Steaming Savory Wontons: How Long Does It Take?

Wontons are a type of Chinese noodle dumpling that can be served as appetizers, in soup, or as part of a Chinese meal. They are versatile and can be steamed, deep-fried, or boiled. The cooking time for steamed wontons varies depending on the recipe and the method of steaming, but it typically ranges from 5 to 20 minutes. Some recipes recommend steaming wontons for about 10 minutes, while others suggest 6 to 8 minutes, or until the wontons are slightly shrivelled and cooked through. It's important to note that the cooking time may also depend on the size and thickness of the wontons, as well as the type of steamer used.

How to fold wontons

There are several ways to fold wontons, and the method you choose will depend on the thickness of the wrapper, the amount of filling used, and your preferred cooking method. Here are three of the most common methods:

The Bonnet (or Golden Money/Ingot)

This method is perfect for wontons using regular white wrappers that will eventually be boiled and mixed into soup or sauce.

• Take a square wonton wrapper and use your index finger to dab the edges with water.
• Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper.
• Fold the wrapper in half to create a rectangle.
• Grasp the bottom corners of the rectangle (the filling side, not the seam side), and dab one of the corners with a little water.
• Bring the two corners together and squeeze to seal.

The Diamond (or Little Boat)

This method is similar to the bonnet, but it yields a slightly less compact wonton with pointed/flared ends. It's a good option for wontons that will be boiled, but it's also a preferred folding method for fried wontons.

• Take a square wonton wrapper and use your index finger to dab the edges of the wrapper with water.
• Place 2 teaspoons of filling in the middle of the wrapper and fold it in half along the diagonal to create a triangle.
• Dab one of the filling-side corners of the triangle with water.
• Bring the two corners together and seal.

The Scrunch

This method is used only with very thin wrappers and small amounts of filling. It's a simple technique that involves squeezing the wrapper around the filling.

• Place a small amount of filling on the wrapper.
• Make a loose fist with your hand, and push the wrapper/filling into your fist.
• Gently squeeze to seal.

How to prevent sticking

Wontons are a popular Chinese dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. They are small, flavorful dumplings that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, boiling, or deep-frying.

When steaming wontons, it is important to take steps to prevent them from sticking to the steamer basket or to each other. Here are some tips to prevent sticking:

Line the Steamer Basket

One easy and effective way to prevent sticking is to line the steamer basket with a large lettuce leaf. This creates a natural barrier between the wontons and the steamer, preventing them from sticking without affecting the taste of the dumplings.

Brush with Oil

Another option is to brush the wontons themselves with a thin layer of olive oil or sesame oil before placing them in the steamer. Be sure to only brush the area that will be touching the steamer insert, as this will be sufficient to prevent sticking without using an excessive amount of oil.

Stir Occasionally

If you are steaming multiple wontons at once, it is a good idea to stir them occasionally during the cooking process. This will prevent them from sticking to the pan and to each other. However, be careful not to stir too frequently, as this could prevent the wontons from cooking evenly.

Space Them Apart

When placing the wontons in the steamer, be sure to leave some space between them. This will help prevent them from sticking together and allow them to cook more evenly.

Cook in Small Batches

If you are making a large number of wontons, consider cooking them in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding in the steamer. This will give them more room to cook evenly and reduce the chances of them sticking together.

Use a Non-Stick Steamer

If sticking is a consistent problem, consider investing in a non-stick steamer basket or pan. This can help reduce the amount of food that sticks to the surface, making cleanup easier and reducing the chance of your wontons tearing when you remove them from the steamer.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your steamed wontons turn out perfectly every time, without any sticking or tearing.

How to cook from frozen

There are several ways to cook frozen wontons, including boiling, steaming, and frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook them using each method:

Boiling:

• Fill a medium-sized pot with 4-6 cups of unsalted water.
• Bring the water to a rapid boil.
• Add up to 16 frozen wontons to the pot and stir immediately to prevent them from sticking.
• When the wontons start floating to the top and the water comes to a boil again, add 1 cup of cold water.
• Bring the water back to a gentle boil, being careful not to over-boil, as this may cause the wontons to break apart.
• After 1 minute of gentle boiling, drain and serve immediately, or rinse in cold water and toss with sauces and chili oil.

Steaming:

• Line a bamboo steamer basket with Napa cabbage leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place the frozen wontons in the steamer, making sure they are not layered.
• Fill a wok or a saucepan with about one inch of water and place it under the steamer.
• Cover the steamer and bring the water to a hard boil.
• Steam the wontons for about 10 minutes if cooking directly from frozen.

Frying:

• Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add the frozen wontons to the pan and cook until they are golden brown, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
• For extra crispy wontons, use the steam-fry or potsticker technique: add water to the pan after the initial fry, cover and steam the wontons, then fry them again once the water evaporates.
• Alternatively, you can use a combination of oil and water in the pan, as some recipes suggest, to steam and fry the wontons simultaneously.

It is important to note that frozen wontons should be cooked directly from frozen, without thawing them first. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months and are a great option for a quick and tasty snack or meal.

How to serve steamed wontons

Wontons are a versatile noodle dumpling that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to serve steamed wontons:

As appetisers or part of a main course

Wontons can be served as appetisers or as part of a Chinese main course. They can be served on their own with a dipping sauce or as part of a larger dish.

In soup

Wontons can be added to soups and cooked for about 5 minutes. They can also be served in a chilli broth, with chicken stock, oyster sauce and chilli oil.

Steamed

If you choose to steam your wontons, they should be placed in a steamer for about 6-10 minutes until they are cooked through. They can be served with a dipping sauce such as ginger vinegar sauce, or Asian dumpling sauce.

Frozen

Wontons can be made ahead of time and frozen, either cooked or uncooked. If cooking wontons from frozen, add 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Baked or fried

Wontons can be baked or fried as an alternative to steaming. To bake, fold them into triangles and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. To fry, place in a pan of medium-heat oil for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn them.

How to make a dipping sauce

A good dipping sauce can elevate your steamed wontons and enhance their flavour. Here is a simple, quick, and easy-to-make recipe for a delicious wonton dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• Soy sauce (light or dark)
• Vinegar (white, rice, or a combination of both)
• Sugar (white or brown/coconut)
• Chilli sauce (optional)
• Scallions/green onions
• Sesame seeds (toasted)
• Sesame oil
• Garlic (optional)
• Ginger (optional)

Method:

This dipping sauce can be made in a few simple steps:

• Slice the green onions/scallions. You can use both the green and white parts, or just one, depending on your preference.
• Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
• For the best results, add the green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.
• Serve immediately with your steamed wontons, or store in the refrigerator for later.

Tips and Variations:

• You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar, honey, or apricot jam.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes, Chinese hot mustard, sriracha, or other hot sauces.
• For a nuttier flavour, toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the sauce.
• This sauce can also be used as a marinade for chicken or beef, or drizzled over stir-fries and noodle dishes.

Enjoy your homemade wonton dipping sauce, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours!

Frequently asked questions