Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings

When dumplings meet rice paper rolls, the result is these Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings. Nothing short of delicious, they combine the best of both worlds. Crispy, golden exteriors with a chewy, satisfying bite and a flavour-packed prawn filling. The prawn and spring onion mixture delivers a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavours that’s sure to impress any guest, making these dumplings a fantastic choice for appetisers or snacks.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to treat yourself to something indulgent yet easy to make, these crispy dumplings hit the mark. 

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Perfect Prawn Filling
• Wrapping the Dumplings: Double the Rice Paper, Double the Crunch
• Frying the Dumplings
• Customising Your Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings
• Want a Dip for Your Dumplings?
• More Recipes You’ll Like

Ingredient Breakdown

• Raw king prawns: Minced to create the perfect texture for the filling, prawns bring a succulent, seafood flavour to these dumplings.
• Spring onions: Finely chopped to provide a mild, aromatic kick that complements the prawns.
• Garlic: Minced to add depth and warmth to the flavour profile.
• Fresh ginger root: Adds a zesty, peppery note that enhances the savoury taste.
• Oyster sauce: Offers umami richness that brings the entire dish together.
• Light soy sauce: Adds a touch of saltiness and balance to the filling.
• Toasted sesame oil: Provides a nutty, aromatic richness that deepens the overall flavour.
• Shaoxing wine: A type of Chinese rice wine that adds a subtle complexity to the dumpling filling.
• Corn flour (cornstarch): Helps bind the filling and maintain its structure, ensuring it doesn’t fall apart during cooking.
• Rice paper wrappers: The key to the dumpling’s crispy exterior, rice paper creates a light yet crisp texture once fried.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying, giving the dumplings a golden, crispy finish.

The Perfect Prawn Filling

The filling for the Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings is what really sets this dish apart. Freshly minced prawns create the perfect base, giving the dumplings that wonderful seafood flavour and satisfying texture. To complement the prawns, we add finely chopped spring onions, garlic, and ginger. Each ingredient playing a vital role in adding depth and aromatic richness to the filling.

Oyster sauce and light soy sauce contribute a balanced, savoury base, while toasted sesame oil imparts a subtle nuttiness. Shaoxing wine introduces a hint of complexity that rounds out the flavours, making the filling irresistibly moreish. Finally, cornflour binds everything together, ensuring the filling holds its shape when wrapped in the rice paper.

Once your ingredients are combined, take care to season lightly with salt, as the sauces already provide a level of seasoning. Mixing until well-combined ensures that the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the filling, making each dumpling a perfect bite.

Wrapping the Dumplings: Double the Rice Paper, Double the Crunch

The key to making the Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings successfully lies in the wrapping technique. It may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. Start by dipping a rice paper wrapper into warm water until it softens. It’s important not to soak it for too long; just enough for the paper to bend easily without falling apart. 

Lay the softened wrapper flat on a clean surface. Then add a portion of the prawn filling near the bottom of the wrapper. Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling to cover it, then fold in the sides, creating a rectangular shape. 

Now, here’s the secret. For added structure and texture, double-wrap your dumplings by repeating the same process with a second rice paper wrapper. This ensures the dumpling stays intact during frying and gives it a satisfying chewy exterior.

Double-wrapping is especially helpful in ensuring that the dumplings don’t break apart while cooking, as the rice paper can be delicate. The second wrapper also gives the dumplings a lovely chewy texture once fried, providing the perfect contrast to the crispiness on the outside.

Frying the Dumplings

The frying process is crucial for creating the perfect Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings. To get that golden, crispy exterior, you’ll want to heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Be sure to coat the bottom of the pan with enough oil to ensure that each dumpling gets a proper sear.

Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Fry the dumplings for around 2 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. The rice paper will bubble up and become crisp in the hot oil, while the inside stays tender and moist. The result is a perfect balance of texture. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with a flavour-packed prawn filling that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Customising Your Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings

While Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings are delightful in their original form, one of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it can be. You can easily make these dumplings your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavour combinations. Here are a few ideas for customising the dumplings to suit your tastes:

• Herbs and Aromatics: Add more herbs to the filling, such as fresh coriander or Thai basil, to give the dumplings a fragrant twist. These herbs add brightness and complexity that can enhance the overall flavour profile.
  
• Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap the prawns for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or even lentils. You’ll still enjoy a flavour-packed filling, and the texture of the mushrooms or tofu can offer a similar bite to prawns.
  
• Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, adding chopped fresh chilli to the filling is an easy way to spice up these dumplings. Alternatively, you can use a dash of chilli oil or spicy soy sauce as a dipping sauce to add extra layers of flavour.
  
• Crispy Coating: If you want even more crunch, try sprinkling sesame seeds or crushed peanuts over the dumplings just before frying. This will add a delightful texture and a bit of extra nutty flavour.
  
• Dipping Sauce Variations: While a classic soy-based dipping sauce is always a favourite, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a tangy vinegar-based sauce with sugar and chilli, or a creamy peanut sauce for a richer, more indulgent experience.

Want a Dip for Your Dumplings?

While the Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings are delicious on their own, a great dipping sauce can elevate the flavours even further. The right sauce adds another dimension to the crispy dumplings, either complementing or enhancing the prawn filling.

One classic choice is a simple soy-based sauce. Enrich this with a splash of rice vinegar for acidity, a drizzle of sesame oil for nuttiness, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours. For a spicier kick, add a spoonful of chilli paste or fresh chopped chilli to the sauce.

Another excellent choice is a sweet chilli sauce, which adds a balance of sweetness and heat. This sauce works particularly well with the savoury, aromatic flavours of the prawns, providing an enticing contrast in each bite. For something more indulgent, try a peanut sauce . Combine smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, and a touch of lime juice to create a rich, creamy complement to the crispy dumplings.

A fresh coriander garnish alongside any of these sauces can further enhance the overall presentation and flavour, giving your Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings a vibrant, fresh finish.

More Recipes You’ll Like

If you enjoyed the textures and flavours in these Crispy Prawn Rice Paper Dumplings, why not give some of these recipes a try?

• Spicy, Saucy Rice Paper ‘Noodles’: A delightful twist on traditional pasta or noodle dishes with an unexpected chewiness and a spicy, savoury sauce that coats each bite. A fresh take on the popular Korean dish, tteokbokki. 
• Pork and Prawn Wontons: Homemade wontons are truly the best! No mysterious fillers or additives, just real, fresh ingredients. Pork mince, king prawns, spring onions and aromatics, to be more precise.
• Wonton Soup: A comforting hot bowl of wonton soup. Wontons filled with pork, prawns, spring onions and tasty aromatics floating in a subtle yet flavourful broth.

See how I make these recipes and more over on my Instagram!