Crabby Cream Cheese Wontons: A Seafood Lover’s Delight

Craving a crispy, savory appetizer that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these irresistible crabby cream cheese wontons! This recipe combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the delicate sweetness of crabmeat, all wrapped in a perfectly golden and crunchy wonton wrapper. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious snack, or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these wontons are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your crabby cream cheese wontons turn out perfectly every time. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds!

## Why You’ll Love These Crabby Cream Cheese Wontons

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
* **Perfect Texture:** Crispy wonton wrappers provide a delightful contrast to the smooth and creamy filling.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these wontons are surprisingly easy to prepare.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These wontons are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the wontons ahead of time and fry them just before serving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Wonton Wrappers:** One package (approximately 50 wrappers). These are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened to room temperature. Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and creamy filling.
* **Crabmeat:** 6 ounces, cooked and flaked. You can use fresh, canned, or imitation crabmeat. If using imitation crabmeat, be sure to drain it well.
* **Green Onions:** 2-3, thinly sliced. Green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the filling.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon. Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 teaspoon. Soy sauce contributes a salty and savory element.
* **Sugar:** 1/4 teaspoon. A touch of sugar balances the savory flavors and enhances the sweetness of the crabmeat.
* **Egg:** 1, beaten. Used for sealing the wonton wrappers.
* **Vegetable Oil:** For frying. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the wontons.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, sweet chili sauce for dipping.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Fork
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Deep fryer or large pot
* Slotted spoon or spider
* Paper towels

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect crabby cream cheese wontons:

**1. Prepare the Filling:**

* In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crabmeat, green onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
* Use a fork to mix all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crabmeat tough. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

**2. Assemble the Wontons:**

* Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
* Place about 1 teaspoon of the crab cream cheese filling in the center of the wonton wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this can make the wontons difficult to seal.
* In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash.
* Using your finger or a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with the egg wash. This will help seal the wonton and prevent it from opening during frying.
* Fold the wonton wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press firmly along the edges to seal, ensuring that no air is trapped inside. You can also create other shapes like purses or ravioli, but the triangle shape is the most common and easiest.
* Repeat the process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling. Place the assembled wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you’re not frying them immediately, you can cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to a few hours.

**3. Fry the Wontons:**

* Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too cold, the wontons will be greasy. If the oil is too hot, they will burn quickly.
* Carefully add the wontons to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons.
* Fry the wontons for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the wontons from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**4. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the crabby cream cheese wontons immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
* Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
* Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a homemade dipping sauce (see suggestions below).

## Tips for Perfect Crabby Cream Cheese Wontons

* **Use Softened Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy filling. If your cream cheese is not soft enough, microwave it for a few seconds at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Don’t Overfill the Wontons:** Overfilling the wontons can make them difficult to seal and cause them to burst open during frying.
* **Seal the Wontons Tightly:** Ensure that the edges of the wonton wrappers are properly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. The egg wash is crucial for this step.
* **Maintain the Correct Oil Temperature:** Maintaining the correct oil temperature is essential for achieving crispy and golden brown wontons. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer:** Overcrowding the fryer can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons. Fry the wontons in small batches to ensure they cook properly.
* **Drain the Wontons Well:** After frying, place the wontons on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
* **Make Ahead of Time:** Assembled wontons can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a few hours. Fry them just before serving for the best results. You can also freeze them uncooked.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Wontons:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Shrimp Wontons:** Substitute some of the crabmeat with cooked and chopped shrimp for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetable Wontons:** Add finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or water chestnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese.
* **Baked Wontons:** For a healthier option, bake the wontons instead of frying them. Brush them with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

## Dipping Sauce Suggestions

* **Sweet Chili Sauce:** A classic pairing for wontons. The sweetness and slight heat complement the savory filling perfectly.
* **Soy Sauce:** A simple and classic dipping sauce that enhances the savory flavor of the wontons.
* **Ponzu Sauce:** A Japanese citrus-based sauce that adds a tangy and refreshing flavor.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or other hot sauce to create a creamy and spicy dipping sauce.
* **Homemade Dipping Sauce:**
* **Ingredients:** 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
* **Instructions:** Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

## How to Store Leftovers

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover crabby cream cheese wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will lose some of their crispness, but they will still be delicious.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze uncooked wontons for longer storage. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 80-100 per wonton (depending on the amount of filling and oil absorbed)
* Fat: 5-7 grams per wonton
* Protein: 2-3 grams per wonton
* Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams per wonton

*Please note that these are approximate values and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.*

## Conclusion

These crabby cream cheese wontons are a delightful and addictive appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a taste of seafood heaven! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and dipping sauces to create your own signature wonton recipe.

Enjoy!