If you have travelled in Shinshū region Japan, you might have tasted the authentic ‘Oyaki’. ‘Oyaki’ is a sort of dumpling similar to ‘Gyoza’ made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour dough wrapped around a stuffing that is most commonly vegetables, then cooked on a pan. ‘Oyaki’ are particularly popular in Nagano Prefecture which is famous for the dish.
In Melbourne where I live, I make ‘Oyaki’ with the filling that I can make. This time, the filling is stir-fried Eggplant and Mushrooms mixed with Greek Fetta. You can wrap whatever you like. Cooking method is unique and it is just like cooking Gyoza. Be creative and enjoy making these delicious ‘Oyaki’.
Makes
6 ‘Oyaki’ Dumplings
Ingredients
1/2 cup Plain Flour
1/2 cup Bread Flour
1 pinch Salt
1/2 cup Hot Water
1-2 teaspoons Oil (Canola, Olive, Sesame, etc.)
Filling Suggestions
• Eggplant & Mushrooms stir-fried with Olive Oil and Garlic, seasoned with Salt & Pepper, mixed with Fetta
• Smoked Sausages / Salami & Pizza Sauce & Mozzarella
• Left-over Roasted Chicken & Cheese of your choice
• Stir-fried Various Mushrooms
• Cooked Chestnuts & Chestnuts Paste
• ‘Azuki’ Red Bean Paste
Method
- Place Plain Flour, Bread Flour and Salt in a large bowl, and mix to combine. Make a well in the centre and carefully pour in Hot Water and Oil. Mix well to form a soft dough. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth. Place the dough in a plastic bag or wrap with plastic food wrap, and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 6 even portions. Roll one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface and flatten to about 10cm round. Place a tablespoonful of filling in centre, draw the edges up to enclose, then slightly flatten to about 2cm thick. Make 6 round dumplings and place each round the closed side down until you cook them.
- Heat small amount of Oil in a frying pan over medium heat, place the dumpling with the closed side up, that means you cook the good side first.
- When the dumplings are browned, turn over, carefully pour 1/4 cup Water and cover with the lid to allow dumplings to steam until the water evaporates. Keep cooking until the bottom of the dumplings turned brown.
- Enjoy ‘Oyaki’ hot or warm.
Comments
Carol
27/07/2023
I lived in Nagano Japan. The oyaki I ate there; some were filled with cabbage, eggplant sweet potato. The vegetables were fried and then a mix of miso sesame oil and sugar was added to the veggies. They are so delicious.
Hiroko
30/07/2023
Carol, thank you for your comment. You lived in the best place if you want to find delicious Oyaki. I have been there only once many years ago, but I still remember the Oyaki that I ate there. The filling was fried vegetables. It was delicious.