Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons: A Crispy, Savoury Appetiser That Always Impresses

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are one of those irresistible starters that disappear the moment they hit the table. Golden, crisp, and filled with a rich, savoury mixture, these wontons strike the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance. What makes them particularly enjoyable is how quickly they come together—ideal for entertaining or for elevating a simple weeknight meal. I’ve even tried making them with a lighter cream cheese alternative once, and it worked remarkably well without compromising flavour. The combination of tender shrimp and smooth cream cheese creates a luxurious filling, and the wonton wrappers crisp beautifully whether fried or baked. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, and you have a crowd-pleasing snack that tastes restaurant-quality but is wonderfully approachable at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wontons deliver crunch, creaminess, and delicate seafood flavour in every bite. They require minimal ingredients, can be prepared ahead, and lend themselves to endless variations and dipping sauces. They are quick to cook, easy to fold, and a delight for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp

Shrimp provides the signature flavour and a naturally sweet, tender bite. Finely chopping or pulsing the shrimp helps it blend smoothly with the cream cheese for a cohesive filling.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds richness and a silky texture. It mellows the shrimp’s flavour and helps bind the filling. A whipped version or light cream cheese also works well.

Wonton Wrappers

These thin wrappers crisp beautifully when fried or baked. They act as a neutral, delicate vessel for the creamy filling and allow for a variety of folding styles.

Green Onions

Green onions introduce freshness and mild sharpness. They cut through the richness of the cream cheese and balance the seafood notes.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder provides subtle depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp. It blends evenly through the mixture.

Soy Sauce

A splash of soy sauce seasons the filling and adds umami. It enhances both the shrimp and cream cheese without adding excess moisture.

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning is essential. Salt brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while pepper adds a gentle warmth.

Oil for Frying or Brushing

Use a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil. It ensures crisp, golden wontons whether you are frying or baking them.

Directions

Begin by preparing the filling. Finely chop the shrimp and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined and the texture is smooth but still slightly chunky. Lay several wonton wrappers on a clean surface and place a small spoonful of filling in the centre of each. Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold into your preferred shape—triangles, envelopes, or classic wonton folds—pressing firmly to seal and remove any air pockets. If frying, heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Cook the wontons in batches until crisp and golden, turning occasionally for even colouring. If baking, brush each wonton lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until the edges turn golden and crisp. Allow the wontons to drain briefly on paper towels before serving with your favourite dipping sauce.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20–24 wontons, serving 4–6 people as an appetiser. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking—whether frying or baking—takes 5–8 minutes per batch.

Storage/reheating

Store uncooked wontons in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container. Cooked wontons are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer until crisp.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Wontons

Add sriracha, chilli flakes, or a bit of hot mustard to the filling for extra heat.

Herb-Infused

Incorporate cilantro, chives, or parsley for an aromatic lift.

Extra Creamy

Increase the cream cheese slightly for a richer, smoother filling.

Vegetable Blend

Add finely diced water chestnuts, cabbage, or carrots for crunch and freshness.

Baked Version

Skip frying entirely and bake for a lighter but equally crisp alternative.

Sweet and Savoury

Add a touch of honey or sweet chilli sauce to the filling for a balanced flavour.

Garlic Butter Wontons

Brush the baked wontons with garlic butter for an indulgent twist.

Sesame Finish

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking or frying to add nuttiness.

Dipping Sauce Options

Serve with soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or a tangy vinegar dip.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for a lactose-friendly version.

FAQs

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Yes, but raw shrimp provides a fresher flavour and juicier texture once cooked.

Can I freeze the filled wontons?

Yes, freeze them raw in a single layer before storing them in a container.

How do I prevent the wontons from bursting?

Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling.

Can I pan-fry instead of deep-fry?

Yes, shallow frying works well, though the texture may be slightly less crisp.

Are wonton wrappers the same as dumpling wrappers?

They are similar, but wonton wrappers are thinner and crisp more easily.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes, air-fry at 375°F until crisp, brushing prior with a small amount of oil.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are a versatile, elegant appetiser that combines crisp texture with a rich, savoury filling. They’re easy to prepare, adaptable to various tastes, and always a favourite at gatherings. With countless ways to customise the filling and cooking method, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and again.

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