If you’ve ever bitten into a crispy, golden shrimp wonton and wondered how to replicate that magic at home, you’re in for a treat. This Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe boasts a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful shrimp inside—a combo that always hits the spot whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a fun party snack. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll become one of those dishes you want to make again and again.

I love making this recipe when friends come over because it feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. Plus, these wontons fry up quickly, so you get fresh, hot bites straight from the pan. If you enjoy Asian flavors with a crispy twist, this Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe will really shine on your dinner table or snack tray.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe are straightforward but carefully selected to build layers of flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp gives you that sweet seafood taste, and the ginger plus garlic bring a zing that wakes everything up. Wonton wrappers are easy to find, and the key is using fresh ones for that perfect crunch.

Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp with good size — they bring juiciness and a nice bite to the filling.
Grated ginger: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy aroma that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
Granulated garlic: Gives a punch of umami without overpowering the shrimp.
Thinly sliced scallions: These add a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness inside the wontons.
Ground white pepper: Adds gentle heat and warmth without black pepper’s sharpness.
Kosher salt: I recommend Diamond Crystal for even seasoning, but table salt works fine too.
Oyster sauce: Enhances the savory depth with its rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Toasted sesame oil: A little drizzle for that nutty aroma that makes everything taste full-bodied.
Square wonton wrappers: About 3.5 inches on each side. Using fresh wrappers makes the crispiest wontons.
Canola or vegetable oil: For frying; neutral oil works best to let the wontons shine.
Sweet chili sauce: Perfect for dipping — the combo of sweet and spicy lifts every bite.

Variations

I love how flexible this Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe is—you can swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s all about making it your own while keeping that crispy shrimp goodness.

Spicy kick: I sometimes add a dash of Sriracha or finely chopped fresh chili to the shrimp mixture for a little heat. It’s fantastic if you like a spicy twist.
Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu with some soy sauce and sesame oil. The texture won’t be the same, but still delicious!
Different dipping sauces: Beyond sweet chili, try soy-ginger dipping sauce or a tangy ponzu for variety.
Larger batch for gatherings: Double or triple the recipe and freeze wontons before frying to save time on party day. I do this all the time, and it’s a lifesaver.

How to Make Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Filling

Start by finely chopping your peeled, deveined shrimp—texture matters here, so don’t puree. Mix the chopped shrimp with grated ginger, granulated garlic, sliced scallions, white pepper, salt, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil. The goal is a well-seasoned, slightly sticky filling that packs flavor without being mushy. Give it a good stir and taste a tiny bit (you can quickly cook a bit in a pan to test!). Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Assemble Your Wontons

Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about one teaspoon of shrimp filling near the center. Wet the edges lightly with water—don’t skip this, it seals them tight to prevent leaking during frying. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing corners together, press edges firmly, then bring the two opposite dressing corners together and seal with another dab of water to form the classic wonton shape. Keep a damp towel over assembled wontons to stop them from drying out as you go!

Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry

Heat canola or vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one—that’s when the oil sizzles on contact but doesn’t smoke. Carefully drop in a few wontons, avoiding crowding. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all are cooked. Pro tip: keeping the oil at consistent temperature ensures even frying and crunch.

How to Serve Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe

Four golden-brown twisted wontons are lined up on a round white plate with a dark blue center. Each wonton has a crispy, slightly bubbled texture with twisted ends that look lightly browned and crunchy. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the simple, appetizing presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped scallions and a little toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving—it adds freshness and a nutty crunch. Sometimes, a light drizzle of soy sauce or a squirt of lime juice brightens things up beautifully too. These small touches make every bite taste as thoughtfully made as it is.

Side Dishes

Pair your fried shrimp wontons with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy cucumber salad to balance the richness. For a true feast, hot and sour soup or stir-fried greens work beautifully. I often reach for sweet chili sauce as a dipping star here—just the right sweet-spicy punch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving these fried shrimp wontons stacked in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. It makes for a fun, authentic touch and keeps them warm. Another idea: serve individually on small spoons topped with a dot of dipping sauce and a tiny cilantro leaf for a chic appetizer vibe. These little details wow guests every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and I know sometimes there’s barely any!), store them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They keep best when separated with parchment paper so they don’t get soggy. You’ll want to eat them within 1-2 days for the best crispness and flavor.

Freezing

I highly recommend freezing the wontons before frying if you want to save time later. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray without touching, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, just add extra frying time by about a minute. It’s a game changer for easy entertaining.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fried shrimp wontons in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy. This way, you keep them crispy and delicious, almost like they’re freshly fried.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before chopping to avoid excess moisture, which can make the filling watery and the wonton wrappers soggy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have wonton wrappers?

You can use square spring roll wrappers or even small dumpling wrappers if you have them. Just adjust folding size accordingly and fry carefully since thickness might vary.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

The oil should shimmer and feel hot but not smoke. If you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for 350°F (175°C). You can also drop a small piece of wonton wrapper in—it should bubble and float to the surface quickly without burning.
Can I bake these won tons instead of frying?

While baking is possible for a lighter version, you won’t get the same crispiness and golden color as frying. If you want to bake, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces go best with Fried Shrimp Wontons?

Sweet chili sauce is classic and my personal favorite, but you can also try soy sauce mixed with a bit of rice vinegar, or a spicy sriracha mayo for variety. Pick what suits your taste!

Final Thoughts

This Fried Shrimp Wontons Recipe is one I keep in my back pocket for a reason—it’s quick to whip up, always impresses, and delivers that crunchy, savory goodness that makes any meal special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, the combination of juicy shrimp, fragrant spices, and crispy wrapper is hard to beat. Don’t hesitate to dive in and try your hand at making these; I promise it’s as fun as it is delicious. Once you do, you’ll see why they’ve become a personal favorite and staple in my kitchen.