Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown wonton that unleashes a symphony of delicate crab meat and aromatic fennel with every single crunch. These aren't just any appetizers - these are culinary masterpieces that will transform your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary! Prepare to embark on a gourmet journey that combines the delicate sweetness of fresh crab with the subtle, sophisticated notes of fennel, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy wonton package that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 24 wontons
Ingredients
- 1 cup crab meat, cooked
- 1 bulb fennel, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 package wonton wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling by finely chopping the fennel bulb into small, uniform pieces, ensuring they are delicate and will integrate well with the crab meat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked crab meat, finely chopped fennel, cream cheese, and soy sauce. Gently mix the ingredients until thoroughly incorporated, creating a smooth and cohesive filling.
- Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry work surface. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to help seal the wontons.
- Place approximately one teaspoon of the crab and fennel mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper, being careful not to overfill.
- Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water using your fingertip, then fold the wrapper diagonally to create a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal and remove any air pockets.
- Take the two opposite corners of the triangle and bring them together, moistening one corner to help them stick, forming a classic wonton shape.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Carefully lower the prepared wontons into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
- Fry the wontons for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the wontons using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Let the wontons cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy-based dipping sauce.
Tips
- Ensure your crab meat is well-drained to prevent soggy wontons
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing
- Don't overfill your wontons - this prevents them from sealing properly
- Keep your wonton wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent drying
- Maintain consistent oil temperature (350°F) for evenly cooked, crispy wontons
- Work in small batches to preserve oil temperature and ensure even frying
- Let wontons rest for a few minutes after frying to allow excess oil to drain
- Experiment with dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy-ginger, or sriracha mayo for added flavor complexity
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
