Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Wontons (Makes approx. 24-30 wontons):
- Wonton Wrappers: 1 package (approx. 12 oz or 24-30 square wrappers) – Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, often near produce or tofu.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (1 block) – Full-fat recommended for the best flavour and texture, softened to room temperature.
- Green Onions (Scallions): 2-3 stalks – Finely chopped (use mostly the green parts, some white is okay).
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon (optional, enhances savory notes)
- Worcestershire Sauce: ½ teaspoon (optional, adds depth/umami)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Small Bowl of Water: For sealing the wonton wrappers.
- Oil for Frying (if frying): Approx. 2-3 cups of neutral oil with a high smoke point (e.g., canola, vegetable, peanut, grapeseed). OR Cooking Spray/Oil for Brushing (if baking/air frying).
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. Place it in a medium bowl.
- Add the finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the cream cheese.
- Using a fork or a sturdy spatula, mix everything together until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no large lumps of cream cheese and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- If making Crab Rangoon style: Gently fold in the finely chopped, well-drained crab meat. Avoid overmixing, which can make the crab mushy.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasonings if needed.
2. Set Up Your Wonton Folding Station:
- Clear a clean, dry work surface (like a cutting board or countertop).
- Open the package of wonton wrappers. Keep the stack covered with plastic wrap or a slightly damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out as you work.
- Have your bowl of cream cheese filling ready with a small spoon (about a teaspoon measure works well).
- Place the small bowl of water nearby.
- Have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready to place the finished, uncooked wontons on. This prevents sticking.
3. Folding the Wontons (Common Methods):
- Work with one wonton wrapper at a time. Lay it flat on your work surface, often positioned like a diamond (one corner pointing towards you).
- Method 1: The Triangle Fold (Simple & Popular):
- Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of the wrapper. Do not overfill, as this is the primary cause of bursting during cooking.
- Dip your finger in the water and lightly moisten two adjacent edges of the wrapper (e.g., the top two edges if oriented like a diamond).
- Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, bringing the dry bottom corner up to meet the wet top corner.
- Press firmly along the moistened edges to seal, carefully pressing out any air bubbles trapped around the filling. A good seal is crucial!
- Optional (for a classic look): Lightly moisten one of the bottom corners of the triangle. Bring the two bottom corners together, overlapping them slightly, and press to seal. This creates the traditional “bonnet” or “tortellini” shape.
- Method 2: The Purse or Star Fold:
- Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Moisten all four edges of the wrapper lightly with water.
- Bring all four corners up towards the center, above the filling.
- Pinch the edges together firmly where they meet above the filling, sealing the wonton into a little pouch or star shape. Ensure all seams are well-sealed.
- Placement: As you fold each wonton, place it on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching initially, especially if you plan to freeze them. Keep the finished wontons covered with plastic wrap or another damp towel if you aren’t cooking them immediately.
4. Cooking the Wontons (Choose Your Method):
- See the next section for detailed instructions on Frying, Baking, or Air Frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 40-60