There’s something irresistible about the combination of spicy and savory, especially when it comes to homemade comfort food. One evening, while reminiscing about my favorite dining experiences at Din Tai Fung, I couldn’t shake the memory of their Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce. The rush of flavors and the warmth in every bite always brought me joy, but the thought of driving out for takeout? Not ideal on a cozy night in.
As I scoured my kitchen for ingredients, I discovered that I could recreate that magic at home! With just a handful of simple ingredients, these wontons become an explosion of flavor, enhanced by a luscious chili oil sauce. It’s the antidote to fast food fatigue, delivering taste profiles that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for takeout. So, if you’re ready to elevate your weeknight dinners, let’s dive into this easy and delightful recipe that’s sure to impress. Grab your chopsticks, and let’s get cooking!
Why choose Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce?
Irresistible flavors: Each bite is a tantalizing experience with a harmony of spices and savory goodness.
Quick preparation: Made in just 6 to 8 minutes, these wontons are perfect for those busy nights!
Versatile dish: Serve as a delightful appetizer, snack, or main course that pleases everyone at the table.
Fresh ingredients: Using simple, wholesome ingredients elevates your meal and beats takeaway any day.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress friends and family with a dish that combines comfort and adventure in every bite!
You won’t want to miss this delightful twist on classic wontons!
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Ingredients
For the Wontons
• Wontons – 10 to 12 are perfect for this recipe, whether homemade or store-bought!
• Green onion – 1 tbsp, sliced and roughly chopped for a fresh garnish.
For the Chilli Oil Sauce
• Chilli oil – 2 tbsp adds that essential spicy kick; adjust to taste!
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp complements the chilli oil, giving the sauce a rich base.
• Garlic cloves – 2, very finely minced for a bold flavor punch.
• Caster / superfine sugar – 1 tsp balances the heat with a hint of sweetness.
• Red chilli flakes – 1/2 tsp (optional) can boost the spicy level if desired!
• Sichuan pepper powder – 1/4 tsp enhances the flavor with a unique numbing spice.
• Chinese five spice powder – 1/4 tsp brings depth and warmth to the sauce.
• Chinese chicken stock powder – 1/2 tsp adds a savory umami touch.
• Light soy sauce – 2 1/2 tsp gives the sauce a savory richness.
• Rice vinegar – 1 tsp provides a tangy note to balance the flavors.
• Hot water – 2 1/2 tbsp thins out the sauce for easy drizzling.
This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade food without the hassle of fast food!
How to Make Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce
-
Combine ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix the minced garlic, caster sugar, red chilli flakes, sichuan pepper powder, Chinese five spice powder, and chicken stock powder until well blended. This creates a fragrant base for your sauce.
-
Heat oils: In a small frying pan, pour in the chilli oil and vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat until hot, then carefully pour it over the garlic mixture. This will release incredible aromas and flavors!
-
Whisk sauce: Stir in the light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot water into your garlic mixture. This creates a deliciously tangy and spicy sauce that perfectly complements the wontons. Set aside while you prepare the wontons.
-
Boil wontons: Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Add the wontons and cook until they float. Fresh wontons will take about 4 minutes, while frozen ones will take 6 to 8 minutes.
-
Serve and enjoy: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked wontons to a serving dish. Drizzle the prepared chilli oil sauce generously over them, add extra chilli oil if you desire, and finish with a sprinkle of green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Optional: Serve with additional sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce
Fridge: Store leftover wontons in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in boiling water for a couple of minutes for the best texture.
Freezer: Uncooked wontons can be frozen on a parchment-lined tray for 1-2 hours, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
Chilli Oil Sauce: The sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over wontons.
Reheating: To keep wontons from becoming soggy, avoid reheating with direct microwave heat. Instead, steam them lightly or return them to boiling water briefly. Enjoy your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce!
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce are ideal for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the wontons up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the wontons as per the recipe, then cover them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chilli oil sauce can also be made ahead; just keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your tasty creation, simply cook the wontons (fresh or frozen) as directed and drizzle with the chilled sauce. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce
-
Wonton Integrity: Ensure your wontons are properly sealed to avoid filling leakage during cooking. A tight fold is essential!
-
Sauce Balance: Taste the chilli oil sauce before serving. Adjust the sugar or vinegar for a perfect balance of flavors tailored to your preference.
-
Cooking Time: For fresh wontons, watch for them to float within 4 minutes. Frozen wontons will require more time, so check frequently to avoid overcooking.
