Shumai Vs. Gyoza – What’s The Difference?

There are various dumplings available around the globe. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some of the most popular dumplings include shumai and gyoza. Shumai and gyoza are the widely eaten Asian dumplings. Folks love to eat them and enjoy their distinct flavor.

However, they are not familiar with these two are two distinct things. What is the difference between shumai and gyoza? The primary difference is that shumai and gyoza have their origins, cooking methods and appearance. Shumai has its origin in the Guangdong province of China.

It comes in a cylindrical shape resembling a small basket. On the other hand, gyoza originated from Japan and resembled the shape of a half-moon. In this article, we have covered all the differences between shumai and gyoza in detail, so keep on reading.

Shumai

Shumai is a kind of Chinese dumplings popular as a dim sum meal. These dumplings are stuffed with shredded pork or prawns. They serve as a popular snack or side dish in China. Shumai originally belongs to China; however Japanese also have their version of it. It was popular in Japan in the 1930s.

It is slightly different from the Chinese one and comparatively simpler. It was served as a portion of popular street food in China; however, it is served in many fine restaurants. Shumai has various varieties: Cantonese shumai, Hohhot shumai and Uyghur shumai.

These varieties vary slightly in ingredients and cooking methods. The most commonly used ingredients in shumai are prawns and minced pork. However, the Japanese version includes a combination of pork and onion. It is then topped with green pea.

There are also variations between the meat textures between these two versions. In Chinese, minced meat is used while the meat is grounded to paste and then used in the Japanese version. Furthermore, shumai dumplings resemble a small basket and have a cylindrical shape.

Ginger and scallions are among the most common ingredients used in making shumai, so they have specific flavor notes. Moreover, shiitake mushrooms further enhance their flavor. Shumai is normally steamed on a bamboo steamer.

This results in shumai having a fried and crisp texture to it. It is further served with mustard, especially in Japan which further enhances its flavor. The open part of the shumai dumpling is then served with carrots or orange roe.

Nutritional Facts

A serving of 1 piece of shumai includes the following nutritional value:

• Total calories: 59
• Total Fat: 2.7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 1.2g
• Cholesterol: 8.9mg
• Sodium: 133mg
• Potassium: 53mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5.3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugars: 0.3g
• Protein: 2.8g

Health Benefits

Dumplings are considered very healthy, which is due to the fact that they have various micronutrients. Moreover, shumai is low in calories and best for dieting people who want a midnight snack. It is also highly rich in minerals like selenium, phosphorus copper.

One of the basic ingredients used in shumai is cabbage loaded with anti-oxidants. It also has insoluble fiber, which is responsible for the better health of your digestive system. Black pepper is also a part of shumai, which improves blood sugar levels.

Gyoza

Gyoza is primarily Japanese dumplings. They are loaded with ground meats and vegetables. These dumplings get their inspiration from Chinese potstickers. During the second world war, when Japanese soldiers were in China, they loved Chinese potstickers.

When the war was over, and they went back, they recreated Chinese potstickers, which later got the name of Gyoza. Gyoza falls in the category of dumplings, but not all dumplings are gyoza.

One of the primary differences between gyoza and other dumplings is that while all the other dumplings have been around for a while now, gyoza is comparatively a new creation. Another primary difference is the wrapper used to make gyoza is thinner. Moreover, the ingredients used in its making are more finely chopped as well.

Gyoza has three main Japanese varieties. The first one is yaki gyoza which is authentic only in Japan. It is first pan-fried to make it crispy then cooked in water in a pan. This is the most popular gyoza available. The second kind is age gyoza which is a deep-fried dumpling variation.

The third is called sui gyoza. This gyoza is typically made by boiling the dumpling in broth or water. Gyoza resembles the shape of a half-moon. Their edges are pressed, so the filling is secured. They are also pressed flat, which makes them easier to pan-fry.

Gyoza is made from a combination of vegetables and meat. Cabbage is the most popular ingredient used in making gyoza. They have a mild flavor and crunchy texture. Deep-fried gyoza is very crunchy but less juicy.

On the other hand, boiled gyoza is chewy and tender. It is typically eaten in Japan as an appetizer or snack. It goes absolutely well with vinegar or soy sauce. Chili is also added to turn things spicy. Gyoza is a portion of street food in Japan and a popular festival.

Nutritional Facts

A serving of one piece of gyoza includes the following nutritional value:

• Total calories: 40
• Total Fat 2g
• Saturated Fat 0.6g
• Trans Fat 0g
• Cholesterol 2.9mg
• Sodium 78.6mg
• Total Carbohydrates 3.7g
• Dietary Fiber 0.3g
• Sugars 0.4g
• Protein 1.6g

Health Benefits

One of the basic ingredients used in shumai is cabbage loaded with anti-oxidants. It also has insoluble fiber, which is responsible for the better health of your digestive system. Black pepper is also a part of shumai, which improves blood sugar levels.

Gyoza is known to be rich in minerals like selenium, phosphorus, manganese and folate. It is low in calories and works great as a midnight snack. It also has fibers that help improve the digestive system.

So, What’s The Difference Between Gyoza and Shumai?

1. Shumai primarily originated from China, while gyoza has its origins in Japan.
2. Shumai is loaded with chopped pork or prawn, while gyoza combines ground meat with vegetables.
3. Gyoza is comparatively a new dish, while shumai has been around for some while now.
4. Gyoza resembles the shape of a half-moon, while shumai resembles a small basket.

Sources:

• Foods guy
• Nutrionix
• Fitelo