Shrimp Wonton Recipe - A Delicious Homemade Delight

Shrimp wonton recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that originated in Chinese cuisine and have gained popularity worldwide. These delicate dumplings, filled with seasoned shrimp and wrapped in thin wonton skins, can be boiled, steamed, or fried to create a variety of textures and flavors. Whether served in a comforting broth as wonton soup, pan-fried to crisp perfection, or deep-fried for a crunchy treat, shrimp wontons are a versatile and delicious dish loved by many.

In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step shrimp wonton recipe, including the best ingredients, folding techniques, and cooking methods. Additionally, we will cover variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions to ensure you master the art of making shrimp wontons at home.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Wonton Recipe

Quick and easy to make – With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare homemade shrimp wontons in no time.
Versatile cooking methods – Boil, steam, or fry them to your preference.
Perfect for meal prep – Wontons freeze well, making them a great make-ahead meal.
Bursting with flavor – Juicy shrimp, fragrant aromatics, and a well-seasoned filling create a delicious bite every time.

Are you ready to learn how to make the best shrimp wontons at home? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process!

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

Ingredients for Shrimp Wontons

Before you start making shrimp wontons, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Fresh, high-quality shrimp and flavorful seasonings will make a significant difference in taste.

Main Ingredients

Shrimp (1/2 pound or 225g, peeled and deveined) – Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry.
Wonton wrappers (20-25 pieces) – Thin, square wrappers found in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated) – Provides a fresh, slightly spicy note.
Green onions (2 stalks, finely chopped) – Enhances the aroma and adds a mild onion flavor.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon) – For seasoning and umami richness.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds a slightly sweet and savory depth.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon) – A key ingredient for authentic Chinese flavors.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon) – Helps bind the filling together and keep it tender.
Egg white (1) – Improves the texture and helps seal the wrappers.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
White pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional) – Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Variations

Mushrooms (2 tablespoons, finely chopped) – Adds an umami boost.
Chili oil (1 teaspoon) – If you love spicy wontons, mix some into the filling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Shrimp Wontons

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp Filling

Chop the Shrimp – Using a knife or food processor, finely chop the shrimp until it reaches a slightly chunky texture (not fully pureed).
Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, minced garlic, grated ginger, green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, egg white, salt, and white pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Marinate – Let the filling sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the overall taste.

Step 2: Wrapping the Wontons

Folding wontons can seem tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes easy. Here’s a simple method:

Prepare a Small Bowl of Water – This will be used to seal the edges of the wonton wrappers.
Place the Wrapper on a Flat Surface – Keep it in a diamond shape (one corner pointing toward you).
Add the Filling – Spoon about 1 teaspoon of shrimp filling into the center.
Fold in Half – Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold it into a triangle, pressing the edges to seal.
Form the Classic Wonton Shape – Bring the two bottom corners together and press to seal (optional, but makes them look authentic).

💡 Tip: Avoid overfilling the wontons, as they might burst open while cooking.

Cooking Methods – Boiling, Steaming, Frying & Making Wonton Soup

Once your shrimp wontons are wrapped and ready, you can cook them in different ways depending on your preference. Here, we’ll cover four main methods: boiling, steaming, frying, and making shrimp wonton soup.

Method 1: Boiling Shrimp Wontons (Best for Soups & Light Meals)

Boiling is the most common way to cook shrimp wontons, especially for adding them to soups or serving them with a dipping sauce.

Steps to Boil Shrimp Wontons

Bring Water to a Boil – Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Drop in the Wontons – Carefully add the wontons one by one, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Cook Until They Float – The wontons will start to float in about 3-5 minutes, indicating they are done.
Drain and Serve – Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water. Serve immediately with soy sauce, chili oil, or in a soup.

💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook wontons in batches if necessary.

Method 2: Steaming Shrimp Wontons (Great for Dim Sum Style)

Steamed wontons have a soft and delicate texture, perfect for dipping in a soy-vinegar sauce.

Steps to Steam Shrimp Wontons

Prepare the Steamer – Line a bamboo or metal steamer with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Wontons – Place the wontons inside the steamer basket, leaving space between each.
Steam Over Boiling Water – Set the steamer over a pot of boiling water and cover with a lid.
Steam for 8-10 Minutes – The wontons will turn translucent when fully cooked.
Serve Hot – Enjoy with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of vinegar.

💡 Tip: Steaming preserves the delicate texture of the shrimp, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.

Method 3: Frying Shrimp Wontons (Crispy & Golden Brown)

Fried shrimp wontons are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Steps to Fry Shrimp Wontons

Heat Oil – Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a pan and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Test the Oil – Drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Fry in Batches – Add the wontons carefully, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain Excess Oil – Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Serve with Dipping Sauce – Try sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

💡 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy wontons.

Method 4: Making Shrimp Wonton Soup (A Comforting Bowl of Warmth)

Shrimp wonton soup is a classic Cantonese dish made with a light, savory broth and delicate shrimp wontons.

Ingredients for the Wonton Soup Broth

4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
2 cups (500ml) water
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 green onion (chopped, for garnish)
Bok choy or other leafy greens (optional)

Steps to Make Shrimp Wonton Soup

Prepare the Broth – In a pot, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add Broth & Seasonings – Pour in chicken broth and water, then add soy sauce, white pepper, and bok choy (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook the Wontons in the Broth – Drop in the shrimp wontons and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float.
Serve Hot – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.

💡 Tip: For extra flavor, add a few drops of chili oil or a dash of white pepper before serving.

Tips & Variations

Now that you know how to cook shrimp wontons in different ways, let’s go over pro tips, common mistakes to avoid, and delicious variations to take your wontons to the next level!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Wontons

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

2. Don’t Overfill the Wontons

1 teaspoon of filling is enough. Overfilling can cause the wrappers to break or leak during cooking.

