if you’re serving multiple people.
• Get Creative With Dipping Sauces: Try adding chili oil, garlic, or honey to your sauce mix for added flavor complexity.
• For Air Frying: Brush the frozen gyoza lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to get a crispy, golden finish without added water.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are flavorful and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with delicious sides and condiments can transform a simple plate of dumplings into a full, restaurant-inspired meal.

• Classic Soy Sauce Mixture: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then top with chopped green onions or crushed garlic for a simple and flavorful dip.
• Spicy Chili Sauce: For heat lovers, mix soy sauce with chili oil (like Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch) and a splash of lime juice.
• Sweet & Tangy Sauce: Blend hoisin sauce, sriracha, and a dash of honey for a sweet and spicy dip.
• Peanut Sauce: A creamy peanut dip (made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and coconut milk) offers a nutty pairing option.

Ingredients Substitutes

Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are delicious as they are, but life happens—sometimes you need ingredient substitutions due to dietary preferences, allergies, or simply availability.

1. Substitutes for Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza

If you can’t find Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza or want to try something different, here are some substitutes:

Vegetarian or Vegan Options:

• Trader Joe’s Thai Vegetable Gyoza: A plant-based alternative packed with fresh veggies. Works equally well in pan-frying, steaming, and stir-fry recipes.
• Frozen Dumplings (Other Brands): Look for brands like Ling Ling or Annie Chun’s, which have chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetable varieties.
• Homemade Dumplings: Make dumplings at home with store-bought wonton wrappers and your preferred filling! For a chicken alternative, use ground turkey, tofu, or mushrooms.

Gluten-Free Options:

• Rice-Based Dumplings: Look for gluten-free dumplings made with rice flour (you can find specialty brands or recipes online).
• Gluten-Free Wonton Wrappers: If you’re making gyoza from scratch, use gluten-free wonton wrappers to ensure your dish is allergy-proof.

2. Substitutes for Cooking Oil

The original recipe calls for neutral oils like vegetable or avocado oil to pan-fry the gyoza. If you don’t have these on hand, the following options work just as well:

• Olive Oil: A widely available substitute; just ensure you use light or refined olive oil to avoid overpowering the gyoza’s flavor.
• Coconut Oil: Great for pan-frying with a mild sweet undertone, though this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: For added nuttiness that complements Asian-inspired recipes. Ideal for finishing the dish rather than frying.
• Butter or Ghee: A rich alternative for a slightly indulgent touch (especially effective in Western-style versions).

3. Substitutes for Water During Steaming

Water is traditionally used to steam the dumplings in a pan or steamer. But why not elevate the dish with flavorful liquids?

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This adds depth and umami to the dumplings as they cook.
• Green Tea: For a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with Asian dishes.
• Coconut Milk: Use to pan-steam for a creamy, tropical twist. Perfect if you’re experimenting with Thai flavors.

4. Substitutes for Soy Sauce in Dipping Sauces

Soy sauce is a staple in gyoza recipes, but if you need gluten-free or low-sodium alternatives:

• Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that has a similar savory profile.
• Coconut Aminos: Soy-free and lower in sodium, great for health-conscious eaters.
• Fish Sauce: Adds salty, umami notes but is much stronger, so use sparingly.
• Miso Paste Mixture: Mix miso with warm water for a creamy, salty dipping sauce alternative.

5. Substitutes for Rice Vinegar in Dipping Sauces

Rice vinegar is typically used for its mild acidity, but here are some swaps:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tartness but has a slightly fruity undertone.
• White Vinegar: A sharper alternative—use less than the quantity called for in your recipe.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: Swap for citrusy acidity; perfect for a refreshing twist.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Creates a richer, sweeter flavor profile (best with sweeter dishes).

6. Substitutes for Sesame Oil in Dipping Sauces

If you don’t have sesame oil, these alternatives offer similar depth and richness:

• Toast Your Own Sesame Seeds: Grind toasted sesame seeds with a neutral oil at home to emulate the flavor of sesame oil.
• Peanut Oil: Offers a nutty flavor profile similar to sesame oil.
• Sunflower or Grapeseed Oil: Neutral oils that work as functional replacements without the nutty undertones.

7. Substitutes for Green Onions

Green onions are often used as a garnish, but you can swap them for other fresh herbs and mild onions:

• Chives: A great replacement for the fresh, onion-like flavor.
• Shallots: Thinly sliced shallots can be used as a substitute for green onions, although they’re slightly milder.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note to dipping sauces and dishes.
• Parsley: A more neutral herb for subtle garnishing.

8. Substitutes for Vegetables in Stir-Fries

If you don’t have snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a stir-fry, try the following options:

• Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables: Trader Joe’s carries convenient blends that include broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and peppers.
• Zucchini or Squash: Great substitutes for stir-fry when fresh greens aren’t available.
• Cabbage: Thinly shredded cabbage cooks quickly and adds crunch.
• Spinach or Kale: Toss leafy greens into your stir-fry for an easy and nutrient-packed alternative.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza is versatile enough to pair with simple accompaniments or creative sides.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Chicken Chips Recipe