Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons have become my go-to appetizer for almost any occasion, and I bet they will for you too! I remember the first time I tried making these, I was a little nervous about the folding, but honestly, they turned out to be surprisingly easy shrimp cream cheese wontons. The smell of the garlic and soy sauce filling the kitchen, combined with the anticipation of that first crispy, golden bite, is just incredible. Making these homemade shrimp cream cheese wontons brings back so many happy memories of sharing them with friends and family. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
You’re going to adore making and eating these delightful parcels. They hit all the right notes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer:
- Incredible Flavor: A perfect balance of savory shrimp and creamy cheese makes these irresistible.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can whip these up fast.
- Budget-Friendly: Using wonton wrappers and simple ingredients keeps this affordable.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these crispy treats.
- Satisfying Crunch: The golden-fried exterior provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling.
- Versatile Appetizer: They’re perfect as a starter for an Asian meal or a standalone party snack.
- Delicious Shrimp Cream Cheese Dumplings: These shrimp cream cheese dumplings are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
- Easy Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons: You’ll love how simple they are to assemble and fry.
Ingredients for Homemade Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
Gathering these simple components is the first step to creating the most amazing shrimp and cream cheese wonton filling. You’ll be surprised how easily these come together!
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped – using raw shrimp ensures a juicy filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – this makes the filling wonderfully creamy and helps bind it
- 2 green onions, finely sliced – they add a fresh, mild onion flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that essential savory depth
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce – adds umami and a hint of saltiness
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – just a touch for a little warmth
- 20-24 wonton wrappers – the crispy shell for our delicious filling
- Vegetable oil, for frying – enough to generously coat the bottom of your pan
- Water, for sealing the wrappers – a little dab ensures a tight seal
How to Make Crispy Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
Let’s dive into making these incredible bites. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are so worth it!
- Step 1: First, let’s prepare the star of the show: the shrimp and cream cheese wonton filling. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped raw shrimp, softened cream cheese, sliced green onions, garlic powder, soy sauce, and black pepper. I like to use my hands for this part to really make sure everything is mixed evenly. You want a smooth, cohesive filling that’s ready to go.
- Step 2: Now comes the fun part – assembling your shrimp cream cheese dumplings! Lay out a few wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Place about a teaspoon of your filling in the center of each wrapper. Don’t overfill, or they might burst when frying.
- Step 3: To seal, dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper. Fold it into your desired shape. A simple triangle is easy, or you can bring all four corners up to meet in the middle. Press the edges firmly to ensure they’re sealed tight. This is a crucial step in how to make shrimp cream cheese wontons that won’t leak.
- Step 4: Continue this process until you’ve used up all your filling and wrappers. You can prepare these ahead of time and keep them covered with a damp cloth if you’re not frying them immediately.
- Step 5: Time to fry! Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’re aiming for a temperature of 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of wonton wrapper in; it should sizzle immediately and float to the top.
- Step 6: Carefully add your assembled wontons to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches. This ensures the oil temperature stays consistent and allows each wonton to get perfectly crispy.
Assembling the Wontons
When assembling, a little water goes a long way to seal your wontons. Make sure to press firmly along all the edges to create a tight seal. This prevents the delicious filling from escaping into the hot oil, ensuring you get those beautiful, plump parcels.
Frying for Maximum Crispiness
Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to achieving perfectly crispy shrimp cream cheese wontons. Too low, and they’ll be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn before the inside is heated. Fry in small batches, turning them occasionally, until they are a beautiful golden brown and wonderfully crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch. This technique is fundamental to how to make shrimp cream cheese wontons that have that irresistible crunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
Want to elevate your homemade wontons? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee amazing results every time. Following these simple tips will help you create truly fantastic shrimp cream cheese dumplings.
- Always use softened cream cheese for the filling; it mixes much more easily and creates a smoother texture.
- Don’t overfill the wonton wrappers. A teaspoon of filling is usually perfect, ensuring a good seal and preventing blowouts.
- Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) before frying. This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Pat your fried wontons dry on paper towels immediately after frying to absorb any excess oil.
What’s the secret to perfect shrimp cream cheese wontons?
The secret to truly perfect savory shrimp cream cheese wontons lies in the filling’s texture and the frying technique. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened and your shrimp is finely chopped. Frying in batches at the correct oil temperature is also key for that ultimate crispiness. For more tips on achieving perfect frying temperatures, check out this guide on the science of frying.
Can I make shrimp cream cheese wontons ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble your wontons up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the assembled wontons on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. This is a great way to prepare for holiday appetizers.
