Gyoza over rice [Standard
Gyoza over Rice" is a condiment inspired by Tochigi's famous gyoza (dumplings). We were curious about the meaning of "dumpling over rice," so we tried it.
This product was created with the desire to develop a product that would become a standard Tochigi souvenir. Instead of meat, okara, peanuts, garlic, and onions are slowly simmered and mixed with sesame oil, raayu, and vinegar. The purchase price is 454 yen (tax included, same below).
I bought it at the Tokyo Station's Gokochi Plaza.
When the lid is opened, the aroma is closer to that of "vinegared soy sauce" than to that of gyoza. The ingredients are submerged at the bottom, so stir before use.
Put it on hot rice and eat it...it is indeed a gyoza! The more you bite into the okara, which is covered with the aroma of sesame oil and garlic, the more the flavor seeps out. The soft and fluffy texture is just like that of the meat. As you eat it, the rice gradually begins to resemble gyoza skin, giving your brain the illusion that it is gyoza. The slight sourness and spiciness of the rice also makes for an unforgettable taste.
unable to stop one's chopsticks from moving
Gyoza over rice [Uma-Spicy] (518 yen)
In addition to the standard item, the lineup also includes "Gyoza over Rice [Uma-Spicy]" (518 yen). This is used to season stir-fried vegetables. It has a spicy flavor with a hint of umami. The taste is perfect just by adding this, and the okara acts like ground meat, making the dish even more satisfying.
It goes well not only with rice, but also with ramen noodles and udon noodles. It can also be served over chilled tofu or with cucumbers and radishes to make a snack that will make your drinks go down a notch. It is a great addition to your daily menu if you have one in your refrigerator.