The main difference between Wonton and Gyoza wrappers is that Wanton wrappers are thin white Chinese dumpling pastries that wrap around the filling, while Gyoza wrappers are an even thinner dumpling wrapping pastry adapted by the Japanese from the Northern Chinese Communities.
Gyoza dough wrappers used when making the Gyoza dumplings come in a round shape and are so thin. In fact, they are thinner than Wonton wrappers, which usually come in a square shape.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Wonton Wrapper
– Definition, Ingredients, Preparation
2. What is a Gyoza Wrapper
– Definition, Ingredients, Preparation
3. Similarities Between Wonton and Gyoza Wrappers
– Outline of Common Characteristics
4. Difference Between Wonton and Gyoza Wrappers
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Wonton Wrappers, Gyoza Wrappers, Dumplings
What is a Wonton Wrapper
A Wonton wrapper is a Chinese dumpling wrapper we mostly make using wheat flour dough, eggs, salt, and water. Wonton wrappers are thin sheets and can be stuffed with meat, vegetables, or seafood.
We can either pan-fry or deep-fry these savory Chinese dumplings wrapped in Wonton wrappers, or we can add them to soups. Furthermore, the Wonton wrapper is usually thin, and it tastes soft and smooth and acts as a substitute to other dumplings wrappers. However, if you use them with other Chinese dumpling fillings, you should cut them into circles because they come in a square shape.
What is a Gyoza Wrapper
Gyoza wrappers are a white pastry we make out of wheat flour, salt, and oil that wraps around meat, fish, or a vegetable filling of our choice. The Japanese Gyoza wrapper is quite thinner than the Chinese Wonton wrapper; therefore, buying Japanese Gyoza wrappers from the local supermarkets can be inconvenient. This is why most people make them at home.
Moreover, the technique of preparing the Gyoza wrapper was adapted by the Japanese from Northern China. The Gyoza wrapper is delicate, smaller, and thinner than the Chinese dumpling wrappers. Therefore, the filling inside the Gyoza wrapper is also finer than the fillings in Chinese dumplings since the lightness and the delicateness of the wrapper can easily make the dumpling tear or break if you stuff it with a heavy filling.
Similarities Between Wonton and Gyoza wrappers
- Wonton and Gyoza are dumpling wrappers.
- Both are popular delicacies we make with wheat flour.
- Both Wonton and Gyoza wrappers are thinner than other Chinese dumpling wrappers.
- Moreover, they were originally invented by the Northern Chinese communities.
Difference Between Wonton and Gyoza Wrappers
Definition
Wonton wrappers are a type of Chinese dumpling wrappers made using wheat flour, whereas Gyoza wrapper is a Japanese dumpling wrapper made using wheat flour.
Origin
Wanton wrappers originated in Northern China, while Gyoza wrappers initially originated in Northern China and were later adapted by the Japanese into their own version.
Ingredients
Wonton wrappers are made using wheat flour, salt, water, and eggs, while Gyoza wrappers are made using wheat flour, salt, water, and oil.
Size
Gyoza wrappers are thinner and smaller than Wanton wrappers.
Shape
Wanton wrappers have a square shape, while Gyoza wrappers have a round shape.
Filling
The filling of the Gyoza should be finer than that of the Wonton wrapper due to the delicateness of its thin sheet.
Culinary Technique
Chinese dumplings wrapped in Wonton wrappers are usually either deep-fried, pan-fried, or put in soups, while Japanese Gyoza dumplings can be served in a number of ways, such as boiled, steamed, or fried and served with a dipping sauce.
Conclusion
The main difference between Wonton and Gyoza wrappers is that Gyoza dough wrappers are round in shape and are thinner than Wonton wrappers, which usually have a square shape. Wanton wrappers were invented by the Northern Chinese, while Gyoza wrappers are a Japanese dumpling wrapping pastry adapted by the Japanese from China.
Reference:
1. “Homemade Gyoza Wrappers.” Happy Foods Tube, 29 Oct. 2020.
2. Ozimek, Sarah. “Homemade Wonton Wrappers.” Curious Cuisiniere, 14 Apr. 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Folded easy wonton wrappers with meat filling” By HungryHuy – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Homemade gyoza” By WordRidden (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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