I love how these crispy homemade wontons come out golden and crunchy every time. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack, filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables that’s both easy to prepare and fun to fold. These wontons deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that I find irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy making wontons from scratch because they’re so customizable and fresh. The filling combines the perfect balance of savory meat, aromatic ginger, garlic, and crunchy water chestnuts, which adds a nice texture contrast. Plus, frying them to crispy perfection gives each bite a delightful crunch that’s hard to beat. This recipe is also great for gatherings since they’re bite-sized and easy to share. I appreciate that making wontons is a fun, hands-on activity, whether cooking solo or with friends or family.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground meat (your choice)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
30 wonton wrappers
Vegetable oil for frying
Water for sealing
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a mixing bowl, I combine the ground meat, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, water chestnuts, salt, and white pepper. I mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
I place one wonton wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center.
Using my finger dipped in water, I moisten the edges of the wrapper, then fold it diagonally to form a triangle. After that I press out any air pockets and seal the edges tightly. For a more traditional look, I bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and seal with water.
Then I heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
I fry the wontons in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crisp. Then, I remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
I serve the wontons hot with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or my favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30 wontons, which serves 4 people comfortably. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, for a total time of 35 minutes. Each wonton contains approximately 55 calories, making them a relatively light snack.
Variations
I like to experiment with the filling by swapping the ground meat for shrimp or a mix of pork and shrimp for a different flavor. Sometimes, I add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots to boost the vegetable content. For a vegetarian version, I replace the meat with firm tofu and extra veggies like cabbage and shiitake mushrooms. I’ve also tried baking the wontons for a lighter alternative, though I prefer the crispiness frying gives them. To add a spicy kick, I mix some chili garlic sauce into the filling.
Storage/reheating
I usually store leftover wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I like to place them in a hot oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Reheating in the microwave tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that method. If I want to prepare wontons ahead of time, I freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When ready to cook, I fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
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FAQs
What can I use instead of ground meat?
I often substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even shrimp depending on what I have on hand or my mood.
Can I bake wontons instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier option. I brush the wontons lightly with oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden.
How do I prevent wontons from bursting during frying?
I make sure to press out all air pockets when sealing and ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) so they cook quickly and evenly.
Can I make wontons ahead of time?
Absolutely. I freeze them uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen.
What dipping sauces go well with wontons?
I enjoy soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce with a little rice vinegar and chili oil.
Conclusion
Making crispy homemade wontons is one of those rewarding kitchen projects I love. They’re simple to prepare, fun to fold, and always impress anyone I serve them to. The crunchy exterior paired with a flavorful filling hits the perfect savory note every time. Whether for a casual snack or party appetizer, I find this recipe a versatile and delicious option that’s worth making from scratch.
📖 Recipe:
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Crispy Homemade Wontons
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 30 wontons (serves 4)
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy homemade wontons are golden and crunchy appetizers filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables, perfect for snacks or gatherings. They deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor with a fresh, customizable filling.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground meat (your choice)
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
30 wonton wrappers
Vegetable oil for frying
Water for sealing
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, water chestnuts, salt, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Place one wonton wrapper on a clean surface and spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold diagonally to form a triangle, press out air pockets, and seal edges tightly. For a traditional look, bring opposite corners together and seal with water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry wontons in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Substitute ground pork with chicken, turkey, beef, or shrimp as desired.
Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes is a healthier alternative to frying.
Press out air pockets and ensure oil is hot to prevent wontons from bursting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use.
Try dipping sauces like soy sauce, sweet chili, hoisin, or soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar and chili oil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wonton
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
