Tea Steamed Gyoza

This Gyoza recipe is originally from Ayumi Hashimoto and is a simple one. When done correctly it has explosive flavor and a great balance of not only spicy, sweet, and salty flavors; but also a great balance of texture: crispy and soft.

As an American chef, this is one of my favorites because it requires the skill and refinement of a Japanese chef to pull off effectively.

The Tea Steamed Gyoza is available at Azalea Restaurant, Kyoto Grand Hotel, (213) 253-9235, www.kyotograndhotel.com.