Wontons

Wontons are a type of dumpling commonly found in Chinese cuisine. They are usually made by wrapping a filling, traditionally made with minced meat and seasonings, in a thin sheet of dough. Wontons can be boiled, steamed, or deep-fried, and they can be served in soups or as a standalone appetizer. Here’s a basic recipe for making wontons:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground pork or chicken
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shrimp (optional)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For assembling:

• Wonton wrappers (available in Asian grocery stores)
• Water (for sealing the wontons)

For cooking:

• Chicken or vegetable broth (for boiling or steaming)
• Oil (for frying, if desired)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken, chopped shrimp (if using), green onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. This will help seal the wonton.
4. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets trapped inside.
5. Take the two opposite corners of the triangle and bring them together. Apply a bit of water to one corner and press them together to seal, forming a tortellini-like shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. To cook the wontons, you have a few options:
   • Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving bowl.
   • Steaming: Arrange the wontons on a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Steam them over high heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
   • Frying: Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the wontons and fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve the cooked wontons in a bowl of hot chicken or vegetable broth for wonton soup. You can also serve them as appetizers with soy sauce, chili sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.