If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, delightfully golden, and perfectly paired with tangy dips, you’ve just found it in this Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe. These cracker-thin strips puff up and crisp in the hot oil, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. What makes this recipe truly special is the simplicity of its ingredients and the versatility of its dipping sauces, making it a beloved appetizer or snack that everyone will reach for again and again. Whether you want an easy party treat or a crunchy topper for your favorite salad or soup, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to the Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe, the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays a vital role in achieving that perfect crunch, flavor, and irresistible finish that keeps you coming back for more.
- Large wonton wrappers: These thin, delicate sheets fry up beautifully to create those super crisp strips that are light and airy.
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to ensure even frying and a golden finish without overpowering flavor.
- Duck sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce adds a lovely contrast, balancing the crunch with a burst of fruity flavor.
- Chinese-style hot mustard: The sharp, spicy kick of this mustard complements the mild wonton strips perfectly, giving your dipping experience an exciting edge.
How to Make Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil to Perfection
Begin by pouring about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches of your chosen oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Use a candy thermometer clipped to the side to monitor the temperature and heat the oil to a precise 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining this temperature is key to achieving a crispy texture without oily sogginess.
Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Strips
While the oil is warming, take your wonton wrappers and slice them into 3/4-inch wide strips. Work quickly but gently, and cover the strips with a towel to prevent them from drying out as you finish prepping. The uniform width helps each strip cook evenly and puff up delightfully in the hot oil.
Step 3: Line Up Your Draining Station
Set up a baking sheet or a cooling rack lined with a double layer of paper towels. This will catch any excess oil and help keep the strips crispy as they cool. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference in the final texture.
Step 4: Fry the Wonton Strips
Carefully drop a handful of wonton strips into the hot oil. Watch them puff up almost immediately, turning into light, golden wonders within 1 to 2 minutes. Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to move them around, ensuring they brown evenly on all sides. Once golden, remove them and place on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
Step 5: Keep the Temperature Steady
After each batch, allow the oil to come back up to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will typically drop to around 350 when you add the strips, so a brief pause ensures each batch fries to the same perfect crispness. This little patience keeps the texture consistent and delightful.
Step 6: Serve with Delightful Dipping Sauces
The final touch of this Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe is, of course, the sauces. Serve the warm, crunchy strips alongside duck sauce and Chinese-style hot mustard to dip and savor the wonderful harmony of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh touch, sprinkle your wonton strips with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions. A light dusting of five-spice powder or sea salt can also add intriguing layers of flavor that complement the crunchy strips and sauces beautifully.
Side Dishes
These wonton strips make a perfect crunchy companion to light Asian-inspired salads, like an arugula and mandarin orange salad, or as a fun crunchy topping on soups such as hot and sour or egg drop. They add texture and a burst of flavor that will make every bite memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl: try serving the wonton strips in paper cones for a festive finger-food vibe at parties, or arrange them around a colorful platter of fresh veggies and dipping sauces to create a vibrant snack board. They also work nicely as a crunchy element in Asian fusion tacos or nestled beside sushi rolls for a surprising crisp contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crispy fried wonton strips, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make them lose their crunch. Stored properly, they’ll stay tasty and crispy for about 1 to 2 days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover wonton strips by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat directly from frozen to regain most of their crispiness.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, reheat your wonton strips in a hot oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps evaporate any excess moisture, restoring their irresistible crisp texture without making them greasy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought large wonton wrappers are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to keep them covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent them from drying out.
Is peanut oil better than vegetable oil for frying wonton strips?
Both oils work well due to their high smoke points. Peanut oil adds a subtle nutty flavor, but vegetable oil is more neutral and just as effective for a crisp fry.
How do I prevent the wonton strips from sticking together during frying?
Fry them in small batches and stir gently while frying to keep the strips separated. Ensuring the oil is at the right temperature also helps them puff and crisp individually.
What can I use if I don’t have duck sauce or Chinese hot mustard?
You can get creative with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce blends, or even a spicy mayo. The key is balancing sweet and spicy to complement the crunchy strips.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Traditional wonton wrappers contain wheat, but you can find gluten-free wrappers or substitute with thin rice paper sheets to achieve a similar crispy effect.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with its addictive crunch and vibrant flavor pairings. It’s simple to make, fun to serve, and beloved by all ages, making it a go-to snack or appetizer for any occasion. Go ahead, grab those wonton wrappers and some dipping sauces, and get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this delicious crunch attack!
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Crispy Fried Wonton Strips with Dipping Sauces Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy and golden fried wonton strips, perfect as a crunchy snack or a flavorful topping for soups and salads. These strips are quickly deep-fried to a light crisp and served with classic Chinese dipping sauces like duck sauce and hot mustard, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package large wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying
- Duck sauce, for serving
- Chinese style hot mustard, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1-1/2 to 2 inches of oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 360°F, using a candy thermometer clipped to the pot to monitor the temperature precisely.
- Prepare wonton strips: While the oil is heating, cut as many wonton wrappers as desired into 3/4-inch wide strips. Keep the wonton wrappers covered with a towel to prevent drying out.
- Set up draining station: Line a baking sheet or a cooling rack with a double layer of paper towels to absorb excess oil from the fried wontons.
- Fry wonton strips: When the oil reaches 360°F, carefully add a handful of wonton strips into the hot oil. They will puff instantly. Fry them for 1-2 minutes, gently moving them around with a spider strainer or slotted spoon to ensure even cooking. Once golden brown on all sides, remove the strips and place them on the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
- Maintain oil temperature: Allow the oil to return to 360°F between batches; expect the temperature to drop to about 350°F when adding wontons. This ensures consistent frying results.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy wonton strips fresh with duck sauce and/or Chinese hot mustard for dipping. They also make an excellent crunchy addition to soups and salads.
Notes
- Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure stable oil temperature and safer frying.
- Maintain the oil at consistent temperature to prevent soggy or burnt wontons.
- Store leftover fried wonton strips in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
- Can be customized by sprinkling with seasonings like garlic powder, chili flakes, or sesame seeds after frying.
- Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, but vegetable oil works well too.
