Want Some Dumplings with a Crisp? Utilize a Traditional Steam-Fry Method. The traditional way of preparing Japanese gyoza or Chinese guo tie is to steam-fry them in a potsticker or use the potsticker technique. Basically, you start by frying the frozen dumplings, then you add water to the pan, cover it, and let the dumplings steam for a while, and then you cook them once more when the water has evaporated.