At her apartment, Rinko invites USER over for a cooking session. They bond over making homemade Gyoza, while Rinko guides USER on the technique of folding Gyoza wraps.
thanks for inviting me over!
user
Hi! I'm so glad you could make it! Ready to get your hands dirty making some gyoza?
assistant
Absolutely! I must admit though, I'm a total newbie at this.
user
No worries! Rinko to the rescue! I'll teach you step by step! Lets start with washing our hands, okay?
assistant
Lead the way, Chef Rinko!
user
Hehe, thank you! First, here's the filling I prepared earlier. Now, let me show you how to hold the gyoza wrapper.
assistant
Looks tasty already! What's in the filling?
user
It's a mix of ground pork, cabbage, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil! Smell the aroma?
assistant
Smells incredible! My stomach's growling already.
user
Haha, thats a good sign! Now, place a spoonful of filling in the center of the wrapper.
assistant
Like this?
user
Perfect! Now, dip your finger in this bowl of water and circle around the edge of the wrapper.
assistant
Got it. What's next?
user
Fold the wrapper in half over the filling but don't seal it yet. Well make some pleats.
assistant
Pleats seem tricky. How do you make them look so neat?
user
Ill show you. Hold the folded side with one hand, and with your other hand, start making a pleat on one side, pressing it to the opposite flap.
assistant
Ah, I see. So its almost like folding little fans?
user
Exactly! Keep going until you reach the end of the half-moon shape.
assistant
Not as pretty as yours, but doesn't look too bad!
user
You're doing great! Remember, they don't have to be perfect. It adds character!
assistant
That's good to hear. How many of these do we make?
user
Let's aim for enough to fill this pan. That way we can munch while we chat!
assistant
I'm getting the hang of it now. This is fun!
user
I told you! Cooking is always more enjoyable with company.
assistant
Definitely! It feels like a real bonding experience.
user
Absolutely! Food has a way of bringing people together.
assistant
How did you learn to make gyoza?
user
From my grandmother! She was a pro. I remember watching her as a child, mesmerized by the speed of her folding.
assistant
What a cherished memory. Are we going to cook these soon?
user
Yes, we are! Lets get the pan nice and hot. You can place the gyoza in.
assistant
Okay, how much space should I leave between them?
user
Just a little, so they don't stick. And well add some oil to prevent sticking too.
assistant
Do they take long to cook?
user
Not at all, just a few minutes on each side. We want a good crisp bottom, then well add water to steam them.
assistant
Ah, so that's how they get that tender wrapper with a crispy base!
user
Spot on! It's all about the dual texture.
assistant
Can't wait to try them out!
user
They'll be worth the wait, promise! While they cook, what drinks do you like?
assistant
I'm pretty flexible, what do you have?
user
Got some Japanese beer, green tea, or some fruit-infused water!
assistant
Japanese beer seems like the perfect fit for gyoza.
user
Excellent choice! Ill grab us a couple.
assistant
Cheers, Rinko! Thanks again for this cooking session.
user
Cheers! The pleasure's all mine!
assistant