Updated: Aug 8, 2025 · Published: Jul 8, 2025 by makepurethyheart · This post may contain affiliate links · 49 Comments

🥢 Gyoza & Almond Butter Noodles

The ultimate weeknight dinner that’s savory, nutty, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Fresh vegetable Asian noodle stir-fry with green onion, sesame seeds, and soy sauce on white plate.

Craving something cozy, quick, and packed with flavor? This Gyoza and Almond Butter Noodles dish is your new go-to. It’s the kind of easy healthy recipe that hits all the right notes—comforting, a little spicy, slightly sweet, and full of umami. Think crispy pan-fried dumplings, creamy almond butter sauce, and a bed of saucy noodles topped with wilted bok choy and crisp scallions.

Check out these other amazing dishes! Easy Vegan Ramen, Vegan Pad Thai, Butter Bean & Dumplings with Cashew Cream Sauce 🙌

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish feels like something you'd order from your favorite restaurant, but it's actually super simple to whip up at home.

🥟 What is Gyoza?

Golden fried dumpling with chopsticks over stir-fried noodles and vegetables on a white plate.

Gyoza is a Japanese-style dumpling, originally inspired by Chinese jiaozi. Traditionally filled with ground meat and vegetables but were making it vegan, it’s known for its thin wrapper and crisped bottom achieved by a pan-fry + steam combo.

❓ Why is it called Gyoza?

The word “gyoza” comes from the Chinese word “jiaozi” (餃子), but the Japanese adapted it after WWII. The Japanese term "gyoza" itself is believed to originate from the Chinese word "jiaozi," which means "horn", according to Ejji Ramen.

💚 Why You’ll Love This

✅ Quick & satisfying – Dinner in under 30 minutes.
🥡 Takeout feel, homemade heart
🌿 Vegan-friendly options
🧠 Mindful cooking with simple pantry ingredients
🍜 The perfect pairing of crispy dumplings and creamy almond noodles

🧄 Ingredients

Fresh vegetables, soy sauce, almond butter, and noodles for nutritious plant-based meals.

Frozen gyoza – Grab your favorite vegan or veggie version from the freezer aisle.
Scallions – Add freshness and crunch.
Ginger – A zingy base for the almond butter sauce.
Noodles – Ramen, rice noodles, or soba all work well.
Bok choy – Lightly seared for balance and greenery.
Sesame oil – Adds nutty aroma and depth.
Soy sauce – For rich umami flavor.
Almond butter – Creamy, nutty twist on traditional peanut sauce.

🔪 Steps

Uncooked spaghetti pasta in boiling water, raw pasta cooking in hot water for meal preparation.

Fresh organic heads of bok choy for healthy cooking and nourishing the body.

Delicious steamed dumplings in a metal pan for healthy eating and cultural cuisine.

Healing garlic ginger sauce with soy, honey, and herbs in a white bowl.

Rich homemade beef broth simmering in a white pot, ready for cooking or soup making.

Sautéed Asian noodles with vegetables and dumplings, healthy homemade vegetarian dish, gluten-free, flavorful plant-based meal.

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
In a pan, sear bok choy cut side down in a little sesame oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sear gyoza on one side until crisp.
Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for 3–4 minutes. Remove lid and let the bottoms crisp again.
Make the sauce by whisking almond butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a splash of warm water until smooth.
Toss noodles in sauce, plate them, top with bok choy and gyoza.
Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, chili crisp, or lime wedges.

Sautéed Asian noodles with vegetables and green onions.

🔄 Substitutions

Almond butter → Peanut butter or tahini if needed.
Soy sauce → Tamari for a gluten free version.
Bok choy → Spinach or kale if that’s what’s in your fridge.
Gyoza → Potstickers or dumplings of choice—frozen or fresh.

Shrimp lo mein noodles with vegetables and savory sauce on a white plate.

🔀 Variations

Spicy Gyoza Noodles – Add chili oil or gochujang to your sauce.
Cold Almond Noodles – Chill noodles for a summer version.
Crispy Gyoza Salad – Skip noodles, layer over greens and drizzle with dressing.
Protein-packed – Toss in tofu cubes, edamame, or shredded tempeh.

⭐ Top Tip

For the best results, don’t overcrowd the pan when searing gyoza. Let them breathe for maximum crispiness and that signature golden bottom.

Noodle dish with bok choy, gyoza, and sesame seeds on a white plate.

💡 Hint

Use warm water (not cold) when making the almond butter sauce—this helps the nut butter emulsify smoothly without clumping.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ

Can I use fresh gyoza instead of frozen?
Yes! Just reduce the steaming time slightly depending on thickness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use rice noodles or gluten free soba for a special diets-friendly meal.

Where’s the best place to buy gyoza?
Most Asian markets or international aisles in grocery stores have excellent options. Trader Joe’s also carries a great veggie version.

How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately for best texture. Reheat gyoza in a skillet to bring back crispiness.

Why do I need to steam the gyoza after searing?
This pan-fry + steam method creates the perfect chemical reaction: crisp bottom, tender top. It’s essential for the best texture.

Craving more cozy bowls like this? Follow for more easy healthy recipes from Paolo Peralta, your go-to online personal vegan chef and mindfulness coach.

✨ Mindful food is the best kind of food. ✨