If you’ve been yearning for a restaurant-quality appetizer without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen, Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons will absolutely make your day. Imagine crispy, golden wrappers holding a decadent, creamy filling packed with plump shrimp and a kiss of savory aromatics—each bite delivers pure joy! Whether you’re throwing a party or treating yourself to a homemade snack, this recipe lets you create irresistible Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons with surprisingly simple steps and a flavor payoff that feels downright luxurious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons lies in their short, thoughtful ingredient list—each piece has a role in creating great taste, fantastic crunch, and a mouthwatering presentation. A few well-chosen items come together for a knockout filling and irresistible crisp shell.
- Raw shrimp (8 oz, peeled, deveined, finely chopped): Fresh or thawed shrimp brings sweet seafood flavor and a delightfully bouncy texture—make sure to chop it finely for even filling!
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creamy, tangy, and lush, this is the backbone of that rich, velvety filling everyone loves.
- Green onions (2, finely sliced): These add a gentle bite and color, highlighting the freshness of the shrimp.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings umami depth and a bit of saltiness to the filling, rounding everything out.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle gives savory warmth and aroma without overpowering the shrimp.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): This gives a subtle zing, brightening up the whole mixture.
- Wonton wrappers (24): These paper-thin squares crisp up beautifully when fried—keep them covered so they don’t dry out while you work.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as the perfect “glue” to make sure your wontons stay securely sealed while cooking.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral, high-heat oil for a super crisp, bubbly result.
- Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce (for dipping): Bright, tangy, and a little spicy, the dipping sauce takes the flavor over the top!
How to Make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Step 1: Make the Filling
Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss in your finely chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, vibrant green onions, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix everything together until you have a uniform, creamy mixture flecked with little pops of green and pink. This flavorful blend is the heart of your Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons and sets the stage for a truly memorable bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons
Now for the fun part! Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface, and drop around 1 teaspoon of filling right into the center. With your finger or a small brush, lightly paint the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg—this is your sealing agent. Fold the wrapper into a neat triangle, or gather all the corners up for a beautiful pouch. Press the edges gently but firmly so none of that luscious filling escapes while frying. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until you have a little army of ready-to-cook wontons.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches, and heat to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil’s hot (a wonton wrapper should sizzle and bubble on contact), gently add a few wontons at a time. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until each one is puffed, golden, and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, giving them a moment to drain. Keep an eye on the temperature so each batch cooks up evenly and beautifully.
Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauces
Transfer the fresh, hot Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons to your serving plate and offer them with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or any dipping sauce you fancy. The combination of crunchy, creamy, and gently spiced is out of this world—serve immediately for maximum crispness and enjoy the applause!
How to Serve Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Garnishes
To really make these Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons pop, sprinkle them with extra sliced green onions, a handful of sesame seeds, or even a little chopped cilantro. For a dash of brightness, a wedge of lime on the side lets your guests add a fresh squeeze just before biting in.
Side Dishes
These wontons shine all on their own, but you can easily build a full appetizer spread. Pair them with a crisp cucumber salad, a simple bowl of miso soup, or some lightly pickled veggies for a fresh, balanced plate. If you’re serving a crowd, a mix of fried rice, edamame, or Asian slaw sets the stage for a memorable gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, thread a few Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons onto short skewers for “wonton pops,” or arrange them in a circular pattern on a pretty platter with dipping sauce in the center. Or, serve the wontons in takeout boxes along with little chopsticks for a playful party touch—guests will love the extra flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days—the filling will stay creamy, and the wrappers will still have some bite when you reheat properly.
Freezing
For true convenience, freeze the assembled uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cook time. This way, you’re always just minutes away from crisp, homemade Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons.
Reheating
To revive leftover wontons, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes until they’re crisp and warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—while it works in a pinch, you’ll lose that delightful crispiness. For frozen wontons, fry or bake them directly from the freezer for ultimate convenience.
FAQs
Can I make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble your wontons up to a day in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and fry them just before serving. You can also freeze uncooked wontons for even longer storage and cook straight from frozen when needed.
Do I have to fry the wontons, or can I bake them?
If you’d like to skip frying, brush the wontons with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. They’ll get crisp with far less oil, though the texture is a bit different from deep frying—still delicious and a little lighter!
What other sauces can I serve with Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons?
Sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are crowd favorites, but you can also try ponzu, garlic chili oil, or even a creamy sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. Pick your favorite, or set out a little tasting buffet for guests!
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Raw shrimp is ideal because it cooks perfectly inside the wonton and stays juicy, but if you only have cooked shrimp, make sure to chop it finely and be mindful that the filling may be a touch firmer. Just avoid overcooking during frying.
Are Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers are made with wheat flour, but you can look for gluten-free wrappers at specialty stores or online. Be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce if you need a fully gluten-free appetizer.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the first crunchy, creamy bite of homemade Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons—so simple, yet impossibly satisfying! I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch soon and enjoy sharing these golden beauties with friends and family. They never disappoint, and once you try them, you’ll find yourself craving their irresistible combination again and again.
Print
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are a delightful Asian-inspired appetizer featuring a flavorful filling of shrimp, cream cheese, and aromatic seasonings, all wrapped in crispy wonton wrappers. Perfect for entertaining or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
Shrimp Filling:
- 8 oz raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, finely chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 green onions (finely sliced)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Additional Ingredients:
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg (beaten, for sealing)
- vegetable oil for frying
- sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, cream cheese, green onions, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
- Fill the Wontons: Place filling in the center of a wonton wrapper, brush edges with egg, fold, and seal.
- Fry the Wontons: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C), fry wontons until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- To bake instead of fry, brush wontons with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- You can freeze assembled wontons for later use.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wontons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
