Top 9 Chinese Recipes with Wonton Wrappers

In the Chinese dialect of Cantonese, the name "wonton" means swallowing a cloud. That is because in soups, the wonton, a small dumpling, looks like it is floating just as clouds do in the sky. But that's where the similarity ends. Wonton dumplings are much more filling than water vapor. They are known for having a savory taste and are usually made of minced pork. Don't let their small size deceive you into thinking they are not a hearty food. 

Try this homemade version of crab rangoon, the classic crabmeat and cream cheese appetizer invented by chefs at Trader Vics. Also called a crab puff, this appetizer is served in Thai cuisine as well.

Since it's deep fried and made with cheese, it's certainly not the healthiest way to enjoy a wonton, but you can't deny this decadent treat if you're looking for some comfort food. Serve up this dish if you want to be a hit at parties. The best part is the dipping sauce can go many different ways. You can serve these with duck sauce, a tangy sweet and sour sauce, a mustard sauce, or a spicy chili sauce.
 

Chinese vegetables add flavor to this easy recipe for wonton wrappers filled with ground pork and seasonings, which are then deep-fried. The best thing with fried wontons is that you can put practically anything inside the wrapper—traditional Asian flavors or even Hispanic or Italian flavors or ingredients for an eclectic twist.

If you're on a diet or making lifestyle changes because of health concerns, then it is likely that fried wontons are not for you. So, try baked wontons instead.

Baking the food instead of deep-frying it not only reduces the fat and calories but also seals in the flavors of this healthy appetizer made with reduced-fat peanut butter, curry paste, and lime juice. 

Siu Mai dumplings are filled with shrimp (or other meats) and steamed. Like baked wontons, they are a more healthful alternative to the fried variety of wontons. To make this dish, you can use gyoza wrappers or regular wonton wrappers that have been cut into circles.

Although pot stickers are traditionally made with a hot water dough, wonton wrappers cut into circles make a handy substitute. If you're trying to eat more vegetables but don't like the taste of most greens, this is a great way to get the benefits of veggies in a delicious package.

Try this easy recipe to make wonton wrappers at home. By making this appetizer in your own kitchen, you can cut down on the sodium and preservatives found in the mass-produced varieties.