Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further! These Crabmeat Cheese Wontons are the perfect solution for your next gathering, or even a simple weeknight treat. They're surprisingly simple to make, packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – combining familiar flavors in a surprisingly elegant way. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14 ounces) wonton wrappers
- 8 ounces lump crabmeat, drained well
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, gently combine the drained crabmeat, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onion, mayonnaise, soy sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crabmeat mushy.
Step 2: Assemble the Wontons: Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the crabmeat mixture in the center of the wrapper. Using a pastry brush, lightly wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can get creative with the folding – a half-moon shape also works beautifully.
Step 3: Fry the Wontons: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of wonton dough should sizzle immediately), carefully add the wontons to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Drain and Serve: Remove the wontons from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy. These delicious dishes are perfect served with a sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Wontons:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use good quality crabmeat: The flavor of the crabmeat will be the star of the show, so choose a high-quality product.
- Don't overfill the wontons: Overfilling can cause them to burst during frying.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the filling to your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Wontons: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Crab Wontons: Increase the amount of cream cheese for a richer, creamier filling.
- Baked Crab Wontons: For a healthier option, bake the wontons in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutritional Information (per wonton, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: Approximately 7-9g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
These crabmeat cheese wontons are a quick dinner idea, perfect as a starter or a light meal. They’re guaranteed to become one of your go-to easy recipes. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!