Shrimp Wonton

Shrimp Wonton

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of freshly made Shrimp Wonton, especially when it’s served in a rich, spicy Sichuan sauce. I remember the first time I tried these little pockets of joy at a street food market in Sichuan. The aroma wafting through the air was irresistible. I was instantly hooked! The moment those wontons hit my tongue, it was a game changer. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring back such vivid memories!

Cooking Shrimp Wonton at home is a delightful experience, one that’s filled with love and creativity. Each step, from mixing the filling to wrapping the wontons, feels like a cherished ritual. Every time I prepare these, I get lost in the nostalgia, imagining the bustling markets and the vibrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Plus, it’s such a fun thing to try with friends and family! You create a delicious meal together, sharing stories and laughter as you assemble each wonton.

This dish isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about the adventure of making something unique. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or want to impress guests, Shrimp Wonton is a fantastic choice. Pair it with a refreshing salad or a simple stir-fry, and you have a meal that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Difficulty:
Easy
Calories:
250 kcal
Protein:
20 g
Diet:
Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Fat:
7 g
Tools Used:
Peeler, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Large Pot

The Magic of This Shrimp Wonton

Flavor Explosion

One of the reasons I adore Shrimp Wonton is the flavor explosion that happens with every bite. The delectable mix of shrimp, ginger, and garlic creates a savory filling that’s simply irresistible. Each wonton brings a little surprise of spice thanks to the Sichuan sauce, which adds a kick that leaves you wanting more.

Comfort Food

There’s just something about dumplings that wraps you in a cozy embrace. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm meal, Shrimp Wonton is there to comfort you. It’s like a warm hug from inside!

Customizable

I love how versatile this dish is. You can easily adjust the filling to suit your taste. Want it a bit more spicy? Add extra chili flakes! Prefer a milder flavor? You can skip the heat altogether. This adaptability is perfect for accommodating different palates.

Fun Activity

Making Shrimp Wonton is a fantastic activity to share with family and friends. It becomes a fun bonding experience as everyone gets involved in the preparation. Wrapping wontons can turn into a friendly competition or a lovely shared moment. Kids love getting involved, too!

Healthy Ingredients

This dish incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. With fresh veggies and lean shrimp, you’re giving your body what it deserves while still indulging in something tasty. Plus, you can control what goes into your filling!

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re looking to take your weekly meal prep to the next level, Shrimp Wonton is a stellar option. You can make a big batch and freeze them for a quick meal later on. Just steam or boil them when you’re ready to eat—easy peasy!

Everything You Need for Shrimp Wonton

Shrimp Wonton

The ingredients for Shrimp Wonton are simple yet flavorful. They come together to create a filling that’s not only satisfying but also rich in texture and taste. Each ingredient plays a key role in ensuring the final product is balanced and delicious. Let’s break down these ingredients and see why they’re essential to this delightful dish.

  • 1 clove garlic – Provides a strong aromatic base that enhances the flavor of the wonton filling.
  • 1/2 inch slice of ginger – Adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the shrimp beautifully.
  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp – The star ingredient, bringing a fresh and succulent taste that makes the wonton special.
  • 7 water chestnuts – These add a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet flavor to the filling.
  • 2 stalks green onion – Both the green and white parts add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
  • 1 egg white – Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the filling together.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro – Introduces a burst of freshness and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
  • 30-35 wonton or gyoza wrappers – The perfect casing for all the delicious filling.
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced – Extra garlic for a deeper flavor profile in the wonton filling.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Provides a salty, umami flavor that ties the filling together.
  • 1 tablespoon roasted Asian chili flakes in oil, drained – Adds that characteristic heat and richness to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons black or rice vinegar – Infuses a tangy contrast to the filling and sauce, elevating the dish.

How to Assemble Shrimp Wonton

Shrimp Wonton

Assembling your Shrimp Wonton might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a straightforward process that’s filled with joy. I recommend gathering all your ingredients beforehand to make it easier. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create these delicious dumplings!

