Crispy, creamy, and loaded with flavorful shrimp, shrimp and cream cheese wontons combine the irresistible crunch of fried wonton wrappers with an indulgent filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for the perfect game day appetizer, or craving a restaurant-quality treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making shrimp and cream cheese wontons from scratch. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, and creative variations, this guide will help you master this crowd-pleasing dish in no time.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
- Seal Tightly: Ensure no gaps when sealing your wontons to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other filling ingredients.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the wontons may burn. Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. Aim for a consistent 350°F.
- Test Fry One Wonton First: Fry a single wonton initially to perfect your frying time and temperature.
Fun Variations to Try
Looking for more ways to enjoy wontons? Here are some fun variations and alternative cooking methods.
- Alternative Fillings: Swap the shrimp for crab meat, shredded chicken, or even finely diced mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Air Fryer Method: Place assembled wontons in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Baked Wontons: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wontons on a greased baking tray, brush with oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
One time, while preparing a batch of wontons for a family gathering, I accidentally grabbed powdered sugar instead of cornstarch to dust my cutting board. I didn’t realize my mistake until my niece, who had been happily helping me, pointed out that the filling looked “extra shiny.” Despite the mishap, we decided to go ahead and fry the wontons anyway. To everyone’s surprise, the slightly sweet coating actually gave them a unique twist, and they vanished from the table in no time! It just goes to show, happy accidents in the kitchen can sometimes lead to new favorite recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these shrimp and cream cheese wontons with sides or drinks for a complete meal experience!
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- Side Pairings:
- Fresh Side Salad: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the wontons, adding a refreshing and crisp contrast to the dish. Consider adding elements like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Fried Rice: The savory, umami flavors of fried rice, whether classic vegetable or chicken-based, perfectly balance the creamy texture of the wontons. Add scallions or cashews for an enhanced experience.
- Steamed Dumplings: Combining wontons with steamed dumplings creates a variety of textures and flavors. Opt for dumplings filled with pork, vegetables, or shrimp for a cohesive meal.
- Dip Options:
- Soy Sauce: Add a few drops of lime juice or sesame oil to your soy sauce for a tangy and savory dip that enhances the wontons’ flavor.
- Honey Mustard: The delicate sweetness of honey paired with the tanginess of mustard offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling of the wontons.
- Sriracha Mayo: This dip combines a creamy base with a spicy kick, offering a bold and dynamic accompaniment to the crispy wontons. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Drinks:
- Crisp White Wine: A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the wontons, cutting through their richness and complementing the seafood notes.
- Jasmine Iced Tea: With its delicate floral aroma, chilled jasmine iced tea offers a refreshing and non-alcoholic pairing, balancing the flavors of the dish while cleansing the palate.
- Side Pairings:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause the wonton to burst while frying. Stick to 1 teaspoon.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: This step is essential for sealing the wrappers properly.
- Crowding the Pan: Fry wontons in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and remain crispy.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: It won’t blend well, leading to lumps in your filling.
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Deep Skillet or Pan
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp finely chopped (or use whole small shrimp)
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg beaten, for sealing
- vegetable oil for frying
- chopped chives or green onions for garnish
- sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped shrimp, green onions, garlic powder, and soy sauce until fully combined.
- Step 2: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center.
- Step 3: Brush the edges with beaten egg. Fold into a triangle or pouch shape and press firmly to seal.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove wontons and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and serve hot with sweet chili sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Wontons Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the wontons and store them on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving.
Can I Freeze Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled wontons on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cook time.
What Other Sauces Can I Serve?
Alongside sweet chili sauce, you can try hoisin sauce, ginger soy dip, or a spicy peanut sauce for variety.
Give It a Try!
Crispy, creamy, savory, and perfect for any occasion, shrimp and cream cheese wontons are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow this fail-proof recipe, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings and serving ideas.