Fried Wontons
Crispy, golden-brown wontons filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and shrimp. These addictive little parcels are a takeout favorite, perfect for parties and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Filling
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, finely chopped shrimp, green onions, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- c.Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and the lightly beaten egg white.
- d.Mix with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Wontons
- b.Set up your wrapping station: place the bowl of filling, wonton wrappers, and a small bowl of water on a clean surface.
- c.Lay one wonton wrapper in a diamond shape. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- d.Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
- e.Dip your finger in the water and moisten the two top edges of the diamond.
- f.Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, squeezing out any air pockets.
- g.Dab a little water on one of the bottom corners of the triangle. Bring the two bottom corners together, overlapping them slightly, and press firmly to seal. Repeat until all the filling is used.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Wontons
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, wok, or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Working in batches of 5-6, carefully slide the wontons into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown, crispy, and the filling is cooked through.
- e.The internal temperature of the pork filling should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the cooked wontons from the oil.
- c.Transfer them to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- d.Repeat the frying process with the remaining wontons. For best results, serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili, duck sauce, or a soy-vinegar blend.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overfill the wontons. About 1 teaspoon of filling is perfect to ensure they cook through and don't burst.
- 2Keep the stack of unused wonton wrappers under a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- 3To test if the oil is ready without a thermometer, drop a small piece of a wonton wrapper into it. If it sizzles and turns golden in about 30 seconds, the oil is at the right temperature.
- 4Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure the wontons cook evenly and become crispy.
- 5These wontons can be assembled ahead of time. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
For a different flavor, substitute the ground pork with ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian version, use a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and firm tofu.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
For a healthier alternative, spray the wontons with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
SpicinessSpiciness
Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The combination of pork and shrimp provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Quick Energy
The wonton wrappers are made from flour, which is a source of carbohydrates. Your body converts these carbohydrates into glucose, providing a quick source of energy.
Contains Aromatic Alliums
Garlic and green onions, part of the allium family, contain beneficial compounds like allicin. They contribute flavor and have been studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of 6 fried wontons contains approximately 550-600 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the wontons and how much oil is absorbed during frying.