Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Wontons are a beloved staple in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese cooking. These delicate dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from meats to vegetables, and are often served in a flavorful sauce. This dish takes homemade or frozen wontons and pairs them with a spicy chili oil sauce that elevates their taste. This recipe allows for customization, so you can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to create this delectable dish!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

For the Wontons:
10–12 wontons, preferably homemade; if using frozen, do not thaw.
1 tablespoon green onion, sliced and roughly chopped, for garnish.
Extra chili oil, for drizzling (optional).
For the Chili Oil Sauce:
2 garlic cloves, very finely minced.
1 teaspoon caster (superfine) sugar (or regular sugar).
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (red pepper flakes), optional for added spiciness.
1/4 teaspoon Sichuan pepper powder.
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder.
1/2 teaspoon Chinese chicken stock powder (or regular Western stock powder).
2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil, adjust for spiciness (substitute with sesame oil for a non-spicy version).
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola, peanut, or other neutral oil).
2 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce).
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or other clear vinegar).
2 1/2 tablespoons hot water (tap water is fine).

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2–4
Enjoy this authentic and delightful dish by following the steps outlined, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious meal that’s both comforting and exciting!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Chili Oil Sauce

– In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, sugar, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper powder, five-spice powder, and chicken stock powder.
– Heat the chili oil and vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium heat until hot.
– Carefully pour the hot oils over the garlic mixture. It will sizzle upon contact.
– Whisk in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot water until well combined. The oil may remain slightly separated, which is normal. Set the sauce aside.

Cook the Wontons

– Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
– Add the wontons to the boiling water.
– Cook until the wontons float to the surface: approximately 4 minutes for fresh wontons and 6 to 8 minutes for frozen ones.

Assemble the Dish

– Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked wontons directly into a serving dish.
– Pour the prepared chili oil sauce over the wontons.
– Drizzle with extra chili oil if desired.
– Garnish with the chopped green onions.
– Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Wonton Options

– For authentic texture, homemade wontons are preferred, but high-quality frozen wontons work as a convenient substitute.

Adjusting Spice Level

– The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili oil and red chili flakes used.

Storage Recommendations

– Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before use.

Substitution Options

– For a non-spicy version, use sesame oil instead of chili oil.

Garnishing Suggestions

– Other garnishes may include sesame seeds or finely sliced cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Recipe
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Recipe

Cook techniques

Preparing the Chili Oil Sauce

In this technique, combine garlic, sugar, spices, and stock powder in a mixing bowl. Heat chili and vegetable oils until hot, and pour over the dry mixture to activate the flavors. Whisk in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water for a freshly made, aromatic sauce.

Cooking the Wontons

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add the wontons. Cook until they float, indicating they are done—about 4 minutes for fresh wontons and 6 to 8 minutes for frozen. This technique ensures that the wontons are cooked through and have a pleasing texture.

Assembling the Dish

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked wontons into a serving dish. Pour the chili oil sauce over them, drizzle with extra chili oil if preferred, and garnish with chopped green onions. This technique helps highlight the wontons and enhances their flavor with the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought wontons instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use store-bought wontons, preferably frozen. Just skip thawing and cook directly in boiling water.

What if I want a milder sauce?

You can reduce the amount of chili oil and chili flakes or substitute the chili oil with sesame oil for a non-spicy version.

How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add less hot water or increase the amount of oil used.

Can I store leftover chili oil sauce?

Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using.

What can I serve with these wontons?

These wontons pair well with steamed vegetables, rice, or as part of a larger dim sum spread.

Conclusion

Delightful and satisfying, these wontons paired with chili oil sauce offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spiciness of the sauce enhances the delicate wontons, making it an excellent dish to enjoy any time. The combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant spices ensures a delicious experience that is both comforting and exciting.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Flavorful Dumplings: Use similar sauces with pan-fried or steamed dumplings for a delightful twist.

Spicy Noodles: Mix the chili oil sauce with cooked noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.

Vegetable Stir-Fry: Drizzle the chili oil sauce over a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables for an intense flavor boost.

Egg Rolls: Serve the chili oil sauce as a dip for crispy egg rolls for an extra kick.

Soup Addition: Incorporate the chili oil sauce into broths for dumpling soups for added depth and spice.

Marinade: Use the chili oil sauce as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu to infuse them with flavor.

Rice Bowls: Drizzle over rice bowls with vegetables and protein for a flavorful one-bowl meal.

Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Recipe
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Recipe