Vegetable Fried Wontons
Crispy, golden-fried wontons packed with a savory mix of finely chopped vegetables and classic Indo-Chinese seasonings. A perfect party appetizer or evening snack that's crunchy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped capsicum. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. They should retain a slight crunch.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper powder, and salt. Cook for another minute, mixing well.
- Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped spring onion greens.
- Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely. Drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy wrappers.
Assemble the Wontons
- Set up your wrapping station: a small bowl of water, the wonton wrappers (covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying), and the cooled filling.
- Place one wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the filling into the center.
- Dip your finger in water and moisten the two top edges of the diamond.
- Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, squeezing out any air pockets.
- Dab a tiny bit of water on one of the bottom corners of the triangle. Bring the other corner across and press it onto the wet corner to seal.
- Place the finished wonton on a tray lined with parchment paper and cover. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Fry the Wontons
- Heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pot to about 175°C (350°F) over medium heat. If you don't have a thermometer, a small piece of wrapper should sizzle immediately and turn golden in 30-40 seconds.
- Working in batches, carefully slide 4-5 wontons into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons and transfer them to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve
- Serve the vegetable fried wontons immediately while they are hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or schezwan chutney.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the vegetable filling is completely cool and dry before wrapping. Warm or wet filling will make the wrappers tear easily.
- 2Do not overfill the wontons. About 1 teaspoon of filling is enough; overfilling can cause them to burst open during frying.
- 3Keep the unused wonton wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
- 4Maintain a consistent oil temperature (around 175°C / 350°F). If the oil is too hot, the wontons will brown too quickly on the outside while the inside remains undercooked. If it's not hot enough, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- 5Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-fat option, bake the wontons at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Lightly spray them with oil before baking. You can also cook them in an air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 8-10 minutes.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Incorporate finely crumbled paneer, mashed tofu, or finely chopped mushrooms into the vegetable filling for a protein boost.
Spicier FillingSpicier Filling
Add 1 teaspoon of schezwan sauce, finely chopped green chilies, or a pinch of red chili flakes to the filling for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
The filling is packed with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and capsicum, which are good sources of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and various antioxidants that support overall health.
Satisfying Plant-Based Snack
When made with egg-free wrappers, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying plant-based appetizer, offering a great alternative for vegetarians and vegans looking for a crispy, savory snack.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of four vegetable fried wontons contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying. The vegetable filling itself is low in calories.