Chicken Wontons

Chicken Wontons Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken wontons are a delicious and popular appetizer in many Asian cuisines. These crispy and flavorful dumplings are perfect for parties or as a snack. In this recipe, we will show you how to make homemade chicken wontons that are sure to impress your guests.

History

Wontons have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, they are made with a filling of minced meat, vegetables, and seasonings, wrapped in a thin dough and then boiled, steamed, or fried. Chicken wontons are a variation of this classic dish, using chicken as the main protein.

Ingredients

1 chopped onion
1 crushed garlic clove
1 grated slice of ginger
250 g (8 oz) minced chicken meat
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
30 wonton wrappers
oil for stir-frying
oil for deep-frying
Dipping sauce of your choice

How to prepare

Heat a wok and add oil, drizzling the oil down the sides of the wok.
Stir-fry the crushed garlic, ginger, and onion.
Add the chicken meat and stir-fry on high heat until the chicken browns. Add the seasonings, stirring.
Remove the wok from the burner and allow the mixture to cool.
Set out the wonton wrappers with a small bowl filled with water.
Lay out 1 wonton wrapper and place approximately 1 tbsp of the chicken mixture in the middle.
Dip your finger in the water and run it along the edges of the wonton wrapper to wet.
Take another wonton wrapper and place it on top in a way that forms a star shape (the top wrapper looks like a diamond instead of a square).
Continue with the rest of the mixture.
Deep-fry the wontons a few at a time, sliding them carefully into the wok so that the oil doesn't splatter.
Deep-fry until they turn golden and drain on paper towels.
Serve with sweet and sour sauce or the dipping sauce of your choice.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with pork, shrimp, or tofu for different flavor options.
Add chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling for added texture and nutrition.
Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the flavor of the wontons.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the wonton wrappers tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Use a small amount of water to wet the edges of the wrappers for easier sealing.

- Fry the wontons in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don't overcrowd the pan.

- Serve the wontons hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken wontons with a side of sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce for dipping. They can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for making chicken wontons include stir-frying the filling, wrapping the wontons, and deep-frying them until crispy and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute almond butter or tahini for peanut butter if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

- Use store-bought wonton wrappers or make your own from scratch if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken wontons ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them a convenient option for parties or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried chicken wontons on a platter and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with colorful dipping sauces for a visually appealing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken wontons pair well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Serve them with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. Pair them with green tea, sake, or a light beer for a refreshing drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet with a little oil until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken wontons contains approximately 8g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken wontons are a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and gluten from the wonton wrappers. It may also contain soy if using soy sauce in the dipping sauce.

Summary

Chicken wontons are a delicious and satisfying appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Chicken wontons are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try making these homemade chicken wontons for your next gathering and impress everyone with your culinary skills.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, taught me how to make these delicious chicken wontons.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a cool autumn afternoon, and the smell of garlic and ginger filled the air as my grandmother chopped and diced the ingredients for the filling. She explained to me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare them properly.

As we worked together, she told me the story of how she learned to make chicken wontons from her own grandmother when she was a young girl. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I watched intently as my grandmother expertly folded the wonton wrappers around the savory chicken filling, creating little parcels of goodness. She showed me how to seal them properly so that they wouldn't fall apart during cooking.

Once the wontons were ready, she boiled them in a pot of flavorful chicken broth until they were cooked through. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

When the wontons were done, my grandmother served them in bowls with a ladleful of the fragrant broth. She garnished them with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil, adding the finishing touch to a perfect meal.

I took my first bite of the chicken wonton, and it was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The flavors of the chicken, garlic, and ginger mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make chicken wontons on my own, and she was more than happy to share her knowledge with me. We spent many afternoons in the kitchen together, perfecting the recipe and experimenting with different fillings and seasonings.

Over the years, I have continued to make chicken wontons for my family and friends, always remembering the joy and love that went into learning the recipe from my grandmother. Each time I make them, I feel a connection to my past and the generations of women who came before me, passing down their culinary wisdom from one cook to the next.

I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and I will continue to make chicken wontons for as long as I am able. It is a dish that brings people together, sharing good food and good company in a way that warms the heart and nourishes the soul.

And so, every time I sit down to a bowl of chicken wontons, I am reminded of the love and traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. I am proud to carry on this recipe and share it with others, knowing that it will bring them as much joy and happiness as it has brought me.