Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce is a delicious and popular appetizer that combines the flavors of succulent prawns with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. These crispy wontons are perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty snack.

History

Wontons have a long history in Chinese cuisine and are believed to have originated in the Tang Dynasty. They are traditionally filled with a mixture of meat, seafood, or vegetables and then wrapped in a thin dough before being boiled, steamed, or fried. The addition of prawns to wontons adds a delicious seafood twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

Chilli sauce

2 cups rice wine vinegar
1.5 cups white sugar
5 tbsp fish sauce
2 large red chillies, finely sliced on the diagonal

Wontons

9 uncooked medium-sized prawns (shrimp) – about 300 g (10 oz)
1 tbsp roughly chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves
1 tbsp finely sliced spring onions (scallions)
1.5 tsp finely diced ginger
1 tsp shao hsing wine or dry sherry
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce
0.25 tsp white sugar
0.25 tsp sesame oil
16 fresh wonton wrappers, about 7 cm (3 in) square

How to prepare

Place vinegar and sugar in a medium-sized heavy-based saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by almost half and slightly syrupy.
Remove from the stove, stir in fish sauce and chillies, and set aside.
For the wontons, peel and devein prawns, then dice prawn meat – you should have about 150 g (5 oz) of diced prawn meat.
Combine prawn meat and remaining ingredients, except wonton wrappers, in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Next, fill and shape the wontons.
Heat oil in a hot wok until the surface seems to shimmer slightly.
Add wontons in batches and deep-fry for about 2 minutes or until just cooked through and lightly browned.
To test the wontons, you will need to remove one using a slotted spoon and cut it through with a sharp knife to see if the prawns are just cooked through.
Remove wontons with a slotted spoon and drain well on kitchen paper.
Repeat the process with the remaining wontons.
Arrange wontons on a platter and serve immediately with a bowl of sweet chili dipping sauce.

Variations

Substitute the prawns with minced chicken or pork for a different flavor.
Add diced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the prawn mixture for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dice the prawn meat finely to ensure even cooking.

- Refrigerating the prawn mixture before filling the wontons helps the flavors to meld together.

- Deep-fry the wontons in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Test one wonton first to ensure the prawns are cooked through before frying the rest.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce as an appetizer with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying the wontons gives them a crispy texture and golden color.

- Boiling or steaming the wontons are alternative cooking methods if you prefer a lighter dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought sweet chili sauce instead of making your own.

- Substitute the prawns with diced tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the prawn mixture and shape the wontons ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.

- The sweet chili sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Crispy Prawn Wontons on a platter and garnish with sliced scallions and cilantro for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce with a light and refreshing white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 8g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce contains approximately 10g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns) and soy, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce are a flavorful and protein-rich appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that combines succulent prawns with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. This recipe is perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit the local farmers market to pick up some fresh produce for dinner. As I wandered through the stalls, I came across a small stand run by an elderly Chinese woman selling a variety of homemade dumplings and wontons.

The aroma wafting from her stall was intoxicating, and I found myself drawn to the sizzling sound of frying wontons. I approached the woman and struck up a conversation with her, asking about her delicious creations. She smiled warmly and offered me a sample of her Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the crispy exterior and the juicy prawn filling. The sweet and tangy chilli sauce added the perfect finishing touch.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these delectable wontons for myself. I asked the woman if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed. She handed me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in beautiful calligraphy. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe forever.

When I got home, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients. Prawns, water chestnuts, green onions, and a few secret spices were all I needed to recreate the delicious filling. I carefully wrapped the mixture in wonton wrappers, sealing them with a touch of water before frying them to golden perfection. The sweet chilli sauce was a simple combination of chilli paste, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, but it complemented the wontons perfectly.

As I sat down to enjoy my homemade Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The flavors danced on my taste buds, reminding me of the kind woman at the farmers market who had shared her recipe with me. From that day on, this dish became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a favorite among family and friends.

Over the years, I have made these wontons for countless gatherings and special occasions. Each time, they are met with oohs and aahs of delight, and I always take a moment to remember the generous woman who had shared her recipe with me. I have since added my own twists and variations to the dish, experimenting with different fillings and sauces to keep things interesting.

But no matter how many times I make Crispy Prawn Wontons with Sweet Chilli Sauce, the memory of that warm summer day at the farmers market will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the day I discovered a new recipe, a new passion for cooking, and a new friend in the kind Chinese woman who opened her heart and her kitchen to me. And for that, I will be forever grateful.