-
Customization: Feel free to add more ingredients like shredded veggies or proteins to the wontons. Be adventurous and make these Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce your own!
-
Garnishing Tips: Extra green onions not only add a pop of color but also enhance freshness. Don’t skip this final touch!
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these exciting twists!
-
Vegetable-Filled: Add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to your wonton filling for extra color and crunch. This addition enhances both the texture and flavor.
-
Pork or Chicken: Swap half of the wonton filling with ground pork or chicken to elevate the savoriness. It’s a classic twist that brings a heartiness to your dish.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice wrappers instead of traditional wonton skins for a delicious and inclusive dish. Everyone can enjoy these spicy bites!
-
Sesame Oil Infusion: Enhance the sauce with a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the spices. This infusion transforms your sauce into a delectable experience.
-
Sweet & Spicy: Incorporate a bit of honey or maple syrup into the sauce for a sweet contrast to the heat. This subtle twist offers an exciting layer of complexity.
-
Extra Crispy: Pan-fry the boiled wontons until golden and crisp before drizzling with sauce. This adds an irresistible crunch that complements the sauce beautifully.
-
Herbaceous: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint into the garlic mixture for a refreshing burst of flavor. This adjustment uplifts the entire dish and brightens every bite!
-
Heat Level: Adjust the red chilli flakes or add fresh sliced chilies to amp up the spice. Bold heat will turn this dish into a fiery feast for those who crave it!
Let your culinary imagination soar as you prepare these Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce!
What to Serve with Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides and drinks that complement the bold flavors of these scrumptious wontons.
-
Steamed Jasmine Rice: Offers a fragrant, fluffy base to soak up the delicious chilli oil sauce. It’s a comforting staple that balances the dish’s kick.
-
Crispy Asian Slaw: A cool and crunchy medley of cabbage and carrots, dressed in sesame vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast against the spicy wontons.
-
Hot and Sour Soup: The tangy, spicy notes of this classic soup harmonize beautifully with your wontons, creating a warm, heart-filling experience.
-
Garlic Sautéed Bok Choy: With its crisp texture and mild flavor, bok choy adds brightness while complementing the savory elements of the sauce. A perfect side to clean the palate!
-
Chili Soy dipping sauce: Perfect for those who love an extra kick. Mix soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and chili flakes to dip your wontons for an added flavor boost.
-
Ice-cold Beer: The bitter crispness of a cold lager can tone down the heat from the spicy wontons while enhancing the meal’s comforting warmth.
-
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet and creamy treat pairs wonderfully, cooling your palate and providing a lovely end to the meal.
Whether you go for refreshing, soothing, or indulgent sides, these pairings will ensure your dinner is nothing short of a feast!
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best wontons for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, opt for wontons that are fresh and well-sealed. If you’re buying pre-made ones, check the packaging for any signs of freezer burn or dark spots. If you’re making them from scratch, ensure the dough is smooth and pliable for easy folding!
How should I store leftover spicy wontons?
Very! Store any leftover wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently place them back in boiling water for a couple of minutes until heated through; this will help maintain their original texture.
Can I freeze cooked spicy wontons?
You can! However, I recommend freezing uncooked wontons first. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This will keep them from sticking together, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen, but add 1-2 extra minutes to the boiling time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chilli oil sauce?
Great question! Store any leftover chilli oil sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it either on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce for dietary needs?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re concerned about spice levels, you can skip the red chilli flakes or reduce the amount of chilli oil in the sauce. You might also opt for a mild soy sauce if you’re sensitive to salty flavors. Just remember to taste and adjust the sauce ingredients to your liking!
What if my wontons are falling apart in the boiling water?
No worries! This can happen if the wontons are not sealed properly. To prevent this, make sure to pinch the edges tightly and avoid excessive filling. If you find your wontons are falling apart, keep the water at a gentle simmer instead of a full boil, which can cause them to break. Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce – Din Tai Fung Inspired!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix the minced garlic, caster sugar, red chilli flakes, sichuan pepper powder, Chinese five spice powder, and chicken stock powder until well blended.
- In a small frying pan, heat the chilli oil and vegetable oil over medium heat until hot, then pour it over the garlic mixture.
- Stir in the light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot water into your garlic mixture.
- Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Add the wontons and cook until they float.
- Transfer the cooked wontons to a serving dish. Drizzle the prepared chilli oil sauce over them, add extra chilli oil if desired, and finish with a sprinkle of green onion.