There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that not only pleases the palate but also brings a sense of pride when serving it to friends and family. Enter crispy Shrimp Wontons—a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will transport you to your favorite Asian restaurant, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
The moment you take that first bite, the crunch of the golden wrapper contrasting with the savory shrimp filling is simply irresistible. And here’s the best part: these wontons are surprisingly easy to make! Whether you choose to deep-fry them for that perfect crunch or air fry for a healthier twist, each bite is an explosion of umami that will leave you craving more.
Perfect for a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these crispy Shrimp Wontons are bound to impress your guests—and revive your weeknight meal routine. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful culinary adventure!
Why are Shrimp Wontons a must-try?
Irresistible flavor explosion: The savory shrimp filling melds perfectly with garlic chives and a hint of soy sauce, creating a deliciously balanced taste.
Versatile cooking methods: Whether you deep-fry, air fry, or boil, you can customize the wontons to suit your dietary preferences.
Crowd-pleaser appeal: These golden-brown morsels are perfect for entertaining and will surely impress your guests at any gathering.
Quick preparation: In just 5-8 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a batch of crispy delights that rival your favorite takeout.
Satisfaction guaranteed: Enjoy the gratifying process of making them from scratch, turning an ordinary night into something special. So roll up your sleeves and make these scrumptious Shrimp Wontons!
Shrimp Wontons Ingredients
For the Wontons
• Square wonton wrappers – These are the perfect base for wrapping your flavorful filling.
• Shrimp – Use fresh or frozen shrimp, deveined for optimal taste.
• Garlic chives – Adds a mild onion flavor that beautifully complements the shrimp filling.
• Soy sauce – Provides the essential umami flavor that enhances all the ingredients.
• White pepper – Adds a subtle heat without overpowering the shrimp.
• Cooking wine – A splash of this enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame oil – Introduces a nutty aroma that elevates the wontons.
• Chicken bouillon powder – Use this for a richer taste in your shrimp filling.
For the Corn Starch Slurry
• Corn starch – Essential for sealing the wontons and ensuring they stay intact during cooking.
• Water – Mixed with corn starch to create an effective sealing solution.
For the Dipping Sauce
• Mayonnaise – Serves as a creamy base for your dipping sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce – Adds a delicious sweetness and mild heat that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
• Sriracha – For those who crave a spicy kick to their dipping experience.
For Garnish
• Green onions – Chopped, these add a fresh and vibrant touch that enhances the presentation of your crispy Shrimp Wontons.
Make these crispy Shrimp Wontons easily, and enjoy each flavorful bite alongside your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Make Shrimp Wontons
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Prepare the shrimp: Begin by deveining and shelling the shrimp, ensuring they’re clean and ready to be transformed into a delicious filling.
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Make the paste: Place the shrimp on a cutting board and pound it until it reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency. This texture helps bind the ingredients together for optimum flavor.
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Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shrimp paste with garlic chives, soy sauce, white pepper, cooking wine, sesame oil, corn starch, and chicken bouillon powder. Stir well to create a cohesive mixture.
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Create the sealing slurry: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 1 tablespoon of water. This slurry will help seal the wontons securely before cooking.
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Assemble the wontons: Place about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp filling in the center of a wonton wrapper.
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Seal the edges: Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with the corn starch slurry to ensure a tight seal, preventing any filling from escaping during cooking.
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Shape the wontons: Fold two opposing corners of the wrapper together, then fold the top two corners down and press firmly to seal the edges into a beautiful rangoon shape.
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Cook the wontons: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F and fry the wontons for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes or boil for a softer texture.
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Make the dipping sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined. This sauce will perfectly complement your crispy wontons.
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Garnish and serve: Top your plated wontons with freshly chopped green onions and serve alongside the dipping sauce for a memorable meal!
Optional: Serve with lime wedges for an added citrus zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Shrimp Wontons?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful side dishes that perfectly complement these crispy bites of joy.
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Steamed Bok Choy: This light, crisp vegetable side adds a fresh and slightly sweet crunch, balancing the rich filling of the wontons beautifully.
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Sesame Noodles: The nutty flavor of sesame intertwined with tender noodles makes for a satisfying side that echoes the wonton’s savory notes. Toss in some fresh vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
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Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavor profile with this sugary and spicy companion, providing an additional layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the wontons.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Add more crunch to your meal with delicate spring rolls filled with veggies, which make for a light and colorful presentation on your dinner table.
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Miso Soup: The warmth and umami of miso soup create a comforting contrast to the crispy wontons, perfect for a cozy dining experience any night of the week.
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Cucumber Salad: A zesty cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch, providing brightness that can cut through the richness of fried wontons while keeping the meal light.
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Tsingtao Beer or Crisp White Wine: For a beverage pairing, consider serving a chilled Tsingtao beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors beautifully.
