Yau gok

Yau gok or jau gok are traditional dumplings found within Cantonese cuisine originating from Guangdong Province in China. They are most common during Chinese New Year and are consumed in Cantonese-speaking regions and communities, including Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Yau gok
Alternative namesGok zai (角仔)
CourseChinese New Year dish
Place of originChina
Region or stateGuangdong, Hong Kong and Cantonese-speaking areas
Main ingredientsglutinous rice dough, various meat fillings
Yau gok
Chinese油角
Literal meaningoil dumpling
Alternative Chinese name
Chinese角仔
Literal meaningsmall dumpling

Names

There are quite a number of unofficial English names associated with this dish:

  • Oil dumplings
  • Crispy triangles
  • Fried oil dumplings
  • New year dumplings
  • Chinese new year dumplings
  • Oil horn
  • Pot stickers

Origin

Yau gok were shaped to resemble money. These dumplings look just like ancient forms of Chinese currency, like the sycee. That's why those who follow the Taoist religious philosophy believe that eating one brings good fortune.[1]

Preparation

The dumpling wrap is first made of glutinous rice dough. A dumpling shape is formed, and then a batch of dumplings are deep fried in a wok.[2]

Salty

The savory version are generally called haam gok zai (simplified Chinese: 咸角仔; traditional Chinese: 鹹角仔; pinyin: xián jiǎo zǐ; Jyutping: haam4 gok3 zai2). There is a range of popular fillings that varies depending on regional culture. Common ingredients include pork, pieces of Chinese sausages, pieces of Chinese black mushroom. Because of the meat ingredients, this dumpling is quite greasy.

Sweet coconut

The sweet coconut version are generally called tim gok zai (Chinese: 甜角仔; pinyin: tián jiǎo zǐ; Jyutping: tim4 gok3 zai2). The standard filling has desiccated (dried) coconut crumbs mixed with sugar. After the frying, this version is crunchy. This version is suitable for vegetarians.

See also

References
  1. "Food and Religion : Symbolism and Origins of Religious Food Traditions : Photos : Cooking Channel". Retrieved 2016-07-15.
  2. wantanmien (2012-01-14). "Chinese new year Yau kwok, 油角 (Cantonese)". youtube.com. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
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