Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons: Silky, Crunchy, and Utterly Addictive!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly crispy, warm wonton, especially when it’s filled with a creamy, savory surprise. These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are exactly that—a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that are impossible to resist. Imagine golden, crunchy wrappers giving way to a rich, cheesy, and savory filling studded with tender shrimp and fresh green onions. Served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, they’re the ultimate appetizer or snack that will disappear in minutes!

Why I Love This Recipe

These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are a personal favorite of mine for so many reasons. What I absolutely adore is the perfect contrast of the crispy, golden-fried exterior with the warm, silky, and flavorful cream cheese and shrimp filling. They’re a gourmet take on a classic, but surprisingly simple to make, which is always a win in my kitchen here in Marion, South Carolina. They’re perfect for entertaining, as they can be prepped ahead of time, and they always get rave reviews. Whether it’s game night, a casual get-together, or just a craving for something delicious, these wontons are my go-to for an irresistible bite!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these addictive Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped (or use whole small shrimp if preferred)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• 20 wonton wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
• Sweet chili sauce, for dipping

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 190 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Swaps and Notes

• Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp is cooked and cooled before chopping and mixing into the filling. Small, pre-cooked frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry) work perfectly for this. If you use raw shrimp, cook them first.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Green Onions: Don’t skip the green onions; they add a fresh, mild oniony flavor that brightens the rich filling.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. A tiny dash of sesame oil can also be added to the filling for extra Asian-inspired flavor.
• Wonton Wrappers: These are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the produce or tofu. Keep them covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out.
• Oil for Frying: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point (like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil) is suitable for frying.
• Toppings/Dipping Sauce: While sweet chili sauce is classic, you can also serve these with duck sauce, plum sauce, or even a homemade soy-ginger dipping sauce.

Directions

Let’s get these golden, crispy Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons frying!

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped cooked shrimp, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
2. Fill the Wontons: Place one wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese and shrimp filling into the center of the wrapper.
3. Seal the Wontons: Dip your finger or a small pastry brush into the beaten egg, and brush the edges of the wonton wrapper lightly. Carefully fold the wrapper over the filling to create a half-moon shape (or gather the edges to form a small pouch, like a purse). Press the edges firmly together to seal, ensuring no filling can escape during frying. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or a medium-sized pot, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 2-3 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) on a deep-fry thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of wonton wrapper in; it should sizzle and float to the top immediately.
5. Fry the Wontons: Carefully place the filled wontons into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy all over.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the fried wontons from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the hot wontons with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color. Serve immediately with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: Using only about 1 teaspoon of filling might seem small, but overfilling will make it difficult to seal the wontons and can cause them to burst during frying.
• Seal Tightly: Press the edges firmly to create a good seal. Any gaps can lead to filling leaking out.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry wontons in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, less crispy wontons.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on your oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the wontons will brown too quickly before the filling is heated through. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
• Serve Hot: These wontons are definitely best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer when they are at their crispiest.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are the perfect appetizer or party snack:

• Dipping Sauces: As mentioned, sweet chili sauce is classic. You could also offer plum sauce, duck sauce, or even a homemade sweet and sour sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Spread: Serve them as part of an Asian-inspired appetizer spread with spring rolls, potstickers, and other small bites.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp lager, a light-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, or even a refreshing iced green tea would complement these perfectly.
• Other Cheesy Bites: If you love cheesy appetizers, these would go perfectly alongside my Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch or a fun, crowd-pleasing Crockpot Nacho Dip.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Fried Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or a toaster oven, to regain some crispiness. The microwave will make them soft.

Unfried wontons can be frozen: Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, crispy goodness and ease of these wontons, you’ll surely love these other fantastic appetizers and easy meals from Chef Maniac:

• For another crowd-pleasing appetizer, try my Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch.
• If you love quick and easy cheesy dishes, these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are always a hit.
• For an effortless way to impress guests, my Baked Brie Appetizer is perfect.
• And if you need a quick way to feed a crowd, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are incredibly efficient and delicious.

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These Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons are a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread. They’re quick to make, incredibly delicious, and offer that perfect crispy, creamy combination that everyone loves. Give them a try, and watch them disappear!

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