Pork and Prawn Wontons

These homemade pork and prawn 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. The chilli crisp drizzled on top is optional, but it’s so good that you’ll want to add it. Get the recipe here. I recommend making a big batch of wontons and freezing them for anytime the mood strikes.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Ingredients
• History of Wontons
• What is Shaoxing Wine?
• The Perfect Filling
• Folding Pork and Prawn Wontons: A Group Activity
• Cooking the Pork and Prawn Wontons
• Serving Suggestions
• Where to Shop

Introduction

Pork and Prawn Wontons are a delightful dish that combines the rich flavours of pork mince and king prawns with aromatic seasonings. These homemade wontons ensure that you know exactly what goes into them—no fillers, just wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a starter, a snack, or even a light meal, these wontons are versatile and delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients and process of making these tasty delights.

Key Ingredients

• Pork Mince: Opt for at least 15% fat for a juicy and tender filling.
• King Prawns: Adds a sweet and succulent texture to the wontons.
• Spring Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavour.
• Fresh Ginger Root: Adds a warm, spicy note.
• Shaoxing Wine: Enhances the umami and depth of flavour.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty, aromatic richness.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savoury taste.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the flavours.

History of Wontons

Wontons have a rich history in Chinese cuisine, dating back over a thousand years. Originating from the Northern regions of China, wontons were initially a festive food enjoyed during the winter solstice. Over time, they became a popular staple in everyday meals across China and beyond. The word “wonton” roughly translates to “swallowing clouds” in Mandarin, which poetically describes their delicate, floating appearance when cooked. These delicious dumplings have various regional variations, each with its unique twist on fillings and cooking methods.

What is Shaoxing Wine?

Shaoxing wine, a traditional Chinese rice wine, is a staple in Chinese cooking. It has a complex flavour profile, with a balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami. It is made from fermented glutinous rice and adds depth and richness to dishes, enhancing the overall flavour. It’s particularly popular in marinades, stir-fries, and braised dishes. If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a good substitute, though it lacks the unique aroma and complexity of the original.

The Perfect Filling

The filling is the heart of any good wonton. Combining pork mince with finely chopped king prawns creates a balance of flavours and textures. Ensure the pork mince has at least 15% fat content to keep the filling juicy and tender. Mixing in fresh ginger, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine gives the filling an aromatic and savoury depth. The key is to mix the ingredients well until the filling becomes sticky and paste-like, ensuring that it holds together nicely inside the wonton wrappers.

Wontons are incredibly versatile and can be customised with various fillings to suit your taste preferences. For a vegetarian version, replace the pork and prawns with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a mixture of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and spinach. You can also experiment with other proteins like chicken, beef, or even seafood like crab. Adding different herbs and spices can also create exciting flavour combinations, making wontons a dish you can enjoy in many different ways.

Folding Pork and Prawn Wontons: A Group Activity

Folding wontons can be daunting at first, but embrace the challenge! You could turn it into a fun activity with friends and family, a sure way to entertain dinner party guests who are willing to roll up their sleeves. I watched a Youtube video to learn how to fold wontons. The traditional method involves placing a teaspoon of filling in the centre of a wonton wrapper, folding it into a triangle, and sealing the edges with water. For a more decorative look, you can experiment with different shapes, such as folding the wontons into a purse shape or twisting the edges for a pleated effect. Don’t worry too much about the shape you choose or making them perfectly neat, as they’ll mostly lose their shape during cooking. The key is to ensure the filling is well-sealed inside the wrapper to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.

Cooking the Pork and Prawn Wontons

Cooking wontons is quick and easy. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the wontons one at a time, and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the wontons float to the top. This indicates that they are cooked through. Once done, drain the wontons and serve them hot, drizzled with soy sauce and chilli crisp for an extra kick. The wontons should have a tender, slightly chewy texture with a flavourful filling that melts in your mouth.

Serving Suggestions

Pork and Prawn Wontons can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as a standalone dish with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chilli oil. They also make a fantastic addition to a bowl of broth, turning it into a hearty wonton soup. For a more substantial meal, serve the wontons alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless, and the wontons’ versatility makes them a perfect addition to any meal.

Where to Shop

Most ingredients for this recipe can be found at your local supermarket. For the best quality pork mince and king prawns, visit a reputable butcher or fishmonger. Asian grocery stores are ideal for sourcing authentic Shaoxing wine and wonton wrappers. If you’re unable to find these items locally, many online retailers offer a wide selection of Asian cooking ingredients.

Pork and Prawn Wontons are a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the rich, savoury flavours and the satisfaction of making these delightful dumplings from scratch!