These pairings will ensure you create a memorable meal that takes your homemade Shrimp Wontons to another level of delight!
Expert Tips for Making Shrimp Wontons
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Keep it Fresh: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen works, but thaw it completely for even texture throughout.
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Avoid Overfilling: Stick to 1 tablespoon of filling per wonton to prevent bursting during cooking—less is more!
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Seal Carefully: Make sure to coat the edges of the wonton wrappers with the corn starch slurry, ensuring they are tightly sealed to avoid losing the filling.
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Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 375°F for optimal crispness; too hot will burn the wontons, too cool will make them soggy.
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Customize Your Dipping Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spice levels in your dipping sauce to suit your palate—add more sriracha for extra heat!
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Healthier Options: If frying isn’t for you, air frying shrimp wontons at 360°F yields a delightful crispy texture with less oil.
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Wontons
Room Temperature: Refrigerate any leftovers immediately after cooling, as shrimp wontons should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store your leftover shrimp wontons in an airtight container for up to 3 days, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked shrimp wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Shrimp Wontons Variations
Explore the delightful possibilities to create your very own twist on these crispy Shrimp Wontons!
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Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a flavorful plant-based option. The earthy quality of mushrooms brings a delightful depth to your filling.
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Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free wonton wrappers made from rice flour. This swap allows everyone to enjoy these delicious bites without compromising on taste.
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Spicy: Add minced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the shrimp mixture for an extra kick. Just remember, a little heat goes a long way!
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh cilantro or basil for a herbaceous burst that elevates the wonton’s flavor profile. The fresh herbs can brighten each bite splendidly!
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Crispy Baked: Instead of frying, brush wontons lightly with oil and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden. You’ll get a lighter version that’s just as crunchy!
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Cheesy: Incorporate some cream cheese or shredded cheese into your filling for a creamy texture. This addition creates a rich, decadent experience that’s hard to resist.
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Savory Twist: Add a splash of chili oil or a hint of garlic powder to the filling for a deeper, more complex flavor. The nuanced taste will surprise and delight your palate.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped water chestnuts for a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness. Their texture contrast adds an exciting twist to each wonton.
Make Ahead Options
These crispy Shrimp Wontons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the wonton filling and assemble the wontons up to 24 hours in advance. Simply complete steps 1 through 7, then arrange your wontons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them. To maintain their quality and prevent sogginess, ensure they are not stacked on top of each other. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry, air fry, or boil as instructed for that fresh, crispy texture. This means that on busy weeknights, you can have delicious homemade Shrimp Wontons with minimal effort—just finish cooking and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Shrimp Wontons Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best shrimp for my wontons?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for firm, translucent shells without dark spots or strong odors—this indicates freshness. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, while frozen shrimp should be stored at 0°F. If using frozen shrimp, defrost them in the fridge overnight before preparing.
How should I store leftover shrimp wontons?
Very good question! After cooking, allow them to cool completely and then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, consider reheating in an air fryer or skillet rather than a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze shrimp wontons?
Absolutely! To freeze uncooked shrimp wontons, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place the sheet in the freezer until they are firm (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove excess air before sealing. They can be kept for up to 2 months in the freezer.
What should I do if my wontons are leaking during cooking?
If you find your wontons are leaking, it could be due to overfilling or insufficient sealing. Make sure you’re only using about 1 tablespoon of filling and sealing the edges tightly with the corn starch slurry. If it happens, you can still cook them—it will just be an imperfect wonton, but they’ll still taste great!
Are shrimp wontons safe for those with shellfish allergies?
No, shrimp wontons are not suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies. Always check with your guests about any dietary restrictions. If you need a substitution, consider using ground chicken or vegetables instead, adjusting the seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor.
How long does it take to cook shrimp wontons?
For crispy shrimp wontons, you’ll need about 5-8 minutes when deep frying at 375°F or 10 minutes in an air fryer at 360°F. Alternatively, for a softer texture, boiling them for approximately 10 minutes will do the trick as well. Happy cooking!
Crispy Shrimp Wontons That Will Elevate Your Dinner Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the shrimp: Begin by deveining and shelling the shrimp, ensuring they're clean and ready to be transformed into a delicious filling.
- Make the paste: Place the shrimp on a cutting board and pound it until it reaches a smooth, paste-like consistency.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shrimp paste with garlic chives, soy sauce, white pepper, cooking wine, sesame oil, corn starch, and chicken bouillon powder.
- Create the sealing slurry: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Assemble the wontons: Place about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp filling in the center of a wonton wrapper.
- Seal the edges: Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with the corn starch slurry.
- Shape the wontons: Fold two opposing corners of the wrapper together, then fold the top two corners down and press firmly to seal.
- Cook the wontons: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F and fry the wontons for 5-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Top your plated wontons with freshly chopped green onions and serve alongside the dipping sauce.