We LOVE gyoza, so we were ecstatic when Ajinomoto (Japan’s number one brand of gyoza) approached us to try their frozen gyoza, available in select Costco stores right now.  When they arrived for our in-home taste test and review, we couldn’t wait to dig in!

Spoiler alert: If you’ve got that gyoza craving, but time and skills are limited, Ajinomoto’s Japanese Style Hane Chicken & Pork Gyoza are your new freezer MVP! These delectable dumplings deliver authentic flavors and textures – from the first crispy bite to the last juicy morsel.

Keep reading for our candid thoughts on this new product at Costco…

Convenience

Forget complicated recipes and hour-long prep times. These gyoza go from freezer to table in a mere 10 minutes, making them a lifesaver for busy weeknights or a delightful addition to any gathering. And the best part? You don’t even need to worry about whipping up a dipping sauce. Each pack comes with authentic, flavor-packed sauce packets that you simply warm in hot water for an umami-filled finishing touch.

Ajinomoto-gyoza-trayPackaging

I especially loved the thoughtful packaging. The gyoza come neatly nestled in trays, keeping them separate and preventing breakage. No more battling frozen clumps or sad, misshapen dumplings!  The sauce comes in individual packets, each perfectly portioned for a serving of the gyoza.

 

 

Preparation

Preparing the gyoza is as easy as 1-2-3.

  1. Place the gyoza (flat side down) in a pan on medium-high heat (no oil required!)
  2. Once they start to sizzle, add about 3 oz of water and cover for 7 minutes.
  3. Uncover and let the water evaporate until the edges of the gyoza start to get lightly brown and crispy looking.Anjinomoto Japanese Style Gyoza picture

That’s it – you’re ready to plate!  For an “authentic” preparation place a plate over the gyoza in the pan and then flip the entire thing upside down so when you remove the pan, you’re looking at the crispy, latticed gyoza skin looking gorgeous and golden brown.

While we couldn’t quite nail the exact “lattice” effect shown on the product package photo, they were still crispy & delicious! We probably just need a bit more practice and patience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The instructions don’t mention it, but be sure to use a non-stick pan (trust us, it makes a difference!).

Taste & Texture

Now, onto the star of the show: the gyoza themselves. The contrast between the perfectly crisp bottom and the soft, delicate top is pure textural bliss. Inside, the filling is flavorful and delicious. You can taste the quality ingredients, with hints of ginger adding a delightful depth. The dipping sauce adds the just perfect amount of acid, salt, and umami.  It’s one of the best non-restaurant gyoza dipping sauces I’ve had.

Anjinomoto-Gyoza-Dumpling-CostcoFinal Verdict

Ajinomoto’s Japanese Style Chicken & Pork Gyoza are a game-changer for anyone who loves gyoza but doesn’t want the hassle of ordering from a restaurant. For a frozen meal, they are very good.  They’re bursting with flavor, incredibly convenient, and deliver a near restaurant-quality experience at home. Plus, the included dipping sauce and neat packaging make them a snap to prepare. So, grab a pack, heat up your pan, and get ready to be delighted! Just cook, flip, enjoy!

Overall, we absolutely recommend giving these a try – they make for a convenient and super tasty treat.

 

How to Buy

Ajinomoto Authentic Japanese Style Hane Gyoza is available exclusively at select Costcos in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. 

A 60-dumpling box is available for $14.99 and comes with 60 dumplings and 5 sauce packets.