How do I avoid common mistakes with fried shrimp cream cheese wontons?
A common mistake is overcrowding the pan; this lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy wontons. Another pitfall is using oil that’s too cool, which also causes greasiness. Always fry in small batches and maintain that 350°F (175°C) oil temperature for the best results. Learning about how to fry food properly can prevent many common errors.
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
Once your golden, crispy parcels are ready, the fun really begins with how you serve them! These delightful shrimp cream cheese wontons are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine with the right accompaniments. I love pairing them with a crisp Asian slaw or some fluffy fried rice for a complete meal. For an extra pop of flavor, don’t forget a delicious shrimp cream cheese wonton dipping sauce! Sweet chili sauce, a tangy soy-ginger blend, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all wonderful choices that complement the creamy filling perfectly.
Shrimp Cream Cheese Wonton Nutrition Facts
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful shrimp cream cheese wontons, based on a single serving:
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Easy Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
Once your delicious wontons are cooked and cooled slightly, proper storage ensures you can enjoy them later. I usually let them cool completely on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes to prevent any steam from making them soggy. Once cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these gems freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This makes having a quick appetizer on hand super easy! You might also want to check out these freezer friendly meals.
When you’re ready to reheat your frozen or refrigerated wontons, the key is to get them crispy again. I find the oven or an air fryer works best. For the oven, preheat it to around 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, cook them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soft and chewy rather than delightfully crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons
What are shrimp cream cheese wontons?
Shrimp cream cheese wontons are delightful, crispy parcels filled with a creamy mixture of finely chopped shrimp, cream cheese, and savory seasonings. They are a popular appetizer often found in Asian cuisine, known for their satisfying crunch and rich, flavorful filling. Think of them as delicate little pockets of deliciousness that are perfect for parties.
Why are shrimp cream cheese wontons popular?
Their popularity stems from a perfect combination of factors: they’re incredibly flavorful with that irresistible shrimp and cream cheese blend, they offer a fantastic crispy texture when fried, and they’re relatively easy to make, especially when you follow a good recipe. These cream cheese filled shrimp dumplings are also very versatile and pair well with many dipping sauces, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion. For more appetizer ideas, see these party appetizers.
Can I bake or air-fry these instead of frying?
Absolutely! While frying gives them that classic crispy texture, you can definitely bake or air-fry them for a lighter option. For baking, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden. In an air fryer, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. They might not be quite as uniformly golden as fried ones, but they are still delicious! This is a great way to make healthy appetizers.
What dipping sauces go well with shrimp cream cheese wontons?
A classic pairing is a sweet chili sauce, which offers a lovely sweet and slightly spicy contrast to the rich filling. Other great options include a soy-ginger sauce, a spicy mayo, or even a simple sweet and sour sauce. The key is to have a sauce that balances the richness of the cream cheese and shrimp.
Variations of Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you might want to experiment with these fun twists on Asian shrimp cream cheese wontons. They offer slightly different flavor profiles and textures, keeping things interesting!
- Spicy Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha directly into the filling mixture. This creates a deliciously fiery kick that complements the creamy, savory flavors beautifully.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a meatless version, you can easily swap the shrimp for finely chopped mushrooms (like shiitake or cremini) or a firm tofu that has been pressed and crumbled. The creamy filling still shines, making these vegetarian delights a fantastic alternative.
- Pan-Fried Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons: Instead of deep-frying, try pan-frying them for a slightly different texture. Use a bit less oil in the pan and fry them until golden brown on both sides. While not as uniformly crispy as deep-fried, they offer a delightful chewiness.
- Herb & Garlic Boost: Amp up the flavor by adding fresh minced garlic instead of powder, or incorporating other herbs like cilantro or chives into the filling for a brighter taste.
Shrimp Cream Cheese Wontons: 20 Min Prep
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 wontons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are crispy, golden parcels filled with a creamy, savory mixture of shrimp, cream cheese, and seasonings. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or as a starter for an Asian-inspired meal. They’re quick to assemble and cook, with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 20 – 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Water, for sealing the wrappers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, soy sauce, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
- Moisten the edges with water, then fold the wrapper into a triangle or bring all corners up to form a pouch, pressing to seal tightly.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the wontons in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy—about 2–3 minutes per batch.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but raw shrimp offers a juicier texture.
- Be sure not to overfill the wontons to prevent them from bursting during frying.
- These can also be air-fried or baked for a lighter version.
- Freeze assembled wontons before cooking for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wonton
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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