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Crispy Wontons

As is the case in many small towns, the most exotic fare found in my county is the Chinese-American buffet. My son, Joe, just loves the one at China Blossom in Greenwood. The family farm, Pluto, is forty-eight miles from town, so it’s quite a commitment to make the round trip. Every so often for movie night, I make a pile of these crisp-fried, creamy, seafood-filled pouches for him and his pal Lola and we just stay out at Pluto.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 30; serves 6

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
6 ounces chopped shelled cooked shrimp or crabmeat, or 1 (6-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
2 green onions, white and green parts, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon soy sauce
30 square wonton wrappers
1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Vegetable oil, for frying
Sweet and Sour Sauce (recipe follows)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons hot chili sauce (optional)
(makes about 3/4 cup)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, seafood, green onions, flour, and soy sauce. Chill for 30 minutes.

    Step 2

    Put 1 teaspoon of the seafood filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Use a pastry brush or your finger to paint a line of egg wash around the edge of each wrapper. Gently fold the wrapper over the filling to form a triangle, lightly press out any air, and press the edges to seal them.

    Step 3

    In a large pot or deep-fryer, heat at least 2 inches of oil to 325°F. Fry the wontons in small batches, turning as needed to brown evenly, for 2 minutes or until crisp. Transfer them to a rack set over a paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain. (If desired, keep warm on the cooling rack in a 200°F. oven.) Serve with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

  2. Sweet and Sour Sauce

    Step 4

    Combine the preserves, vinegar, soy sauce, and hot chili sauce (if desired) in a bowl.

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