There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crispy wonton filled with juicy shrimp. That first crunch, followed by the burst of flavor? Pure magic.

Making wontons at home might seem too hard at first. But these little pockets of goodness are actually simple to make once you know the tricks.

If you’re craving something fried and crispy or steamed and tender, this guide has you covered. You’ll learn four different ways to make shrimp wontons that will have your family asking for seconds.

From traditional steamed dumplings to creative baked versions, each method brings something special to the table. Ready to fill your kitchen with the most mouth-watering aromas? Let’s get started!

What You Need to Get Started

Making shrimp wontons is easier than you think. Most ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 50 wontons that serve 4-6 people.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped)
• 1 package wonton wrappers (square, refrigerated section)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 pound ground pork (for combination wontons)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Chili oil (for spicy versions)

Method 1: Traditional Steamed Shrimp Wontons

Steps

These steamed wontons are tender and juicy. The gentle cooking keeps the shrimp soft while the wrapper stays delicate.

1. Prepare the filling. Chop shrimp into small pieces. Mix with garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, egg white, and cornstarch.
2. Assemble wontons. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center of the wrapper. Wet edges with water. Fold diagonally to make a triangle, then bring the corners together.
3. Set up the steamer. Fill the pot with 2 inches of water. Place the steamer basket inside. Bring water to a boil.
4. Steam wontons. Line a steamer with parchment paper. Place the wontons without touching. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink.
5. Serve hot. Remove carefully with tongs. Serve with soy sauce or chili oil.

Method 2: Crispy Fried Shrimp Wontons

Steps

Get ready for that satisfying crunch! These fried wontons have a golden, crispy shell that gives way to juicy shrimp filling inside.

1. Make filling. Follow the same filling recipe as the steamed version. Mix until well combined.
2. Wrap wontons. Use the same folding technique. Make sure edges are sealed tightly to prevent oil from getting inside.
3. Heat oil. Pour 2 inches of oil into a heavy pot. Heat to 350°F. Test with a small piece of wrapper – should sizzle immediately.
4. Fry in batches. Add 6-8 wontons at a time. Don’t overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Drain and serve. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while crispy.

Method 3: Spicy Shrimp Wontons with Chili Oil

Steps

Turn up the heat with these spicy beauties! The chili oil adds warmth and depth that makes each bite more exciting than the last.

1. Make spicy filling. Add 1 teaspoon chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the basic shrimp mixture. Mix well.
2. Prepare chili oil sauce. Mix 2 tablespoons chili oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
3. Wrap wontons. Use the triangle folding method. Make sure the filling doesn’t leak out.
4. Steam wontons. Follow the same steaming method as the traditional version. Steam for 10-12 minutes.
5. Serve with sauce. Drizzle chili oil mixture over hot wontons. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Method 4: Shrimp and Pork Combination Wontons

Steps

This combo gives you the best of both worlds. The pork adds richness while the shrimp brings sweetness and texture.

1. Mix proteins. Combine 1/2 pound chopped shrimp with 1/2 pound ground pork. Add all the seasonings and mix until the mixture is sticky.
2. Test seasoning. Cook a small spoonful in a pan. Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce if needed.
3. Wrap carefully. Use slightly more filling (1.5 teaspoons) per wonton. Seal edges completely.
4. Choose a cooking method. Steam for 15 minutes or fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
5. Check doneness. Cut one open to make sure the pork is fully cooked through before serving.

Pro Tips for All Methods

• Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel while working
• Don’t overfill – it makes sealing difficult
• Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then store in bags
• Test one wonton first to check the seasoning and cooking time

How to Fold Your Shrimp Wontons

Folding wontons is easier than it looks. Just remember to seal the edges well so the filling stays inside during cooking.

Watch this helpful video for a visual guide:

Video credit: @PailinsKitchen – Thank you for the demonstration!

Basic Steps to Follow

1. Add filling. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center of the wrapper.
2. Wet edges. Dip your finger in water and run it along the two edges.
3. Fold into a triangle. Bring one corner to the opposite corner.
4. Press out air. Squeeze gently from the center to the edges.
5. Seal tight. Press edges firmly together.

Perfect Pairings with Shrimp Wontons

Wontons taste great on their own, but the right sides and drinks make them even better. Here are simple combinations that work every time.

Side Dishes

1. Steamed Bok Choy is a classic pairing that adds green vegetables to your meal. Steam it for 3-4 minutes with garlic and soy sauce to get a nice crunch that complements the soft wontons perfectly.

2. Simple Fried Rice turns wontons into a complete meal. Use leftover rice for this quick side dish, adding scrambled eggs and frozen peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

3. Hot and Sour Soup creates a traditional combo you’ll find in Chinese restaurants. You can serve wontons alongside the soup or drop them right into the broth. The tangy soup balances the rich filling beautifully.

Drink Pairings

1. Hot Tea is the traditional choice that never fails. Green tea or oolong work best because they help digest rich, fried foods and cleanse your palate between bites.

2. Light Beer complements fried wontons perfectly. Crisp lagers work well, and Asian beers like Tsingtao are especially good. The bubbles help cleanse your palate and cut through the richness.

3. Sparkling Water with Lime offers a refreshing non-alcoholic option. The lime adds citrus that cuts through rich flavors, making it especially good with spicy chili oil versions.

Complete Meal Ideas

1. Dim Sum Style Spread combines different types of wontons with other appetizers. Mix steamed and fried wontons with pot stickers and spring rolls, then serve with multiple dipping sauces for variety.

2. Casual Family Dinner makes wontons the star of the meal. Serve steamed wontons as the main dish with stir-fried vegetables and a bowl of white or brown rice on the side.

3. Party Appetizer Setup showcases crispy fried wontons on platters with small bowls of different sauces. Add fresh cucumber and carrot sticks to balance the rich flavors and give guests lighter options.

Ready to Start Making Wontons?

Making shrimp wontons at home is easier than you thought. You now have four different methods to choose from, whether you want traditional steamed versions or crispy fried treats.

Each technique brings its own special flavors and textures to your table.

Start with the basic steamed wontons if you’re new to this. Once you get comfortable with the folding and timing, try the other variations.

Remember to keep your wrappers covered, don’t overfill, and seal those edges tightly. With a little practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality wontons that will impress your family and friends.

Which method will you try first? Drop a comment below and let us know how your wontons turned out!