Andy Montoya
Crab cheese wontons are a delicious snack or appetiser that can be made at home or enjoyed at a restaurant. They are crispy, fried wontons with a creamy filling made from crab, cream cheese, and seasonings. Crab cheese wontons are a staple of American-Chinese cuisine and are also found in Thai restaurants. They are easy to make and can be baked or fried to perfection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Crab Rangoon, Crab and Cheese Wontons, Crabby Cream Cheese Wontons, Cheese Wontons, Cream Cheese Rangoons, Crab Puffs |
| Main Ingredients | Crab, Cream Cheese, Wonton Wrappers |
| Additional Ingredients | Green Onions, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Sugar, Salt, Scallions, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Sesame Oil, Basil |
| Cooking Method | Deep frying, Air frying, Baking |
| Dipping Sauce | Sweet and Sour Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce |
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Crab and cream cheese filling
Crab and cream cheese wontons, also known as Crab Rangoon, are made by filling wonton wrappers with a mixture of crab and cream cheese, along with other ingredients, and then frying or baking them. The crab used is typically imitation crab, made from fish, although canned crab or fresh crab meat can also be used. The cream cheese should be softened to create the perfect creamy filling.
The other ingredients in the filling can include garlic powder, onion powder, green onions, and soy sauce. Some recipes also add sugar, salt, scallions, and sesame oil. The filling can be adjusted to personal preference, with more or less crab or cream cheese, and additional seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce. Fresh basil is also recommended by some as an addition to the cream cheese mixture.
To assemble the wontons, place a small amount of filling—around one teaspoon—in the centre of a wonton wrapper. Then, wet the edges of the wrapper with water or egg whites and seal them together. They can be folded diagonally to form a triangle, or the sides can be folded in to create a packet shape. It is important to ensure that the filling does not leak out, as this can cause splattering when frying.
Once assembled, the crab and cream cheese wontons can be fried in oil at around 350-375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. They can also be baked in the oven for a lighter option. The wontons can be served with a variety of dips, including sweet and sour sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or soy sauce.
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Wonton wrappers
When preparing the wonton wrappers, it is important to keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. The filling is placed in the centre of each wrapper, and the edges are moistened with water or egg whites to ensure proper sealing. The wrappers can then be folded diagonally to form triangles or shaped into small packets by bringing the sides together.
The thin nature of the wonton wrappers ensures that they fry up nicely, creating a crispy texture that complements the creamy filling. They act as a vessel, holding the delicious mixture of crab, cream cheese, and seasonings together.
Additionally, the wonton wrappers contribute to the overall presentation of the dish. The thin, crispy layers create a delicate appearance, making crab cheese wontons an appealing appetiser or snack.
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Seasonings
Crab cheese wontons, also known as crab rangoons, are made with a variety of seasonings that enhance the flavour of the creamy crab and cheese filling. The specific seasonings used can vary based on personal preference, but here are some common ingredients used to season crab cheese wontons:
Garlic Powder: This adds a subtle garlic flavour to the filling without being overpowering. It blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious taste profile.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is often used to provide a savoury umami boost to the filling. It complements the other ingredients well and adds depth of flavour to the dish.
Green Onion: Also known as scallions or spring onions, green onions lend a subtle onion flavour to the mixture. They also add a touch of freshness and a mild spicy kick.
Salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavours of the other ingredients and bring out the natural sweetness of the crab. It also helps to balance the overall taste profile of the filling.
Onion Powder: This seasoning is used in addition to or as an alternative to green onions. It provides a stronger onion flavour and can be adjusted to taste.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil imparts a distinctive aroma and nutty flavour to the filling. It adds complexity and depth to the overall taste experience.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce can be added to enhance the flavour of the filling. It provides a unique savoury tang that blends well with the other ingredients.
The beauty of seasoning crab cheese wontons is that you can adjust the quantities and combinations of seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Experimenting with different seasonings and ratios can lead to creating a unique and personalised flavour profile for your wontons.
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Frying
Crab and cheese wontons are typically fried, though they can also be baked. To fry crab and cheese wontons, first, prepare the filling by mixing together cream cheese, crab meat (either fresh or imitation crab sticks), garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions. You can also add other ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or sesame oil. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Next, take a wonton wrapper and place about a teaspoon of the filling in the centre. Dip your finger in water and run it along two edges of the wrapper. You can then fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, or bring the sides in to create a packet shape. Press the edges together to seal the wonton closed.
When you have assembled a batch of wontons, heat a couple of inches of vegetable, canola, or avocado oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350-375°F (190°C). Carefully place 5-6 wontons into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and fry for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Remove the fried wontons from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process until all your wontons are fried. Serve hot and crispy!
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Dipping sauces
Crab cheese wontons are typically served with a variety of dipping sauces. Some common options include:
- Sweet and sour sauce: This is a popular choice for crab cheese wontons, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavours.
- Sweet chilli sauce: This sauce adds a mild kick of spice and a touch of sweetness to complement the creamy, crispy wontons.
- Duck sauce: This sauce is another option for adding a sweet and tangy flavour to the wontons.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a dipping sauce on its own or as an ingredient in other sauces. It adds a savoury, umami flavour.
- Ketchup-based sauce: A dipping sauce can be made by whisking together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sriracha or another similar chilli sauce.
- Thai sweet chilli sauce: This variety of sweet chilli sauce likely has a more pronounced chilli flavour than the standard version.
In addition to these common options, crab cheese wontons can be enjoyed with a variety of other dipping sauces, including homemade creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Crab cheese wontons are made out of a mixture of crab, cream cheese, and seasonings wrapped in a wonton wrapper and fried crispy or baked in the oven.
The filling for crab cheese wontons is typically made using a combination of cream cheese, imitation crab, garlic powder, soy sauce, and green onions.
To make crab cheese wontons, you'll need to mix the filling ingredients and place about a teaspoon of the mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Wet the edges with water or egg whites and seal well. Fold the wontons diagonally to form triangles or bring the sides inward to create a packet. Fry the wontons in batches until golden and crispy.
