Frederic Melton
Wontons are small squares of very thin dough used to make dumplings, egg rolls, and other snacks. They are often filled with cream cheese and fried to make a rich and creamy appetizer. The filling can be made with cream cheese, sugar, and onion powder, or cream cheese, shallot, and sugar. You can also add crab, chives, or other kinds of cheese. To fold the wontons, place a teaspoon of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper, brush the edges with egg wash, and pinch the corners together. The wontons can then be fried in oil at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per batch, or baked in the oven at 400°F for 7-10 minutes.
Characteristics and their values for cheese wontons:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Wonton wrappers, cream cheese, egg |
| Other ingredients | Chives, crab, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, shallot, sriracha or other hot sauce |
| Cooking methods | Deep frying, air frying, baking in the oven |
| Frying oil | Vegetable, canola, olive, or oils with a high smoke point |
| Frying temperature | 350°F |
| Baking temperature | 375°F-400°F |
| Air frying temperature | 350°F |
| Calories | 228kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Filling options: cream cheese, crab, chives, onion powder, sugar, and garlic powder
Wontons are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for filling options using cream cheese, crab, chives, onion powder, sugar, and garlic powder:
Cream Cheese Wontons
For a simple yet delicious option, cream cheese wontons are a great choice. You can use a variety of cream cheeses, such as regular, flavored, or garden vegetable cream cheese, and adjust the amount according to your taste. To enhance the flavour, consider adding sugar and onion powder to the cream cheese and mixing until well combined. For a crispy texture, brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with water or egg before filling and sealing them.
Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons
For a savoury and indulgent filling, combine cream cheese with crab meat, parmesan cheese, and vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and garlic. To ensure the best flavour and texture, use lump crab meat and grate the parmesan cheese yourself. Sauté the vegetables until softened, and then mix them with the remaining ingredients. This filling is a great option for those who enjoy a creamy and flavourful bite.
Chive and Cream Cheese Wontons
Chives and cream cheese is a classic combination that can be enhanced with the addition of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh garlic and onion. For those who enjoy a tangy twist, cider vinegar can be added, and milk can be incorporated for an extra smooth and creamy texture. This filling option provides a delicate balance of flavours and is perfect for those who appreciate the freshness of herbs.
Sweet and Savoury Wontons
For a unique twist, consider combining sugar and garlic powder with the cream cheese to create a sweet and savoury filling. This combination may appeal to those who enjoy contrasting flavours, as the sweetness of the sugar balances the savouriness of the garlic. As with the other filling options, brush the edges of the wonton wrappers with water or egg to ensure a secure seal before cooking.
These filling options offer a range of flavours and textures, allowing you to customise your cheese wontons to your liking. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite flavour profile!
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Wonton wrapper type: homemade, circular, or square
Wonton wrappers are typically square, measuring about 3 to 3.5 inches on each side. They are typically made from wheat flour, water, and eggs, though traditional recipes use only flour, water, and an egg. The eggs provide elasticity to the dough and help bind it together. The dough is cut into squares, and the wrappers are then filled and sealed.
To make homemade wonton wrappers, you will need the following ingredients:
- Egg
- Water
- All-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
First, beat the egg and add the water. Combine the flour and salt in a separate bowl and create a well in the center. Pour the egg mixture into the well and mix until a pliable dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add more water by the tablespoon.
Next, knead the dough until it becomes elastic. Cut the dough into two balls and let them rest under a damp cloth for 10 minutes. Then, cut each ball into four equal pieces and roll them into 10 squares. You can cut each square into nine smaller squares to make a total of 72 wonton wrappers.
If you are storing your homemade wrappers, wrap them in plastic and freeze them until you are ready to use them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw the wrappers, place them in the refrigerator for a few hours before filling them.
Square wonton wrappers can be folded into various shapes, such as the Lotus Flower, Money Pouch, Crunch, or Bundle. Start with a square wrapper and place the filling in the center. Dab water around the edges and bring two opposite corners together, pressing firmly to seal them. For the Money Pouch shape, take hold of the bottom corners and bring them together at the center, forming a pouch around the filling.
Wonton wrappers can also be circular, though this is less common. Dumpling wrappers are typically circular, measuring around 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. They are larger and thicker than wonton wrappers and can accommodate more filling.
