Crispy fried wontons are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for both meat-lovers and vegetarians.

As usual, today I’m sharing a recipe that includes ingredients, step-by-step instructions, meat and meatless variations, dipping sauces, nutrient notes, and more. Plus some interesting facts to spark a dinner table conversation starter.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Wonton Filling:

• Meat Version: 200g ground pork or chicken
• Vegetarian Version: 200g finely chopped mushrooms or tofu
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions or Chinese chives
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Additional Ingredients:

• Wonton wrappers (around 40 pieces)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Water, for sealing wontons

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: Mix the chosen protein (pork/chicken/mushrooms/tofu) with onion, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, ginger, scallions, and cornstarch. Combine well.
2. Assemble the Wontons: Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold to form a triangle, and press the edges to seal.
3. Fry the Wontons: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wontons in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
   .
   → Frying Options:
   When cooking crispy fried wontons, the amount of oil used can vary based on the method you choose: deep frying or shallow frying.
   1. Deep Frying: In this method, you would use enough oil to completely submerge the wontons. This allows for even cooking without the need to flip them. Typically, you would fill the pot or fryer with several inches of oil, making sure the wontons are fully covered. A general rule is to have at least 2-3 inches of oil in the pot.
   2. Shallow Frying: If you prefer to use less oil, shallow frying is an option. Here, you only need enough oil to reach halfway up the sides of the wontons. This requires you to flip them once during cooking to ensure both sides are evenly crisped.

   Regardless of the method, it’s important to heat the oil to the right temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C), and not overcrowd the pot or pan to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure even cooking. Always be cautious when working with hot oil to prevent splatters and burns.

   Recommended Utensils
   For flipping wontons, especially when shallow frying, the best tool would be a pair of kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon. Here’s why:

   1. Kitchen Tongs: Tongs offer excellent control and can easily grip individual wontons. They are ideal for carefully flipping the wontons without splashing hot oil. Look for tongs with a heat-resistant handle and a good grip.
   2. Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon is also a good choice, especially for retrieving the wontons from the oil. The slots allow excess oil to drain back into the pan or pot. Choose a slotted spoon that is sturdy and has a long handle to keep your hands away from the heat.

   When choosing either of these tools, ensure they are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures, like stainless steel or heat-resistant silicone. Avoid using plastic utensils as they can melt or warp in high heat. Also, consider the length of the handle for safety and comfort. A longer handle can help keep your hands at a safer distance from the hot oil.
   .

4. Serve: Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce. (See suggestions next…)

Dipping Sauces

1. Sweet and Sour Sauce: Mix equal parts sugar, vinegar, and ketchup with a dash of soy sauce.
2. Soy Ginger Sauce: Combine soy sauce, minced ginger, and a splash of sesame oil.

Crispy Fried Wontons – Prep and Cooking Time:

For the preparation and cooking of crispy fried wontons, here’s a rough estimate of the time required:

1. Preparation Time: This includes chopping the ingredients, preparing the filling, and assembling the wontons. It typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This can vary depending on your speed and efficiency in the kitchen, as well as the number of wontons you are making.
2. Cooking Time: Frying the wontons usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Assuming you don’t fry all of them at once, you might need to fry in multiple batches. This could take around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your fryer or pan.

So, from start to finish, you can expect the entire process to take approximately 40 to 55 minutes. Keep in mind that these times are estimates and can vary based on individual cooking methods and the number of wontons being prepared.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy wontons.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; it lowers the oil’s temperature.
• Seal the wontons well to prevent them from opening while frying.

Best Oils to Use for Your Crispy Fried Wontons

For frying wontons, the best oils are those with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. This ensures that the oil can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without smoking or imparting any off-flavors to the wontons.

Here are some of the most suitable oils for frying wontons:

1. Peanut Oil: It has a high smoke point (450°F/232°C) and a pleasant nutty flavor, which can add a subtle taste to the wontons. However, it’s important to be aware of any peanut allergies among those who will be eating them.
2. Canola Oil: With a high smoke point (400°F/204°C) and a neutral flavor, canola oil is a versatile choice for frying. It’s also low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option.
3. Vegetable Oil: A mix of different plant-based oils, typically including corn, soybean, and sunflower oils. It has a high smoke point (around 400-450°F/204-232°C) and a neutral flavor, making it a good all-purpose frying oil.
4. Soybean Oil: Known for its high smoke point (450°F/232°C) and neutral flavor. It’s commonly used in commercial kitchens.
5. Sunflower Oil: This oil has a high smoke point (440°F/227°C) and a light, clean taste. It’s also rich in Vitamin E, which is an added health benefit.
6. Safflower Oil: Similar to sunflower oil, safflower oil has a high smoke point (450°F/232°C) and a mild flavor.

Key Points to Consider:

• Smoke Point: Always choose an oil with a high smoke point for deep frying. This prevents the oil from breaking down and releasing harmful compounds.
• Flavor: Neutral oils are preferred to ensure that the flavor of the wontons is not altered.
• Health: Consider the health aspects of the oil, like the balance of fatty acids and the presence of any beneficial nutrients.

It’s important to avoid oils with low smoke points, like extra virgin olive oil or unrefined coconut oil, as they can burn at the temperatures required for frying wontons.

Optional Ingredients

• Add finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for a crunchy texture.
• Incorporate a teaspoon of Chinese rice wine or sherry into the filling for added flavor.

Vegetarian and Meat Suggestions

• Meat: Ground pork, chicken, or shrimp.
• Vegetarian: Tofu, mushrooms, or a mix of grated vegetables like carrots and cabbage.

Got Leftover Crispy Fried Wontons?

Storing and reheating leftover crispy fried wontons requires a bit of care to maintain their texture and flavor. Here’s how you can do it:

Storing Leftovers

1. Cool Down: Allow the fried wontons to cool completely at room temperature. Do not cover them while they’re still warm, as this can create steam and make them soggy.
2. Refrigeration: Place the cooled wontons in an airtight container. You can separate layers of wontons with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Freezing (Optional): If you won’t be eating them within a few days, you can freeze the wontons. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep them from sticking together in the freezer.
4. Shelf Life: In the refrigerator, the wontons will last 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftovers

1. Oven or Toaster Oven (Recommended): Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wontons on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes (a bit longer if they’re frozen), until they’re heated through and crispy.
2. Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, you can reheat them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method also helps in maintaining their crispiness.
3. Microwave: While the microwave is the quickest method, it won’t retain the crispiness of the wontons. If you choose to use the microwave, do it in short intervals of 15-20 seconds until they are warmed through, but be aware that they may be a bit soggy.
4. Pan Frying: You can also reheat them in a pan with a little oil over medium heat, flipping them occasionally until they’re crispy again.

Note:

• Avoid reheating wontons multiple times as this can affect their quality and safety.
• Always check the temperature to ensure they are heated through before consuming.

Nutrient Notes

• Calories: Approximately 50-70 per wonton, depending on filling.
• High in protein, especially the meat version.

Dinner Table Fodder – History and Folklore of Wontons

• Wontons originated from Northern China and symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
• The shape of traditional wontons resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, symbolizing wealth.
• Sharing wontons during the Lunar New Year is a common tradition, as it’s believed to bring wealth and good luck.

This recipe is a wonderful way to explore different flavors and textures while enjoying a bit of cultural history. (See all internationally inspired recipes here.)

Whether you choose the meat or vegetarian version, these crispy wontons are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

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