If you love the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory bites, then this Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine succulent chunks of finely chopped shrimp blended with smooth cream cheese, bright green onions, and a hint of garlic all wrapped in delicate wonton skins and fried to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor and a fantastic contrast of textures that make these wontons absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s for a party appetizer, a fun snack, or a delightful dinner treat, these wontons are simple to make yet unforgettable to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is straightforward and rewarding because each one brings something special to this recipe. The shrimp provides a fresh, briny taste, while the cream cheese adds creamy richness. Aromatics like garlic and green onions brighten the filling, and the wonton wrappers give you that signature crunch. A splash of soy sauce and optional sesame oil tie the flavors together beautifully.
- 8 oz raw shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and finely chopped for a tender seafood bite.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly with shrimp and other ingredients.
- 2 green onions: Finely sliced to add freshness and a subtle bite.
- 1 garlic clove: Minced to infuse the filling with savory depth.
- 1 tsp soy sauce: Adds umami and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional): Provides a toasty, nutty note that complements the shrimp.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: For a mild kick and balance.
- 24 wonton wrappers: The essential vessel for your delicious filling.
- Small bowl of water: Used for sealing the edges tightly so filling stays inside.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by finely chopping the raw shrimp – this is key to ensuring every bite is tender and consistent. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with softened cream cheese, sliced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil if using, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that the cream cheese evenly coats the shrimp and the seasonings are distributed throughout. This mixture forms the flavorful heart of your wontons.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Lay out a few wonton wrappers at a time on a clean surface or plate, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Using your finger, wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with water to help it seal. Fold the wrapper into a neat triangle, pressing out any air bubbles, and pinch the edges tightly together to seal. For a fun twist, you can bring the two opposite corners together and press to form a more decorative shape.
Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). It’s important the oil is hot enough so your wontons fry quickly without absorbing too much oil, preserving their crispy texture. Fry the wontons in batches, carefully placing them in the oil, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your freshly fried shrimp and cream cheese wontons while they’re hot and crispy. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a spicy mayo for an added layer of flavor. These wontons make for an incredible snack or appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress.
How to Serve Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
Garnishes
Adding bright garnishes makes your Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe even more inviting. Sprinkle finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a small drizzle of sriracha for a little heat. A wedge of lime on the side can offer a fresh citrus zing that complements the rich filling superbly.
Side Dishes
These wontons are delightful on their own, but pairing them with light sides turns your meal into a full experience. Consider serving alongside a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy tossed with garlic and soy sauce. A bowl of hot and sour soup or miso soup also pairs beautifully, making your meal feel both balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, you can serve these wontons in charming ways that wow your guests. Arrange them on a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper for an authentic touch, or stack them pyramid-style on a large platter. Small dipping bowls arranged around the plate make it easy for everyone to customize each bite. Even skewering a few wontons for a “wonton pop” is a fun presentation that kids and adults will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover wontons, they store well in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in an airtight container or covered plate. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 days. To enjoy later, simply reheat them so you can recapture some of that crispy texture and warm gooey filling.
Freezing
One of the best things about this Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe is that you can freeze them uncooked. After assembling and sealing the wontons, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the frying time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked wontons, avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy. Instead, warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or use a toaster oven. Alternatively, quickly fry them again in hot oil for about a minute, which crisps them right back up and warms the filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp if you prefer, but finely chopping raw shrimp ensures the filling stays juicy and tender after frying. If using cooked shrimp, chop finely and mix carefully with the cream cheese to avoid a tough texture.
Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, brush the wontons with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite the same as fried but still delicious.
What dipping sauces go best with shrimp and cream cheese wontons?
Classic options include sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo. You can also make a simple dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of honey, and some finely chopped chili for a tangy-sweet kick.
How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from drying out during assembly?
Keep the wonton wrappers covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work to ensure they stay moist and pliable. Work quickly and only take out a few wrappers at a time to avoid drying.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the shrimp and cream cheese filling a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before assembling the wontons to mix any settled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Its simplicity is what makes it special, with fresh ingredients coming together to create crispy, creamy pockets of pure joy. Whether you’re making them for a casual night in or a festive gathering, these wontons are sure to delight everyone lucky enough to try them. Give it a go and watch your friends and family ask for seconds!
Print
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons (serves 24 as appetizers)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These crispy shrimp and cream cheese wontons combine a flavorful shrimp filling with creamy cheese, green onions, and aromatic seasonings, all wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they offer a delightful crunch and a savory, creamy bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Wontons and Frying
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Small bowl of water (for sealing edges)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, sliced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, optional sesame oil, and ground black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined to create a uniform filling.
- Fill the wontons: Lay out a few wonton wrappers at a time, keeping the others covered to prevent drying out. Place about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp and cream cheese filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Seal the wontons: Moisten the edges of each wonton wrapper with water using your finger. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing two opposite corners together, pressing out any air pockets and sealing the edges firmly to prevent leakage. For an optional decorative touch, bring the two corners of the triangle together and seal.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the wontons: Carefully add the wontons in batches to the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried wontons with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp is finely chopped for a smooth filling texture.
- Keep unused wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Use a thermometer to maintain accurate oil temperature for perfectly crispy wontons.
- Drain excess oil properly to keep wontons crisp rather than oily.
- These can be reheated in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
