To begin, in a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped napa cabbage, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients by hand until everything is evenly combined. Be gentle but thorough to ensure the flavors meld without overworking the meat.

Prepare your gyoza wrappers. If using store-bought, keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Place one wrapper in the palm of your hand, spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the centre, and fold the wrapper in half. Moisten the edges with water, then press and pleat the edges to seal, forming a crescent shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Once all the gyoza are folded, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Arrange the gyoza in the pan, flat side down, without crowding them. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp.

After the bottoms have browned, pour 1/4 cup of water into the pan and immediately cover with a lid to steam the gyoza. Reduce the heat slightly and allow them to steam for 4-5 minutes, or until the wrappers become translucent and the filling is cooked through.

Once the water has evaporated, remove the lid and let the gyoza cook for another 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms. You can gently shake the pan to ensure the gyoza don’t stick, but avoid moving them too much while crisping.

For the dipping sauce, mix equal parts soy sauce and rice vinegar in a small dish. Add a splash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, if desired.

Remove the gyoza from the pan with a spatula and arrange them on a serving plate, browned side up for presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you prefer.

Serve the gyoza hot, alongside the dipping sauce. These dumplings are best enjoyed immediately, with their crispy bottoms and tender filling, offering a delightful contrast in texture and flavour. Pair them with steamed rice or a light soup for a complete meal.