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Frying methods: deep-frying, air-frying, or baking
There are several ways to cook cheese wontons, including deep-frying, air-frying, and baking. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method may depend on your personal preferences and equipment availability. Here is a detailed look at each frying method:
Deep-frying
Deep-frying is a traditional method for cooking cheese wontons. It involves submerging the wontons in a deep pan of hot oil, typically 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. The oil temperature should be maintained at around 350°F (177°C) to ensure even cooking. Use a candy or frying thermometer to monitor the temperature, as it is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness and preventing burning. Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, are recommended due to the high cooking temperatures required for deep-frying.
Deep-frying results in crispy, golden wontons with a melted cheese filling. It is important to fry the wontons in batches of 4-6 at a time to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a slotted spoon or frying strainer to gently place the wontons in the hot oil and cook them for about 1 minute per side until lightly browned. After frying, place the cooked wontons on a cooling rack with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Air-frying
Air-frying is a modern alternative to deep-frying that uses hot air circulation to cook food. While some sources suggest that air-frying cheese wontons is possible, others have not tested this method. If you choose to air-fry your wontons, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and place a single layer of frozen wontons in the basket. Air-fry for 4-6 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness.
Baking
Baking is a healthier alternative to frying, as it uses less oil. To bake cheese wontons, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the filled wontons on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently after the 5-minute mark, until the wontons are crispy and golden. Baking may result in a slightly different texture compared to frying, but it is a convenient option if you prefer to avoid deep-frying or air-frying.
Regardless of the frying method chosen, the key to successful cheese wontons is in the preparation and filling. Combine cream cheese with sugar, onion or garlic powder, and other seasonings to taste. Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the centre of each wonton wrapper, brush the edges with water or egg, and seal the wontons by bringing the corners together to form a triangle or package shape.
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Oil types: vegetable, canola, or olive oil
When making cheese wontons, the type of oil you use will depend on the cooking method you choose.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a versatile option that can be used for frying cheese wontons. It has the highest levels of polyunsaturated fats compared to olive, coconut, and canola oil. However, due to its high polyunsaturated fat content, vegetable oil is not suitable for high-heat cooking. It has a low level of antioxidants, and when heated, it can release potentially harmful compounds that have been linked to various health issues.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is another option for frying wontons. It has a neutral taste, which makes it a good choice for cooking at high temperatures without imparting an undesirable flavour to your wontons. It also has low levels of saturated fatty acids and high levels of healthy unsaturated fats. Research suggests that diets that include canola oil are associated with lower total cholesterol levels compared to diets high in saturated fatty acids.
Olive Oil
While olive oil is considered one of the healthiest oils due to its high levels of unsaturated fats, it is not recommended for frying wontons. When heated to high temperatures, olive oil releases toxic smoke. Extra virgin olive oil is best suited for shallow or pan-frying, while other types of olive oil with buttery or fruity notes can enhance the flavour of savoury baked goods.
Other Options
Other oils that can be used for frying wontons include peanut oil, corn oil, and safflower oil. Peanut oil is a good option as it has a high smoking point and does not burn easily, even at high temperatures. Corn oil has a distinct flavour that may complement or detract from the taste of your wontons, depending on your preference.
Baking Cheese Wontons
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to frying, you can also bake your cheese wontons. In this case, you won't need to use any oil, although you can grease your baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Dipping sauces: sweet and sour, sweet chilli, or Thai chilli
Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce
This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a strong vinegar taste. The recipe includes vinegar, cornstarch, oil, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, and salt. For a thicker consistency, simply add more cornstarch and water. This sauce pairs well with vegetable spring rolls or egg rolls.
Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce
This sauce is a great choice for those who enjoy a spicy kick. The recipe includes sugar, vinegar, ginger, chile pepper, ketchup, and garlic. For a smoother consistency, whisk the sauce constantly while bringing it to a boil. This sauce is delicious with shrimp or spring rolls.
Thai Chilli Dipping Sauce
This sauce combines the core flavours of Southeast Asia, including salty, sweet, spicy, and sour. It includes garlic, shallots, lime juice, and hot chillies. For the best flavour, let the sauce sit for an hour or two to allow the flavours to combine. This sauce is a wonderful addition to grilled meat or chicken.
These dipping sauces are sure to enhance the flavour of cheese wontons, offering a range of sweet, sour, and spicy notes to complement the creamy, cheesy filling.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wonton wrappers, cream cheese, and oil for frying.
Place 1-2 teaspoons of cream cheese in the center of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as the wontons may burst while frying.
You can add chives, crab, different types of cheese, onion powder, sugar, sriracha, or garlic powder.
There are many ways to fold a wonton. One simple method is to fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle and press the edges to seal. You can also fold the bottom corner up to the opposite corner to form a triangle, then fold the left and right corners over the center to create an open envelope shape.
Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, are best for deep frying.
