Crispy Cheddar Potstickers
Today we are talkin’ cheddar cheese. That’s right— this well-known cheese is full of umami— the longer its aged the more complex the flavor which becomes even more exciting when heat is applied to it— I mean who doesn’t love melted cheddar— so ooey and gooey and delicious. But in this recipe it’s getting melted to the point where it will get crispy— and the flavor will be even more concentrated and delicious.
For this recipe we are using frozen potstickers— or gyoza— which are delicious and something that I have in my freezer at all times. I’m going to pan fry them as usual and then at the last minute sprinkle grated cheddar on top of everything— even the pan surface to create a crispy cheddar base. We’re going to flip it out and crack into that layer and eat those delicious dumplings with the cheddar— some of which will be crisp and some of which will be melted and gooey. It takes a few minutes and is pretty cool to look at and even better to eat, so let’s start this flavor chase…with cheddar!
Flavor Chase is a series exclusively on Pinterest, where I hunt down and cook with umami-packed pantry and fridge items that’ll give your recipes a flavor punch and be your ticket to quick and tasty food. Umami is what they call the fifth flavor after SWEET, SOUR, SALTY, BITTER. It makes your taste buds sing and you’ll always go back for that extra taste. So, join me as I show you step by step quick and delicious dishes that’ll send you on your own flavor chase.
To watch this episode of Flavor Chase, head over to my Pinterest.
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
8 frozen pot stickers or gyoza, unthawed
2 tsp neutral oil
½ cup water
½ tsp flour
½ cup grated cheddar
METHOD
Combine cheddar and flour in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a non-stick pan over medium-high heat add oil, arrange potstickers in spiral shape, cook undisturbed until bottom is golden brown, approximately 2 minutes.
Pour water into skillet, cover and steam 2 minutes.
Remove lid— most of the water should be reduced— and sprinkle cheese mixture in an even layer across entire pan surface. Let cheese melt, using chopsticks to even out cheese as needed. Cook until cheese is melted and dark golden brown and crispy, and then remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to firm and harden. Use a spatula to gently loosen cheese from pan, then invert onto a plate. Serve alone or with condiment of your choice, such as chili crisp.