Fried Wontons 2

Fried Wontons 2 Recipe from USA - Ingredients Included

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fried wontons are a popular Chinese appetizer that are crispy on the outside and filled with a savory pork and vegetable mixture on the inside. They are perfect for serving at parties or as a delicious snack.

History

Wontons have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in Northern China and were traditionally served in soup. However, the fried version of wontons has become popular in many Chinese restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

4 dried black mushrooms
1 leaf bok choy
1 green onion
1 slice ginger
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 cups oil for deep-frying, or as needed
48 wonton wrappers, or as needed
water, as needed

How to prepare

Wipe off any dirt from the mushrooms. Soak them in warm water until softened (20 to 30 minutes). Squeeze out the excess water and chop them.
Wash and shred the bok choy leaf. Wash and dice the green onion. Mince the ginger until you have 0.5 tsp
In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork with the dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt.
Add the lightly beaten egg and the vegetables to the pork mixture. This will be the filling for the wontons.
Heat the oil to 375°F (191°C). While the oil is heating, prepare the wontons. Place a wonton wrapper in front of you. Put a teaspoon of the filling in the middle. Fold up the wonton to resemble a nurse's cap, wetting the edges to seal. If you are new to making wontons, refer to the photo instructions for filling wontons.
Add the wontons to the hot oil, a few at a time, sliding them in carefully. Deep-fry the wontons in batches until they turn golden brown, making sure they brown evenly. Drain them on paper towels or a tempura rack if available.
Just like egg rolls, wontons should be served as soon as possible to maintain their crispiness. Serve them with Sweet and Sour Sauce or red rice wine vinegar.

Variations

Substitute the ground pork with ground chicken or shrimp for a different flavor.
Add diced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the filling for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly seal the edges of the wontons to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature for frying the wontons.

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

Serving Suggestions

Fried wontons can be served with a side of sweet and sour sauce or red rice wine vinegar for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the traditional method for cooking wontons, but they can also be baked in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are vegetarian, you can substitute the ground pork with tofu or a meat alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the wonton filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and fry the wontons.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried wontons on a platter garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried wontons pair well with other Chinese appetizers such as spring rolls or potstickers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover fried wontons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried wontons contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried wontons contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried wontons contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of fried wontons contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Fried wontons contain wheat (in the wonton wrappers) and soy (in the soy sauce).

Summary

Fried wontons are a delicious appetizer that are relatively high in fats and carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Fried wontons are a delicious and crispy appetizer that are perfect for serving at parties or as a snack. With a savory pork and vegetable filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Fried Wontons. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl growing up in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had taught me the basics of traditional Chinese cuisine. But one day, as I was walking through the bustling market, I stumbled upon a group of women who were preparing these delicious fried wontons.

I watched in awe as they deftly folded the delicate wrappers around the savory filling, then dropped them into the sizzling hot oil until they turned golden brown and crispy. The aroma that wafted through the air was irresistible, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

I approached the women and asked if they would be willing to teach me their recipe. They smiled warmly and invited me to join them. For hours, I worked alongside them, learning the intricacies of folding the wonton wrappers just right and perfecting the seasoning of the filling. By the end of the day, I had mastered the art of making perfect fried wontons.

From that day on, fried wontons became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for my family and friends, who always raved about how delicious they were. I experimented with different fillings, from traditional pork and shrimp to more modern variations like cream cheese and crab. Each batch I made was a labor of love, a tribute to the women who had taken me under their wing and shared their culinary wisdom with me.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my recipe for fried wontons. I added my own twist to the seasoning, using a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to give the filling a depth of flavor that was unmatched. I also discovered the secret to achieving the perfect crispy texture – frying the wontons at just the right temperature until they were golden brown and crunchy.

My family and friends would often request my fried wontons for special occasions and gatherings. They became a symbol of celebration and togetherness, a dish that brought everyone around the table in joy and unity. I took great pride in sharing this recipe with others, passing down the tradition of making fried wontons to future generations.

As I grew older and moved to a new country, I found that my recipe for fried wontons was a way for me to stay connected to my roots and heritage. It was a taste of home in a foreign land, a reminder of the flavors and aromas of my childhood. I would often make them for new friends and neighbors, sharing a piece of my culture with those around me.

Today, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that brought me to this moment. The recipe for fried wontons has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of resilience, of perseverance, of the power of food to bring people together.

And as I take a bite of a freshly fried wonton, savoring the crispy exterior and savory filling, I am filled with a sense of contentment and pride. This recipe is not just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a story, a memory, a legacy that I will continue to cherish and pass on for years to come.