Fried Wontons

Wonton, also known as "hun tun," is a common snack. In Cantonese, the pronunciation of "hun tun" is the same as "yun tun," so for ease of writing, Cantonese speakers directly use "yun tun." Fried wontons are a delicacy, primarily made with meat filling and deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, suitable for those who enjoy fried foods.

Wontons can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, where they were already a popular everyday food. Over time, wontons have developed their own unique styles. Below are some techniques for making fried wontons:

1.What are fried wontons?

Wontons are a type of dumpling snack made mainly from dough wrappers filled with minced meat. Due to variations in filling ingredients, broth, serving methods, and seasoning, they can be cooked by boiling, pan-frying, or deep-frying. Fried wontons, however, are primarily deep-fried in a hot oil pot at temperatures ranging from 170 to 180 degrees Celsius until they turn golden brown (approximately 6-8 minutes). After frying, they are lifted out to drain excess oil and served on a plate. Fried wontons are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have a unique flavor that is savory and slightly salty.

Fried wontons are considered a premium staple food and are known as appetizers in Western cuisine. The typical Western meal sequence includes appetizers, soup, the main course, and dessert. The first course in a Western meal is the appetizer, also known as a starter.

2.How to achieve a crispy filling for wontons?

①Choose the right type of meat:It's recommended to use pork leg or pork tendon meat, as these cuts are known for their crispy texture.

②Refrigeration treatment:If possible, refrigerating the meat filling for a period of time can help improve the molecular structure of the meat, making it more tender and crispy.

③Extended Mixing:Using a meat grinder or manually stirring the meat filling for at least 20 minutes can make the filling more delicate and resilient.

3.How to wrap wontons?

①"Gold ingot" wrapping method:Place an appropriate amount of meat filling onto a wonton wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle and pinch the edges tightly. Finally, fold and press the two corners inward to seal them securely.

②Lotus flower wrapping method:Place the meat filling onto a wonton wrapper. Then, overlap and pinch together the corners in a crisscross pattern, and finally fold and press the remaining corners inward to seal them securely.

③Fancy "gold ingot" wrapping method:Place the wonton wrapper on a surface and add the meat filling in the center. Fold the corners of the wonton wrapper upwards twice and pinch tightly. Finally, fold and seal the remaining corners inward securely.

The wrapping techniques for wontons are not limited to the mentioned methods; there are many variations and innovative ways to wrap them. When wrapping wontons, it's important not to overfill them to avoid tearing. Additionally, wrap the wontons quickly to maintain the moisture and elasticity of the wonton wrappers. This ensures that the wontons are not only visually appealing but also delicious.

4.What are the different ways to fry wontons?

①Traditional deep-frying method:Heat the oil to 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit), then place the wontons into the hot oil and fry over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Another method is to wait until the oil reaches 70% of its maximum temperature, then fry the wontons over low heat for approximately 4 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy.

②Using an air fryer:Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the wontons inside and flip them every five minutes. It typically takes 10-15 minutes in total, adjusting the time based on the amount of filling and desired crispiness.

5.How to eat fried wontons?

Fried wontons can be eaten directly, but consuming too many may become a bit heavy. Some people enjoy eating them with dipping sauces.

①Ketchup and sweet chili sauce:These two sauces are common condiments. Ketchup is tangy and sweet, while sweet chili sauce offers a dual sensation of sweetness and spiciness, making them both excellent companions for fried wontons.

②Peanut sauce:Peanut sauce can be made by mixing peanut butter with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, chili oil, and sesame oil. This sauce is savory and aromatic, with a rich peanut flavor, making it a perfect complement for wontons.

③Black vinegar sauce:This is a simple sauce mainly made from Italian black vinegar, suitable for pairing with fried wontons, adding a hint of sweet and sour flavor to the dish.

6.Where to buy wonton wrappers?

You can purchase wonton wrappers at Asian supermarkets or online, often available on platforms like Amazon.

I believe that with these tips, everyone can quickly make this dish. You can also adjust the seasoning, modify the ingredients according to your taste, and add different supplementary ingredients. Now, let's get started and make it together!