One of the best tips for great wontons is just to make them. Pick out an easy wonton recipe, perhaps a wonton soup or steamed wontons, and make them. Try your best and you will find it easy, maybe not the first time you try but don’t worry, you’ll soon be a pro!
Your first batch might not look perfect. In fact, they might be a bit messy, since nobody learns to fold the perfect-looking wonton on their first attempt but, like with most things, the more practice you have the better you will become.
Wonderful Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is especially great for starting off with. This is because you can use a broth mix or some stock you have made before or frozen, then just drop the wontons into it.
Learning how to make wonton soup is very simple. Fried wontons are not difficult either and if you are used to frying you will not have any problems with this type.
If you are new to making easy wonton recipes then begin by following a wonton recipe and then when you get used to the flavor and texture of the filling you can being making up your own flavors. Start with something simple like cream cheese and crabmeat. Stir in some minced green onion and a dash of soy sauce, then fill the wonton wrappers. Squeeze out the excess air, then cook them until they are done.
Tips for Great Wontons: How Long to Cook Wontons
You can see when your wontons are ready. Fried ones will be crispy all over when they are done, and steamed or simmered ones will have a smooth, glossy outside. If your wontons contain raw meat such as ground pork, then they will take longer. Unless you are not cooking the meat beforehand, of course. These might take half an hour to gently steam.
If you are baking your wontons, they usually take about 12 minutes at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) but recipes do vary, so check the recipe you are following.
One way of baking wontons is to spritz both sides of the wonton wrappers with a butter-flavored spray and press them into mini-muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 4 minutes or until they are lightly browned, then add your filling and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the filling is hot. Because they are not rotating, like wontons in oil or in a pan, you don’t have to pinch the wrappers tightly – leave them open if you prefer. You get to see the filling that way too.
Take care of your wonton wrappers, and bear in mind they are delicate and can dry out easily. While you are making wontons, keep the wrappers covered in a damp clean towel. The same applies to the finished ones.
If they dry out they might crack and then your filling will leak through. There are plenty of tips for great wontons, but remember practice makes perfect so if your first batch isn’t quite what you dreamed, try again!