Shrimp Fried Wontons

Shrimp Fried Wontons

Shrimp fried wontons are a delectable appetizer that combines the flavors of tender shrimp, aromatic spices, and crispy golden wonton wrappers.

This popular Asian-inspired dish is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a starter for a multi-course meal. Shrimp fried wontons are easy to make, customizable, and versatile – you can fill them with a blend of shrimp, seasonings, and even add vegetables or other proteins for added flavor.

This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect shrimp filling, wrapping the wontons, and frying them to crispy perfection. Let’s dive into the world of crunchy, savory, and delightful shrimp wontons!

Ingredients:

For the Wonton Filling:

• 1/2 lb (225g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to bind the filling)

For Wrapping and Frying:

• 20–24 square wonton wrappers
• Small bowl of water (for sealing wontons)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Serving (Optional):

• Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy dipping sauce of your choice
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish

How to Make Shrimp Fried Wontons:

Prepare the Shrimp Filling:

Start by chopping the raw shrimp into small pieces. You can also use a food processor to pulse the shrimp until finely chopped, but be careful not to over-process, as it should retain some texture.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

For a firmer filling, you can add cornstarch, which helps bind the ingredients. This step is optional but can help the filling hold together better when fried.

Assemble the Wontons:

Set up your workstation with the wonton wrappers, shrimp filling, and a small bowl of water for sealing.

Take one wonton wrapper and place it on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp filling onto the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the wontons to burst while frying.

Dip your finger into the water and moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper.

Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing down the edges to seal tightly. Ensure there are no air bubbles trapped inside, as they may cause the wonton to open during frying.

For added security and a decorative look, you can bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together and seal them with a dab of water to create a small ‘hat’ shape. Repeat this process until all wontons are filled and sealed.

Fry the Wontons:

In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil – it should sizzle and start turning golden in a few seconds.

Fry the wontons in small batches, about 4–6 at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the wontons to become greasy.

Fry each batch for 2–3 minutes or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Remove the wontons from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve:

Transfer the fried wontons to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Chef’s Note: Shrimp fried wontons can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before frying. Simply lay the assembled wontons on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time. If you prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to add finely diced water chestnuts, mushrooms, or even ground pork to the filling.

These variations add extra texture and depth of flavor. Additionally, if frying isn’t your preference, you can also steam or bake the wontons – though the texture will differ, they will still be delicious.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Vitamin A: 4% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 5% of DV
• Calcium: 4% of DV
• Iron: 6% of DV

Shrimp fried wontons are a tasty, protein-rich appetizer that provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fat, making them filling and satisfying. They’re also relatively low in calories per piece, making them a great choice for sharing. Enjoy these crunchy, savory treats with friends and family as a starter, snack, or addition to any meal!

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