Shrimp Gyoza Buying Guide: Top Picks for the Perfect Asian Appetiser

Craving the delicate flavours of a great Asian restaurant from the comfort of your own home? Shrimp gyoza are a delicious and convenient choice for a quick meal, a refined starter, or an exciting Asian appetiser. But with the overwhelming number of online options, it can be hard to know where to start.

This guide is here to help. We've analysed the frozen shrimp dumpling market to bring you a selection that caters to every taste and give you the keys to making the perfect choice.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Shrimp Gyoza and Dumplings

Before we dive into our selection, here are the key points to consider to find the product that will perfectly meet your expectations.

1. The Composition: Filling and Wrapper

The art of a great Japanese shrimp dumpling lies in the perfect balance between its filling and its wrapper.

• The filling: Pay attention to the shrimp percentage. A generous filling is often a promise of a gourmet experience. Some products, like shrimp ha kao, contain whole or large pieces of shrimp, while others offer a more finely minced filling, sometimes mixed with vegetables (cabbage, carrots) or other meats to enrich the flavour.
• The wrapper: The wrapper of a pan-fry gyoza is typically made from wheat flour, thin enough to become crispy on the bottom and soft on top. For a steamed shrimp dumpling like Ha Kao, the wrapper is often made from wheat and tapioca starch, which gives it its signature elastic texture and translucent appearance after cooking.

2. The Cooking Method

One of the great advantages of shrimp dumplings is their versatility in the kitchen. Your preferred cooking method can guide your choice:

• Pan-fried (gyoza style): Ideal for achieving a golden, crispy base while keeping the top tender through a combination of frying and steaming.
• Steamed: This gentle method preserves the soft texture of the wrapper and the delicate flavour of the filling. It's the preferred cooking method for Ha Kao.
• Boiled or in hot pot: Some dumplings are specially designed to be simmered in a broth or Chinese hot pot, where they absorb the flavours as they cook.

3. The Right Size for the Occasion

Cooking for one, two, or a large group? The package size matters. For an appetiser with friends or a family meal, packs of 20 or 30 pieces (around 600g) are ideal. For a quick treat for one or two people, a smaller bag (around 120g) will be perfect.

Recommended Shrimp Gyoza and Dumplings

We've selected a few gems, each with its own unique strengths to satisfy every craving.

SFPA Shrimp Gyoza (Ha Kao) - 20 Pieces 560g

Why it stands out: This product is directly inspired by the Cantonese dim sum classic, Ha Kao. Its thin wrapper becomes translucent when cooked, revealing a generous filling of fresh shrimp and bamboo shoots.

Highlights:

• Traditional Ha Kao style.
• Tender and elastic texture.
• Filling combines shrimp and bamboo shoots for a pleasant crunch.
• 20-piece pack, perfect for sharing.

Who is it for? For dim sum purists who want to recreate an authentic Cantonese restaurant experience at home. Best prepared by steaming.

Xianmeilai Shrimp and Egg Dumplings for Hot Pot - 120g

Why it stands out: Completely original, these dumplings are distinguished by their thin, egg-based wrapper, which gives them a unique texture that is both soft and slightly springy. They are specially designed to be dropped directly into a Chinese hot pot broth.

Highlights:

• Unique egg-based wrapper.
• Designed for Chinese hot pot.
• Quick and convenient to cook from frozen.
• Filling made with pangasius fish and shrimp.

Who is it for? Perfect for those hosting a Chinese hot pot night who want to add an original and flavourful touch to their broth.

AJINOMOTO Prawn Gyoza - 30 Pieces 600g

Why it stands out: Ajinomoto offers a highly versatile Japanese shrimp dumpling. Its balanced filling contains 21% peeled prawns and a mix of vegetables, all encased in a classic wheat wrapper that is suitable for pan-frying, steaming, or boiling.

Highlights:

• Highly versatile cooking methods: pan-fry, steam, or boil.
• Flavourful filling with prawns and vegetables.
• Generous 30-piece (600g) pack size.
• Authentic seasoning with sesame oil.

Who is it for? The perfect all-rounder for families or for those who like to switch things up in the kitchen. It's an excellent introduction to authentic pan-fry gyoza.

Mengfu Prawn Gyoza - 600g

Why it stands out: These gyoza are all about the ultra-gourmet filling: 27% prawns, cabbage, and also chicken to add more texture and complexity.

Highlights:

• Very generous filling, making up 61.5% of the gyoza.
• Combination of prawns and chicken for a richer taste.
• Thin and delicate wrapper.
• Ideal as a light main course or a starter.

Who is it for? For food lovers looking for a shrimp dumpling with a more complex flavour and a richer filling than the classic 100% shrimp varieties.

Looking to Explore Other Seafood Flavours?

If our selection has made your mouth water, feel free to explore our other specialities, such as scallop dumplings. To enhance your hot pots or stews, also take a look at our section dedicated to jarred shrimp and other treasures of the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between gyoza, dumplings, and shrimp ha kao?

Often used interchangeably, these terms refer to distinct specialities:

• Gyoza: This is the Japanese version of the dumpling. It has a thin wheat-based wrapper, a half-moon shape, and is typically pan-fried and then steamed for a crispy bottom.
• Dumpling: This is the generic English term that covers all types of filled parcels, whether Asian or not.
• Ha Kao: This is a specific steamed shrimp dumpling from Cantonese cuisine (dim sum). Its starch-based wrapper becomes translucent and elastic when cooked, and its filling is traditionally made of shrimp.

How do you perfectly cook frozen shrimp gyoza?

For the classic pan-fry and steam method, nothing could be simpler:

1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Place the frozen gyoza (do not thaw) in the pan, flat-side down.
3. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
4. Add about 100 ml of water, cover immediately, and let them steam for 5 to 6 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and continue to cook until all the water has evaporated, allowing the base to become crispy again.

What sauce goes with Japanese shrimp dumplings?

To elevate your gyoza, nothing beats a simple homemade sauce. Mix in a small bowl:

• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
• A few drops of sesame oil. To spice things up, add a little chilli oil or finely grated fresh ginger.

The Joybuy Editorial Selection