  1. Start by preparing your filling. In a food processor, add the garlic and ginger. Pulse them together until they form a paste.
  2. Next, add the raw shrimp, water chestnuts, soy sauce, chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon of egg white, and cilantro. Pulse the mixture again until it’s well combined but still has some small chunks. You want a bit of texture in the filling, so avoid over-pulsing.
  3. Once the filling is ready, prepare your wonton wrappers. Lay out six wrappers on a clean surface, keeping the others covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Take a heaped teaspoon of filling and place it in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to leaks during cooking.
  5. With a brush or your finger, carefully wet the edges of the wrapper with the remaining egg white. This will help seal the wontons.
  6. Fold the wrapper over to create a triangle or a half-moon shape. Ensure to press out any trapped air as you seal the edges tightly. This helps prevent the wontons from bursting while cooking.
  7. For extra security, dab a little more egg white on the corners of the wontons and press them together to ensure they’re fully sealed.
  8. Continue this process until all the wrappers are filled. It’s a little time-consuming, but trust me, it’s worth it!
  9. To make the spicy Sichuan sauce, mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and pour into serving bowls.
  10. Bring a large stockpot of water to a rolling boil. Have a cup of cold water ready nearby. Add some wontons to the pot, then carefully pour in the cold water. Once the water returns to a boil, the wontons are ready to be removed. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and drain on a plate.
  11. Repeat the process until all wontons are cooked, ensuring the water is boiling again each time you add new ones.
  12. Divide the wontons among the bowls of spicy sauce, topping them with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Great Combinations for Shrimp Wonton

Shrimp Wonton is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some great combinations to enhance your meal:

  • Fresh Salad: A light salad with greens, cucumbers, and a sesame vinaigrette complements the wontons perfectly.
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables adds texture and nutrients to your meal.
  • Rice: Steamed jasmine or brown rice serves as a great base to soak up the spicy sauce.
  • Appetizer: Serve Shrimp Wonton as an appetizer during gatherings or parties. They’re always a hit!
  • Occasions: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings—these wontons fit right in on any table.
  • Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy them warm in the winter or serve them as a light dish in the spring and summer.
  • Storage: Leftover wontons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in boiling water.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and cook them!

When cooking your Shrimp Wonton, they’ll be ready when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. If you’re unsure, you can always take one out and cut it open to check if the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.

There are several fantastic options! Pair your Shrimp Wonton with a light salad, steamed rice, or even some stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve them as an appetizer at parties, and they always impress guests!

It’s best to freeze uncooked wontons, as cooked ones may lose their texture. Place the uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen!

Conclusion

The Shrimp Wonton is a delightful dish that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to bring family and friends together in the kitchen. I encourage you to try making these at home—it’s a fun and rewarding experience that you won’t soon forget!

Shrimp Wonton

Shrimp Wonton

The ultimate comfort food, Shrimp Wonton offers a delicious burst of flavors wrapped in tender dumplings. This easy weeknight dinner features fresh shrimp and a spicy Sichuan sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, try making it tonight!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 inch slice of ginger peeled
  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp peeled, deveined
  • 7 water chestnuts canned is fine
  • 2 stalks green onions green and white parts, finely chopped
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 30-35 wonton or gyoza wrappers
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon roasted Asian chili flakes in oil drained
  • 2 tablespoons black or rice vinegar

Equipment

  • Peeler
  • Baking Sheet
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. In a food processor, purée the garlic and ginger and then add the raw shrimp, water chestnuts, soy sauce, green onions, 1 teaspoon of the egg white and the cilantro. Keep pulsing, leaving the mixture chunky but together.
  2. Lay out six of the wonton wrappers, keeping the other wrappers covered with a tea towel so that they don’t dry out. Place a heaped teaspoon of the filling in each and brush the edges of the wrapper with the remaining egg white. Bring one side over to create a triangle or half moon. Squeeze out any trapped air. Dab the corners with a little more egg white and cross over, then press them together to form a wonton. Continue until all the wrappers are filled.
  3. To make the spicy Sichuan sauce, mix all the sauce ingredients together and pour into small bowls.
  4. Bring a very large stockpot of water to the boil and have a cup of cold water ready. Add some of the wontons and then add the cold water. When it comes to the boil again, the wontons are ready to remove. It’s best to use a slotted spoon to scoop them out. Drain on a plate. Add the remaining wontons to the water, which should be boiling again. Repeat with the cold water and let cook.
  5. Divide the wontons among the bowls of sauce, top with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze uncooked wontons. Just lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
  • Pairing: These wontons go great with a light salad or steamed rice.
  • Making Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and store in the fridge for a quicker assembly.
  • Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as vegetables or other seafood!

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