Crispy Fried Wontons with Dipping Sauce

by

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and chopped shrimp.
  2. Add the green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, sugar, white pepper, and salt.
  3. Mix in the egg white and cornstarch.
  4. Stir everything together in one direction for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive. This helps bind the filling.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Make the Dipping Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, and chili oil if using.
  3. Set aside to let the flavors develop while you prepare the wontons.

Wrap the Wontons

  1. Set up your wrapping station with wonton wrappers, filling, and a small bowl of water.
  2. Place one wonton wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape).
  3. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the wrapper.
  4. Dip your finger in water and moisten all four edges of the wrapper.
  5. Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, forming a triangle. Press edges firmly to seal, removing any air pockets.
  6. Bring the two side corners together and overlap them slightly, dabbing with water to seal. This creates the classic wonton shape.
  7. Place finished wontons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
  8. Repeat until all filling is used.

Fry the Wontons

  1. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or wok to about 2-3 inches depth.
  2. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper – it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Working in batches of 6-8 wontons (don’t overcrowd), carefully slide them into the hot oil.
  4. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  5. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove wontons and drain on paper towels.
  6. Repeat with remaining wontons, maintaining oil temperature between batches.

Serve

  1. Arrange the crispy wontons on a serving platter.
  2. Sprinkle with a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish.
  3. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Wontons

Wrapping Tips:

  • Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying
  • Don’t overfill – too much filling makes sealing difficult and can cause bursting during frying
  • Press out all air pockets when sealing to prevent expansion during frying
  • Make sure edges are completely sealed with water

Filling Variations:

  • All pork: Use 1 lb ground pork instead of pork/shrimp mixture
  • Vegetarian: Use finely chopped mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and tofu
  • Chicken: Substitute ground chicken for the pork
  • Add water chestnuts for extra crunch

Frying Success:

  • Maintain consistent oil temperature – too hot will burn the outside before cooking the inside
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – this drops oil temperature and makes wontons soggy
  • Fry in small batches for even browning
  • Let oil return to temperature between batches

Make-Ahead Options:

  • Wrap wontons and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet
  • Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months
  • Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time
  • Do not thaw before frying as they’ll become soggy

Alternative Cooking Methods:

  • Baked: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway
  • Air Fryer: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes
  • Boiled: Cook in simmering water for 5-6 minutes for wonton soup

Serving Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer, party snack, or alongside fried rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also excellent for game day or potlucks!

Storage

Fried wontons are best eaten immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Yield

Makes approximately 40-50 wontons, serving 6-8 people as an appetizer

These crispy wontons are addictively delicious with their golden, crunchy exterior giving way to a savory, juicy filling. The combination of textures and the flavorful dipping sauce makes them impossible to resist!

⏮️ Previous