By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 26, 2023 | Last Updated on November 13, 2023
Have you ever craved a mouthwatering dish that combines the delightful taste of wontons with the bold kick of spicy peanut sauce? Look no further! This culinary masterpiece brings together the tender goodness of flavorful ingredients. The blend of flavors is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
In this elaborate guide, you will get the cooking direction, tips, FAQs and everything else you need to know.
Where Did I First Try Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
I first tasted this delectable dish on a trip to Thailand. I was visiting my family who had moved there, and they decided to take us out for dinner one night.
Immediately as we arrived at the restaurant, it seemed like an oasis in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Bangkok city life. The exterior of the small restaurant had brightly colored paintings on the walls, and the air was filled with fragrant aromas of spices and herbs.
I quickly realized that this restaurant specialized in local Thai food. We were welcomed by an incredibly friendly waitress who helped guide us through the menu.
I noticed a dish called “Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce” and my curiosity was piqued. After a few moments of contemplation, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did!
The wontons arrived at our table in a steamer basket with spicy peanut sauce on the side. The wontons were delicate yet chewy and filled with ground pork that had been seasoned with ginger, soy sauce, and garlic.
The exterior was thin yet packed with flavor as it had been lightly browned from the steam. When I dipped a wonton into the spicy peanut sauce, my taste buds were enchanted.
The sweetness of the brown sugar combined with the spice of chili oil created a unique flavor that tantalized my taste buds. As I savored each bite, I was in awe of how simple ingredients could come together to create something so exquisite.
Since then, I have been able to recreate this delicious dish at home and every time it brings back fond memories of the wonderful hospitality my family received at that restaurant.
Whenever I make this dish for friends and family they are always delighted by the flavors and textures. Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce is sure to become a favorite and I recommend that you give it a try!
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Ingredients for the Dumplings
- Ground pork: The pork imparts a savory and tender quality to the dumplings.
- Garlic: Finely minced garlic adds a delightful depth of flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a warm and refreshing note to the filling.
- Green onions (green and white parts): Chopped scallions provide a subtle onion flavor.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a binder, holding the filling together.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce infuses the pork with an umami-rich taste.
- Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma to the filling.
- Large egg: The egg contributes to the dumpling’s texture and richness.
- Salt and pepper (a pinch of each): To season the filling perfectly.
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- Hot chili oil: Hot chili oil gives the sauce its fiery kick.
- Clove garlic: Minced garlic enhances the sauce’s pungent flavor.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spiciness.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty and savory element to the sauce.
- Creamy peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter forms the base of this delectable sauce.
- Water: Water helps achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar: Rice wine vinegar lends a tangy note that complements the richness of the peanut butter.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Place the ground pork, garlic, ginger, green onions, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg in a bowl. Mix all of the ingredients together until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 2
Lay out 25 dumpling skins on a clean cutting board or work surface. Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each skin. Lightly wet the edges of the skins with water and fold them into the desired shape.
Step 3
Cut four large banana leaves to fit a large steamer basket or pot. Line the bottom of the steamer with banana leaves. Place the prepared dumplings on the leaves, making sure that none are touching.
Fill a pot with 1/4 cup of water and bring to a boil. Place the steamer basket into the pot and cover tightly. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
Step 4
Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove them from the steamer and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with scallions and red pepper flakes. Serve warm with Spicy Peanut Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- To save time, you can use store-bought wonton wrappers instead of making them from scratch.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with finely chopped vegetables or tofu.
- Adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce by adding more or less hot chili oil, according to your preference.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you’re not a fan of pork, you can use ground chicken, beef, or shrimp for the dumpling filling.
- Swap hot chili oil for chili flakes or Sriracha if you prefer a milder spiciness.
- Almond butter or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Equipment
- bowl
- spoon
- Steamer
- serving dish
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
- 1 tsp of sesame oil adding a nutty and fragrant note
- 1 tsp of corn starch ensuring a smooth and cohesive consistency to the filling
- 1 clove of garlic minced, releasing its aromatic and pungent essence
- 1 tbsp of soy sauce providing a savory and umami taste
- 1/2 of a large egg lightly beaten, binding the ingredients together and creating a moist and tender filling
- 1 green onion chopped, contributing a mild onion flavor with a touch of freshness
- A pinch of salt and pepper enhancing the overall seasoning
- 1/4 lb of savory ground pork adding a rich and meaty flavor to the filling
- 1 tbsp of fresh ginger diced, imparting a zesty and vibrant kick
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp of soy sauce providing a salty and savory taste
- 1/6 tbsp of creamy peanut butter creating a luscious and creamy texture
- 1/4 cup of water plus more, if necessary to thin the sauce, adjusting the sauce’s thickness to your preference
- 1/2 tbsp of hot chili oil or more, to taste, introducing a fiery and spicy element
- 1/2 tbsp of rice wine vinegar contributing a tangy and slightly acidic note
- 1/2 clove of garlic minced, intensifying the garlic flavor in the sauce
- 1/2 tbsp of brown sugar adding a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors
For the Dumplings:
- 1/8 tbsp of scallions chopped, serving as a vibrant and fresh garnish
- 12.5 dumpling dough skins ready to encase the flavorful filling
- Red pepper flakes optional, for topping, adding a fiery and spicy touch to the presentation
- 1/2 bowl of water used for sealing the dumplings and ensuring a secure closure
- 2 large banana leaves or parchment paper for steaming, imparting a unique and delicate aroma to the dumplings
Instructions
- Place the ground pork, garlic, ginger, green onions, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg in a bowl. Mix all of the ingredients together until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Lay out 25 dumpling skins on a clean cutting board or work surface. Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each skin. Lightly wet the edges of the skins with water and fold them into the desired shape.
- Cut four large banana leaves to fit a large steamer basket or pot. Line the bottom of the steamer with banana leaves. Place the prepared dumplings on the leaves, making sure that none are touching. Fill a pot with 1/4 cup of water and bring to a boil. Place the steamer basket into the pot and cover tightly. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove them from the steamer and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with scallions and red pepper flakes. Serve warm with Spicy Peanut Sauce for dipping.
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought wonton wrappers instead of making them from scratch.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with finely chopped vegetables or tofu.
- Adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce by adding more or less hot chili oil, according to your preference.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: 2 dumplings and 1 tablespoon of Spicy Peanut Sauce.
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg
- Sodium: 577 mg
- Potassium: 216 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Vitamin A: 1.6 %
- Vitamin C: 0.8 %
- Calcium: 3.5 % Iron: 7.4 %
How to Store Leftover Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
If you have any leftover wontons or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The wontons can be reheated by steaming them for a few minutes until warmed through. The spicy peanut sauce can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this dish?
While this dish contains common ingredients, pregnant women should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before consuming it, especially if they have dietary restrictions or allergies.
What can I serve with Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
Wontons with Spicy Peanut Sauce is delicious and served on its own as an appetizer or snack. You can also pair it with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Is it vegan?
No, this dish is not vegan since it contains pork and egg. However, you can substitute the pork with finely chopped vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish. If you would like to make a vegan version of this dish, be sure to use vegan wonton wrappers instead of regular ones.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this recipe on wontons with spicy peanut sauce. This dish’s blend of flavors and textures is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy the delightful combination of tender dumplings and the bold kick of spicy peanut sauce that will leave your taste buds singing with joy! Make sure to share the recipe with your friends and family.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
