Pleating Gyoza (One-Side Folds)

Fold small pleats on one side of the wrapper. The dumpling curves and gets a flat base.

Difficulty: 2
Heat: none

Key Points

Keep the filling to one heaping teaspoon. Wet only half the edge. Press out air before the last pleat.

Common Failures

Too much filling splits the wrapper. A wet edge all around makes it slide and open.

Do this

Wet the far half of the wrapper edge. Fold it over the filling. Pinch small folds on the front side only, working left to right.

Why it works

Folds on one side make the dumpling curve. The back stays flat and sits well in the pan. The tight seal keeps juice inside.

When to skip it

Skip the pleats for boiled or soup dumplings. A simple half-moon seal is enough there.