3. Seal the Wontons Properly

Use a little water on the edges of the wrapper and press firmly to ensure they don’t open while cooking.

4. Keep Wonton Wrappers Covered

Wonton wrappers dry out quickly. Keep them covered with a damp towel while working to prevent cracking.

5. Test a Few Wontons First

Before making a big batch, cook one or two wontons to adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Cook in Small Batches

Avoid overcrowding when boiling, steaming, or frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Variations & Regional Twists

There are many ways to customize shrimp wontons! Here are a few popular variations from different cuisines.

🥢 1. Cantonese-Style Shrimp Wontons (Classic Dim Sum)

Key Ingredients: Shrimp, a little ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil.
How It’s Served: In a light, clear broth with noodles.

🌶️ 2. Spicy Szechuan Shrimp Wontons (Chili Oil Wontons)

Key Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili oil.
How It’s Served: Tossed in a spicy homemade chili oil sauce with garlic and Sichuan peppercorns.

🥜 3. Thai-Inspired Shrimp Wontons (Peanut & Lime Twist)

Key Ingredients: Shrimp, lemongrass, lime zest, fish sauce.
How It’s Served: With a spicy peanut dipping sauce or in a coconut-based broth.

🥑 4. Modern Fusion Shrimp Wontons (Western-Inspired)

Key Ingredients: Shrimp, cream cheese, green onions.
How It’s Served: Deep-fried and served with sweet chili or sriracha mayo dipping sauce (similar to Crab Rangoon).

How to Store Leftover Cooked Wontons

If you have leftover cooked shrimp wontons, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Steps for Storing Cooked Wontons

Let them cool – Avoid placing hot wontons in the fridge, as they can become soggy.
Use an airtight container – Store in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss.
Keep them separate – If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

💡 Tip: Cooked wontons stored in broth may absorb liquid, so it’s best to store the wontons and broth separately.

How to Freeze Uncooked Shrimp Wontons

Freezing uncooked wontons allows you to have a ready-to-cook meal anytime. Proper freezing prevents them from sticking together.

Steps for Freezing Uncooked Wontons

Arrange on a Tray – Place wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze Until Firm – Freeze for 1-2 hours until wontons are solid.
Transfer to a Freezer Bag – Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container.
Label with the Date – Use within 3 months for the best taste and texture.

💡 Tip: Do not thaw frozen wontons before cooking! Boil or fry them directly from frozen for the best texture.

How to Reheat Cooked Wontons

If you have leftover cooked wontons, you can reheat them in different ways depending on how they were originally cooked.

1. Reheating Boiled or Steamed Wontons

Method: Bring water or broth to a light simmer and add wontons for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

2. Reheating Fried Wontons

Method: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

3. Reheating Wonton Soup

Method: Heat the broth separately, then add the wontons for 1-2 minutes to warm them without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best way to cook wontons?

The best way to cook wontons depends on personal preference and how you plan to serve them:

For soup or a light meal: Boil the wontons in water or broth for 3-5 minutes until they float.
For dim sum-style wontons: Steam them for 8-10 minutes for a soft, delicate texture.
For a crispy snack: Deep-fry or pan-fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

💡 Tip: For the best texture, don’t overcook wontons, as shrimp cooks quickly!

2. What’s the difference between a wonton and a dumpling?

While both are types of filled dough pockets, there are key differences:

Wontons are typically smaller and made with thin, square wrappers. They are often served in broth or deep-fried.
Dumplings can have thicker wrappers, different shapes, and may be pan-fried, steamed, or boiled.

💡 Think of wontons as a type of dumpling, but not all dumplings are wontons!

3. Are shrimp wontons healthy?

Yes! Shrimp wontons can be a healthy option, especially when boiled or steamed.

Low in fat & calories – Shrimp is lean and high in protein.
Rich in nutrients – Provides omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Light & nutritious – When steamed or served in a broth, they make a wholesome meal.

💡 If deep-frying, enjoy in moderation, as frying increases calorie content.

4. Do you seal wontons with water or egg?

Wontons are usually sealed with water, which is enough to create a strong bond between the edges of the wrapper.

Water sealing: Dip your finger in water, moisten the wrapper edges, and press to seal.
Egg sealing (optional): Beaten egg white can provide extra stickiness, but it’s not necessary for most recipes.

💡 Tip: Make sure there’s no excess filling at the edges, or the wontons won’t seal properly.

5. Do you fry or steam wontons?

Both methods are popular, and the choice depends on your preference:

Fried wontons – Crispy and golden, often served with dipping sauces.
Steamed wontons – Soft, delicate, and healthier, perfect for dipping in soy sauce or chili oil.

💡 Tip: If you want the best of both worlds, try “pan-fried wontons,” where you steam them first and then crisp the bottoms in a pan!

6. How do you keep wontons from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy wontons, follow these tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pot – If boiling, cook in small batches.
Serve immediately – Wontons absorb liquid quickly, so don’t leave them sitting in broth too long.
Use cornstarch on wrappers – If making ahead, lightly dust wonton wrappers with cornstarch to prevent moisture absorption.
Store properly – Keep cooked wontons separate from soup broth until serving.

💡 Tip: For fried wontons, drain excess oil on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.

Conclusion

Shrimp wontons are a delicious, versatile dish that can be prepared in multiple ways—boiled, steamed, or fried—to suit any occasion. Whether served in a comforting broth, as a crispy appetizer, or as part of a dim sum feast, they are packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make at home.

By following this step-by-step guide, you now have all the knowledge to create perfect shrimp wontons, store them for later, and customize them with different flavors and cooking styles.

So, what’s your favorite way to enjoy shrimp wontons? Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! 😊