Ah, crispy fried wonton strips—a snack that brings back a flood of childhood memories. I can still picture my grandmother expertly folding those delicate squares of dough while a pot of oil bubbled away on the stove.
There’s something truly magical about how a simple strip of wonton transforms into a golden, crunchy delight that can rival any store-bought snack. And let’s be honest, they’re the perfect accompaniment to just about anything:
soups, salads, or even straight out of the bowl while binge-watching that new series everyone’s talking about. Remember when TikTok exploded with those viral cooking hacks last year?
Yeah, these wonton strips are the OG of easy kitchen wins. So, ready to dive into some nostalgia and maybe create your own crispy, crunchy memories?
Let’s get started.
Steps
- Begin by pouring 1-1/2 to 2 inches of either vegetable or peanut oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 360 degrees F, using a candy thermometer clipped to the side of the pot to monitor the temperature.
- While the oil is heating, cut the wonton wrappers into 3/4-inch wide strips. Keep the cut wontons covered with a towel to prevent drying out while waiting for the oil to reach the desired temperature.
- Prepare a baking sheet or cooling rack by lining it with a double layer of paper towels. This will be used for draining the fried wonton strips.
- Once the oil has reached 360 degrees F, carefully add a handful of the wonton strips to the pot. Fry them for 1-2 minutes, using a spider strainer or slotted spoon to gently move them about so they cook evenly until golden brown.
- Remove the fried wonton strips using the spider strainer or slotted spoon and transfer them to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to cool. Allow the oil to return to 360 degrees F before frying the next batch.
- Serve the crispy wonton strips with duck sauce and/or Chinese mustard for dipping. Alternatively, enjoy them as a crunchy addition to soups and salads.
Ingredients
- 1 package large wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying
- Duck sauce, for serving
- Chinese style hot mustard, for serving
FAQ
- What type of wonton wrappers should I choose for fried wonton strips?
- Opt for square-shaped wonton wrappers instead of round gyoza skins used for potstickers. Thin or medium-thick wrappers are preferable as thicker ones can feel heavy when fried. You can select either yellow wrappers, which contain egg, or white (Shanghai style) wrappers, which do not; both work well for frying.
- What equipment is necessary for making fried wonton strips?
- You’ll need a heavy, deep pot for frying, a candy or frying thermometer to monitor oil temperature, a spider strainer or slotted spoon for handling the wontons, and a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels for draining the strips.
- Which oil is best for frying wonton strips?
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil are recommended due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point, ensuring the wonton strips become crispy without absorbing excess oil.
- Can I prepare wonton strips ahead of time?
- Yes, after frying, let the strips cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 1-2 minutes to serve warm.
- How can I make wonton strips using an air fryer?
- Cut the wontons into strips, spray lightly with cooking spray, and lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, shaking occasionally. Note that they will be crispy but won’t puff up as much as when deep-fried.
Tips
- Choose the Right Wonton Wrappers: Opt for square-shaped wonton wrappers, as they’re ideal for making restaurant-style strips. Thin or medium thickness works best to avoid heaviness when fried. Shanghai-style wrappers, which are white and egg-free, offer a lighter texture.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a candy or frying thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature, around 360 degrees F. This helps achieve crispy wonton strips without them absorbing too much oil.
- Use Peanut or Vegetable Oil: Both oils are neutral in flavor and have a high smoke point, perfect for deep frying. If using peanut oil, be sure to inform guests, as it may not be suitable for everyone due to allergies.
- Storing and Reheating: To make wonton strips in advance, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and baking at 350 degrees F for 1-2 minutes.
Equipment
- Candy or Frying Thermometer: A thermometer that clips to the side of the pot to monitor oil temperature during frying.
- Spider Strainer: A tool with a mesh basket and a handle, used for safely moving foods while deep frying.
