Step 1

Combine the shrimp, ginger (if using), cabbage, scallion, sake, mirin, salt and sesame oil in a bowl, stir and mix well to form a sticky filling.

Step 2

Place a piece of gyoza wrapper on your palm and spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling onto the wrapper. Do not overfill. Dip your index finger into a small bowl of water and circle around the outer edges of the gyoza wrapper. Fold the gyoza over to form a half moon shape and pleat and pinch the folds, as pictured above. Finish by pressing the edges with your thumb and index finger to ensure that the dumpling is sealed tightly and there is no leakage. Place the gyoza on a floured surface or baking sheet.

Step 3

Using a non-stick skillet (preferred) to pan-fry the shrimp gyoza. Add 1 tablespoon of oil on medium-low heat, then arrange all the gyoza on the skillet. Pan fry the gyoza until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy. Add the water and cover it with the lid. Steam the gyoza until the water completely evaporates. Serve the gyoza warm with the Ponzu sauce.