Crispy, creamy, and loaded with flavorful shrimp, shrimp and cream cheese wontons combine the irresistible crunch of fried wonton wrappers with an indulgent filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for the perfect game day appetizer, or craving a restaurant-quality treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making shrimp and cream cheese wontons from scratch. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, and creative variations, this guide will help you master this crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

1. Seal Tightly: Ensure no gaps when sealing your wontons to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
2. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other filling ingredients.
3. Monitor Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the wontons may burn. Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. Aim for a consistent 350°F.
4. Test Fry One Wonton First: Fry a single wonton initially to perfect your frying time and temperature.

Fun Variations to Try

Looking for more ways to enjoy wontons? Here are some fun variations and alternative cooking methods.

• Alternative Fillings: Swap the shrimp for crab meat, shredded chicken, or even finely diced mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Air Fryer Method: Place assembled wontons in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Baked Wontons: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wontons on a greased baking tray, brush with oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.

One time, while preparing a batch of wontons for a family gathering, I accidentally grabbed powdered sugar instead of cornstarch to dust my cutting board. I didn’t realize my mistake until my niece, who had been happily helping me, pointed out that the filling looked “extra shiny.” Despite the mishap, we decided to go ahead and fry the wontons anyway. To everyone’s surprise, the slightly sweet coating actually gave them a unique twist, and they vanished from the table in no time! It just goes to show, happy accidents in the kitchen can sometimes lead to new favorite recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these shrimp and cream cheese wontons with sides or drinks for a complete meal experience!

• • Side Pairings:
    • Fresh Side Salad: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the wontons, adding a refreshing and crisp contrast to the dish. Consider adding elements like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
    • Fried Rice: The savory, umami flavors of fried rice, whether classic vegetable or chicken-based, perfectly balance the creamy texture of the wontons. Add scallions or cashews for an enhanced experience.
    • Steamed Dumplings: Combining wontons with steamed dumplings creates a variety of textures and flavors. Opt for dumplings filled with pork, vegetables, or shrimp for a cohesive meal.
  • Dip Options:
    • Soy Sauce: Add a few drops of lime juice or sesame oil to your soy sauce for a tangy and savory dip that enhances the wontons’ flavor.
    • Honey Mustard: The delicate sweetness of honey paired with the tanginess of mustard offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling of the wontons.
    • Sriracha Mayo: This dip combines a creamy base with a spicy kick, offering a bold and dynamic accompaniment to the crispy wontons. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
  • Drinks:
    • Crisp White Wine: A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the wontons, cutting through their richness and complementing the seafood notes.
    • Jasmine Iced Tea: With its delicate floral aroma, chilled jasmine iced tea offers a refreshing and non-alcoholic pairing, balancing the flavors of the dish while cleansing the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause the wonton to burst while frying. Stick to 1 teaspoon.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: This step is essential for sealing the wrappers properly.
• Crowding the Pan: Fry wontons in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and remain crispy.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: It won’t blend well, leading to lumps in your filling.