Fried Wontons

Fried Wontons Recipe from Cambodia with Peanut Oil

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

Introduction

Fried wontons are a popular and delicious appetizer or snack that can be found in many Asian cuisines. These crispy and flavorful treats are perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty snack. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

Wontons have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The exact origins of fried wontons are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the Guangdong province of China. Wontons were traditionally boiled or steamed, but the fried version has become popular in many other Asian countries and beyond.

Ingredients

1 portion of dumpling filling
1 packet of wonton pastry squares
peanut oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Take a few squares of wonton pastry from the packet and keep the remainder covered to prevent them from drying out.
Place a scant teaspoonful of filling on each square.
Moisten the edge of the pastry with a finger dipped in cold water, and fold it over to form a triangle, slightly overlapping the points.
Press firmly to seal the triangle. Bring the lower points of the triangle down to meet below the base, apply a small amount of filling, and press to seal.
Once all the triangles are prepared, deep fry a few at a time in hot oil over medium heat until they turn golden brown.
Drain the fried triangles on paper towels and serve them with a dipping sauce.

Variations

Try different fillings such as pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables for a variety of flavors.
Add spices or herbs to the filling mixture for extra flavor.
Experiment with different shapes for the wontons, such as triangles, rectangles, or circles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the wontons tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and ensure that it stays around 350-375°F for optimal frying.

- Fry the wontons in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.

- Drain the fried wontons on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Fried wontons can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or chili sauce. They can also be served as a snack or part of a larger meal with rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the traditional method for cooking wontons, but they can also be baked or air-fried for a healthier alternative.

- Steaming or boiling wontons is another option for a lighter dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have wonton pastry squares, you can use egg roll wrappers or dumpling wrappers as a substitute.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or leftovers from other dishes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the wontons ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

- Leftover fried wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried wontons on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sliced vegetables for an attractive presentation. - Serve the wontons in individual serving bowls or on small plates for easy sharing.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried wontons pair well with a variety of beverages such as green tea, beer, or a fruity cocktail.

- They can also be served alongside other Asian dishes such as stir-fried noodles, fried rice, or dumplings.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the wontons on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried wontons can contain approximately 100-150 calories, depending on the size and filling used.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried wontons contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the size and filling used.

Fats

Fried wontons are a high-fat food due to the deep frying process. Each serving can contain around 5-10 grams of fat, depending on the type of oil used for frying.

Proteins

Fried wontons typically contain 2-5 grams of protein per serving, depending on the filling used.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried wontons are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals. However, they may contain small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron depending on the ingredients used in the filling.

Alergens

Fried wontons may contain allergens such as wheat (in the pastry), soy (in the filling), and shellfish (in some seafood fillings). It is important to check the ingredients and inform guests with allergies before serving.

Summary

Fried wontons are a tasty but high-calorie and high-fat treat. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

Summary

Fried wontons are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal. With a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Experiment with different fillings, shapes, and serving options to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Fried Wontons. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, taught me the art of making these delicious little parcels of goodness.

It all started one summer afternoon, when my grandmother invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare dinner. She had a twinkle in her eye as she showed me how to mix the ingredients for the filling - ground pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, and a blend of spices that she kept secret. As she worked the mixture with her hands, I watched in awe, eager to learn everything she had to teach me.

After the filling was ready, my grandmother showed me how to wrap it in the delicate wonton wrappers. She demonstrated the technique with such grace and skill, making it look effortless. I struggled at first, my wontons coming out lopsided and misshapen, but with practice and patience, I soon got the hang of it.

Next came the frying. My grandmother heated up a pot of oil until it shimmered and crackled, then carefully dropped in the wontons, one by one. The sizzle of the hot oil filled the air, and the smell of the cooking wontons made my mouth water. I watched as they turned golden brown and crispy, knowing that soon I would be able to taste the fruits of my labor.

When the wontons were done, my grandmother placed them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. She sprinkled them with a little salt and pepper, then handed me one to try. The first bite was heavenly - crunchy on the outside, savory and juicy on the inside. I couldn't believe that I had helped create something so delicious.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me more recipes, and she was happy to oblige. We spent countless hours in the kitchen together, chopping, stirring, and tasting our way through a world of flavors and textures. I learned how to make dumplings, stir-fries, soups, and noodles, each dish more delectable than the last.

As the years passed, I honed my skills and developed my own style of cooking. I added my own twist to my grandmother's recipes, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. But no matter how far I strayed from tradition, I always came back to the fried wontons that started it all.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I delight in passing down the art of making fried wontons to my own grandchildren. I gather them in the kitchen, just as my grandmother did with me, and show them the magic of mixing, wrapping, and frying. I see the same wonder in their eyes that I felt all those years ago, and I know that I am carrying on a legacy that has been handed down through generations.

And so, each time I make a batch of fried wontons, I am transported back to that summer afternoon in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the simple joy of creating something delicious. It is a memory that I will cherish forever, a reminder of where I come from and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And for that, I am eternally grateful.