If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons. These crispy golden bites are a bursting surprise: a creamy, savory filling studded with sweet shrimp, the punch of fresh ginger and green onion, then wrapped in delicate wonton skins and fried until perfect. Whether you’re prepping a show-stopping appetizer or just want to treat yourself with restaurant-quality flavor at home, this recipe will become a go-to favorite you’ll crave all year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients are all you need to create magic. Every component plays a unique part in the irresistible taste and texture of Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons—trust me, it’s worth tracking them all down!
- Raw shrimp (8 ounces): Shrimp add juicy, sweet seafood flavor and bring satisfying texture—be sure to finely chop for the best bites.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Melt-in-your-mouth richness ties the filling together, balancing out the savory shrimp with creamy goodness.
- Green onions (2, finely chopped): Their fresh bite and subtle crunch give every wonton a pop of vibrant color and flavor.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): A dash of umami for depth—adds just enough salty savor.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings a wonderful nutty aroma; even a teaspoon wakes up the flavor profile.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Because every great filling needs a whisper of garlicky warmth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): A burst of zingy brightness that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Wonton wrappers (24): The secret to that light, crackly crunch—look for them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Small bowl of water: Your best friend for sealing wontons—don’t skip this step!
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures even, crispy results every single time.
How to Make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, gather your chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, fresh green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give everything a thorough mix—don’t be shy! The goal is to combine until the luscious filling is uniform and each bite is packed with shrimp and that creamy, tangy punch.
Step 2: Fill and Shape the Wontons
Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean workspace, keeping them covered with a damp cloth so they don’t dry out. Place about one teaspoon of your filling in the very center of each wrapper. Dip your finger in the bowl of water, then run it along all four edges of the wrapper—the water acts as your natural glue. Fold the wrapper over the filling into a tidy triangle, or bring all the corners up to meet in the middle and squeeze for a cute pouch shape. Make sure the seams are sealed tight to keep that gorgeous filling inside once they’re frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C)—if you don’t have a thermometer, a small piece of wonton wrapper should sizzle and rise to the surface when added.
Step 4: Fry the Wontons
Working in small batches, carefully lower the wontons into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until each side is gloriously golden brown and crispy. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Arrange your Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons on a platter and get ready for the compliments. Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce—you won’t believe how fast they disappear!
How to Serve Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Garnishes
A few easy garnishes turn homemade wontons into a restaurant-worthy appetizer. Try scattering sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a slice of fresh chili for some heat. Arrange wedges of lime alongside if you love a little citrus kick with your seafood.
Side Dishes
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons shine either as the star of the show or as part of a varied spread. Pair them with a crisp Asian slaw, cucumber salad, or a bowl of hot and sour soup. They’re also delicious next to steamed rice or vegetable fried rice for a light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your appetizer game by building a platter with lettuce leaves for wrapping, or serve the wontons skewered for a fun party snack. If you want to go all out, create a DIY dipping station with a trio of sauces—think chili garlic, hoisin soy, and a citrus ponzu. Your guests will love customizing every bite of Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before transferring, so they stay crisp and fresh without getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, assemble the uncooked wontons and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, move them into a freezer bag—this way, they won’t stick together. You can fry them straight from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
For leftover wontons, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp and warmed through (about 7–8 minutes). Avoid microwaving if you want that signature crunch; it’s worth the extra couple of minutes!
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for the filling?
Raw shrimp is best for Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons because it cooks quickly during frying and keeps the filling juicy. Pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, but if that’s all you have, chop it very finely and keep a close eye while frying.
Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! These wontons turn out wonderfully in an air fryer—set it to 375°F and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. You can also bake them on a parchment-lined sheet in a hot oven (400°F) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces pair best with Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons?
Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, but try soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar, a drizzle of sriracha, or even a peanut dipping sauce if you want to mix things up. Their crisp, creamy filling complements all sorts of bold flavors!
How do I keep the wonton wrappers from drying out while assembling?
Keep your wrappers covered with a slightly damp cloth or paper towel whenever you’re not handling them. This helps them stay pliable and easy to seal, so every Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wonton is picture perfect.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! You might try finely chopped water chestnuts for crunch, a touch of sriracha for spice, or a few sprigs of cilantro for extra freshness. Just don’t overload the filling—a little twist goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to win over even the toughest critics, it’s time to treat yourself to a batch of Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons. Once you hear that first crunch and taste the creamy, savory filling, I guarantee you’ll be hooked. Go ahead, give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it turns into your new favorite party recipe!
Print
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, with a crispy exterior and a creamy, savory filling. Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat, these Asian-inspired appetizers are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp Filling:
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Other:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Small bowl of water for sealing
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, cream cheese, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Fill the Wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of the shrimp filling to the center. Moisten the edges with water, then fold and seal the wontons.
- Fry the Wontons: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet. Fry wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Air-fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- To freeze, assemble wontons and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wontons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
