Fried Shrimp Wonton Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a crispy, golden wonton and discovering the juicy, flavorful filling inside. Fried shrimp wontons are a beloved dish in many Asian cuisines, often served as appetizers or snacks at gatherings. What makes this dish so special is the perfect balance of textures—the crunch of the wrapper paired with the tender, savory shrimp filling.

This version of fried shrimp wontons is inspired by classic Asian flavors but with a modern twist. The addition of sesame oil, oyster sauce, and a hint of Sriracha in the dipping sauce brings a bold, umami-packed flavor that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner or as party appetizers, they’re guaranteed to impress!

Let’s dive into the recipe and bring these delightful little parcels of joy to your table.

Recipe Overview

Before we start cooking, let me give you a quick overview to help you plan your time and resources:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 20–25 wontons (perfect for 4–5 people as an appetizer)
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (great for beginners with some folding practice)
• Equipment Needed:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for egg wash
  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Paper towels (for draining oil)

Scaling Tips: If you’re cooking for a crowd, double or triple the recipe. These wontons freeze beautifully (more on that later), so don’t hesitate to make extra!

Make-Ahead Options: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also assemble the wontons in advance and freeze them uncooked—just fry them straight from frozen when ready to serve.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 packet square wonton wrappers: Look for these in the refrigerated section of your local Asian grocery store or supermarket. If unavailable, spring roll wrappers can work in a pinch (cut into smaller squares).
• 1 egg yolk: Used as an egg wash to seal the wontons.

Filling:

• 250g shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped. Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen shrimp (thawed) is also fine.
• 1 tbsp spring onion (chopped): Adds a mild oniony flavor and freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick of spice.
• 1 tbsp corn starch: Helps bind the filling together and keeps it juicy while frying.
• 1/2 teaspoon egg yolk: Adds richness to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Provides saltiness and depth of flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce: Brings an umami punch—don’t skip this!
• 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity to the filling.

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For nutty aroma and flavor.
• 2 tbsp carrot (grated): Adds color and a slight sweetness to balance the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced): For aromatic depth.

Sauce:

• 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Sweet with just a hint of spice—pairs perfectly with fried wontons.
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce: For those who like it spicy! Adjust based on your heat tolerance.

Step-by-Step Method

Cooking together is always more fun, so let me guide you through each step like we’re in the kitchen side by side.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by chopping your shrimp into small pieces—this ensures an even texture in every bite. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with spring onions, black pepper, corn starch, egg yolk, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a cohesive mixture that smells absolutely divine!

Pro Tip: Let the filling sit for about 5 minutes while you prepare your wrappers—this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Assemble the Wontons

Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean surface (or cutting board). Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper—don’t overfill them; otherwise, they might burst during frying!

Brush the edges of each wrapper lightly with egg yolk using your finger or a small brush. Fold diagonally into a triangle shape and press firmly along the edges to seal. For extra flair (and security), bring the two bottom corners together and pinch them tightly.

Visual Cue: Your wontons should look like little envelopes or dumplings at this stage.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil—it should sizzle immediately but not burn.

Carefully fry your wontons in small batches (4–5 at a time) to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your oil temperature—too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

While your wontons cool slightly, whisk together sweet chili sauce and Sriracha in a small bowl. Taste-test and adjust based on your spice preference—add more sweet chili if you want it milder or more Sriracha if you’re feeling bold!

Variations & Customization

One of my favorite things about fried shrimp wontons is how customizable they are! Here are some ideas to make them your own:

Dietary Modifications:

• For gluten-free wontons, use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional ones.
• To make them vegetarian, swap out shrimp for finely diced mushrooms or tofu crumbles.

Spice Level Adjustments:

Not into spicy food? Skip the Sriracha entirely or replace it with hoisin sauce for a sweeter dip.

Fancy vs. Everyday Versions:

For an elevated version, add finely chopped water chestnuts or shiitake mushrooms to the filling for extra texture.

Seasonal Adaptations:

In summer, serve these with a light cucumber salad on the side; in winter, pair them with hot soup for ultimate comfort food vibes.

Serving & Storage

Plating Suggestions:

Arrange your fried shrimp wontons on a platter with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint as garnish. Serve alongside small bowls of dipping sauce so everyone can enjoy their own portion.

Best Side Dishes:

These pair beautifully with Asian-inspired sides like fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodle salads.

Storage Instructions:

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy!

Freezing Guidance:

Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a baking sheet until solid; then transfer them to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

And there you have it—a step-by-step guide to making crispy fried shrimp wontons that are bursting with flavor! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to something special at home, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Happy cooking!

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