Pizza Gyoza

Featured in:
S2E19: The Wrath of Tiger Claw

"If it wasn't for the fact that I'm gonna die, this would be so cool!"

— Casey —

"If it wasn't for the fact that I'm gonna die, this would be so cool!" — Casey —

The Episode

The 2013 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode "The Wrath of Tiger Claw," begins on a stormy night at Shredder's hideout. Karai, our anti-hero, contemplates a torn photograph of her mother and recalls Leonardo's claim that Splinter is her true father. Skeptical yet curious, she questions Shredder, who blames Splinter for her mother's death. Meanwhile, Tiger Claw, a fearsome bounty hunter, arrives, revealing his vengeance-driven return from another dimension.

Shredder orders Tiger Claw to hunt the Turtles and insists Karai accompany him. Despite her objections, she complies. The Turtles, enjoying special pizza gyoza, discuss Karai. These pizza gyozas, a unique blend of Japanese dumplings and pizza, have become a beloved treat among the Turtles. Murakami, the 24/7 ramen shop owner, mentions his business is booming because of them. As Leonardo grabs the last gyoza, Raphael laments missing out due to his mood, and Mikey and Donatello try to cheer Leo up about Karai, while Raph remains distrustful.

Later on, Karai and Tiger Claw arrive at Murakami's restaurant, where Tiger Claw violently interrogates Murakami for information. Karai, disapproving of the dishonorable approach, leaves. Mikey remembers leaving his pizza gyoza doggy bag at the restaurant, prompting their return, and they soon realize Tiger Claw is targeting their friends April and Casey.

April, Casey, and Irma exit a theater when April senses danger. She and Casey split up, with April pursued by Karai and Casey by Tiger Claw. Karai catches up to April and seeks to talk, while Tiger Claw ambushes Casey, who alerts the Turtles before losing consciousness. Leonardo and Donatello find April with Karai, who convinces them of her good intentions. Karai returns to the lair to confirm her lineage, but Raphael remains suspicious. Karai activates a tracker for Tiger Claw, who closes in on them. Karai leads Tiger Claw away, seeking redemption, and a battle ensues, ending with Tiger Claw capturing Karai. At Shredder's lair, Karai confronts Shredder, who admits she is Hamato Yoshi's daughter.

Pizza Gyoza

Imagine the deliciousness of pizza packed into bite-sized gyoza dumplings. A crispy outside and a cheesy, savory inside — these are little pockets of joy.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of gyoza wrappers

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup pepperoni, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

• 1/2 cup bell peppers, finely diced

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 cup water

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

• Marinara sauce for dipping

Directions

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Lay out a gyoza wrapper on a clean surface. Place about a teaspoon of the pizza filling in the center of the wrapper.

3. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold it in half to form a semi-circle. Press the edges together to seal, making sure there are no gaps. You can also pleat the edges for a traditional gyoza look.

4. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the gyoza in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.

5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Carefully add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Let the gyoza steam for 3-4 minutes, or until the water has evaporated.

6. Remove the lid and let the gyoza cook for another minute to crisp up the bottoms again. Transfer the gyoza to a serving plate, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.