Name: Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ pound cooked shrimp, finely chopped; 2 green onions, finely sliced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; ½ teaspoon sesame oil; 24 wonton wrappers; vegetable oil for frying; sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for serving

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Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are an irresistible appetizer that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp, the creamy tang of cheese, and the crisp bite of a freshly fried wonton wrapper. Every bite delivers a beautiful blend of flavors and textures, from the savory filling to the golden crunch on the outside. They’re impossibly easy to make yet always make a big impression, whether you’re setting out a tray for a party or simply indulging in a homemade treat. If you’re ready to impress your guests (or just treat yourself), this is one of those dishes you’ll come back to time and time again.

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons lies in its short list of simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, ensuring the filling is rich and savory while the wontons fry up crisp and tempting.

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a creamy, tangy base that binds the filling together and gives every bite a luscious texture.
Cooked shrimp (½ pound, finely chopped): Adds a subtly sweet, briny flavor and a satisfying bite; pre-cooked or canned makes things fast and easy.
Green onions (2, finely sliced): Lend a fresh, mild oniony sharpness and a hint of color for extra appeal.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the filling with aromatic depth and savory complexity.
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Boosts umami and adds salt for a perfectly seasoned filling.
Sesame oil (½ teaspoon): Delivers an unmistakable nutty fragrance that ties everything together.
Wonton wrappers (24): The secret to that perfect crunchy pocket; look for them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut, to get the wontons golden and crisp.
Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce (for serving): The finishing touch—these vibrant dipping sauces complement the creamy, savory filling perfectly.

How to Make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

Step 1: Mix Up the Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese, finely chopped shrimp, sliced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil in a medium mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy, making sure the shrimp is evenly distributed so you get a bit in every wonton. This rich and fragrant filling is the heart of your Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons, so take a moment to make sure all flavors are nicely incorporated.

Step 2: Fill and Fold the Wontons

Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling right into the center—don’t overfill or it’ll be tricky to seal. Dip your finger in water and gently moisten the edges of the wrapper, then fold it into a neat triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, making sure there are no air pockets trapped inside. This helps prevent splitting when you fry your Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons. Repeat with the rest of the filling and wrappers.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crisp

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, carefully lower the wontons into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes, turning as needed, until they’re golden brown and shatteringly crisp. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate so they stay perfectly crunchy.

Step 4: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Arrange your freshly fried Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons on a platter and serve piping hot alongside bowls of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping. The sweet heat of chili sauce or the savory hit of soy sauce adds the perfect accent to the rich, creamy filling.

How to Serve Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a light dusting of chili flakes can add a burst of color and flavor on top of your wontons. Not only do garnishes make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons look even more irresistible, but they also add a layer of freshness that balances the creamy filling.

Side Dishes

For an easy appetizer spread, pair these wontons with a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, steamed edamame, or a refreshing cucumber salad. They’re also a lovely starter for a homemade sushi night or as a side to a big bowl of rice noodle soup—the options truly are endless!

Creative Ways to Present

You can make Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons the star of the table by arranging them in a spiraled pattern on a large platter with several dipping sauces in the center. Or skewer a few onto mini bamboo picks to create a playful, pass-around party snack. For a cute touch, serve them in mini takeout boxes lined with parchment paper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp for a day at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for up to two days—just know the wrappers will soften with time.

Freezing

For ultimate convenience, assemble the wontons (unfried) and line them up on a tray, then freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep them frozen for up to a month. Fry straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

To re-crisp leftover wontons, reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving isn’t recommended as it makes the wrappers chewy, so stick to dry heat for best results.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?

Yes! If you use raw, finely chop it and sauté briefly until just opaque and pink before mixing it into the filling. This extra step ensures your Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons cook up safely and taste their absolute best.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can swap in mascarpone, ricotta, or even a soft goat cheese for the filling, though the flavor will be a little different. Cream cheese’s rich tang is classic for Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons, but don’t be afraid to try other creamy cheeses in a pinch.

How do I prevent the wontons from splitting open during frying?

Make sure you press out all the air when sealing your wontons and pinch the edges firmly. Moistening the wrapper edges with water creates a tight bond, and don’t overfill each wonton—this keeps those precious Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons perfectly intact as they fry.

What kind of dipping sauce goes best?

Sweet chili sauce is a classic pairing with Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons, but soy sauce, ponzu, or even a homemade spicy mayo are fabulous too. You can offer a few options so everyone can dip to their heart’s content!

Can these be baked instead of fried?

Absolutely! Arrange your filled wontons on a lined baking sheet, spritz with a little oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll turn out a little less crispy than fried, but it’s a lighter alternative that still highlights the Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons’ delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you’ll give these Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons a try—there’s something extra satisfying about sharing a platter of homemade crispy pockets with friends and family. Don’t be surprised if they disappear within minutes, and don’t forget to sneak a couple for yourself before they’re all gone!

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 wontons 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are crispy, flavorful appetizers that are perfect for any gathering. The creamy filling with shrimp, green onions, and garlic is enclosed in a crispy wonton wrapper, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Serve them with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for a delicious appetizer that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ pound cooked shrimp, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon sesame oil

Additional Ingredients:

24 wonton wrappers
vegetable oil for frying
sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, chopped shrimp, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
Assemble the Wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface and add about 1 teaspoon of the filling to the center. Moisten the edges with water, then fold into a triangle and press to seal tightly, making sure no air is trapped inside. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Fry the Wontons: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wontons in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.