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Few appetizers are as universally loved as crispy fried wontons for snack time or party hosting. These crispy pockets of deliciousness, often stuffed with various fillings, are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether serving them as a savory treat or an accompaniment to a flavorful dipping sauce, fried wontons never fail to impress. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the art of frying wontons to perfection and explore a simple yet fantastic tomato dipping sauce that complements their crispy texture and savory filling.

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The Joy of Crispy Wontons

Wontons are a beloved dish in many parts of the world, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. While they can be boiled, steamed, or fried, the deep-fried version offers that irresistible crispy texture everyone craves. The golden, crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, savory filling that is often a blend of meat, vegetables, and spices. They’re versatile and customizable and pair beautifully with various dipping sauces.

Although wontons are typically made from scratch by creating the dough, filling it, and folding it into little packets, this blog focuses on the frying technique, an essential step to ensuring they are perfectly crispy and delicious.

For those interested in making vegan wontons, check out my recipe page, Vegan Wontons: Simple Recipe for Delicious Dumplings, for a delicious, plant-based version of this crispy treat!

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The Art of Frying Crispy Wontons

The perfect temperature, oil, and timing balance are the keys to frying wontons. A well-fried wonton has a golden-brown, crispy texture and a juicy, tender filling on the inside. The process is simple, but it requires a bit of care to achieve the best results.

1. Choosing the Right Oil

Start by selecting an oil that has a high smoke point. Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil are excellent for deep frying, as they can withstand high temperatures without burning. Avoid olive oil for frying, as it has a low smoke point and can impart a strong flavor.

2. Preheating the Oil

The oil should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for frying wontons. If the oil is too hot, the wontons will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. If the oil is too cool, the wontons absorb too much, making them greasy and soggy.

Drop a small wonton wrapper into the oil to test whether it is at the right temperature. It should bubble and float to the surface quickly without turning brown immediately. If this happens, the oil is ready for frying.

3. Frying the Wontons

Carefully place the wontons into the hot oil one by one. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to soggy wontons. Depending on the size of your frying pan or wok, you may need to fry the wontons in batches.

Fry the wontons for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to flip them occasionally for even cooking. Once perfectly fried, remove the wontons from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Serving the Crispy Wontons

After frying, you can serve the wontons immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed independently or paired with a delicious dipping sauce for added flavor.

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A Simple Tomato Dipping Sauce Recipe for the Crispy Wonton

Let’s focus on the perfect dipping sauce to complement those crispy fried wontons. We’ll use a simple, sweet, tangy tomato dipping sauce made with ketchup, sugar, and cornstarch. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples, and it brings a delightful balance of flavors that enhances the fried wontons.

This sauce is ideal for those who prefer a more accessible and straightforward dipping sauce without sacrificing flavor. Its sweetness comes from the ketchup and sugar, while the corn starch adds the perfect texture, making it ideal for dipping.

Ingredients

• ½ cup ketchup
• One tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• One tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce Base

• Add ½ cups of ketchup, one tablespoon of sugar, and ¼ cups of water in a small saucepan.
• Stir the mixture well to combine the ketchup and sugar. The sugar will not dissolve at this point, but don’t worry—this will happen once you heat the mixture.
• Tip: For the best flavor, use good-quality ketchup as the base of your dipping sauce. The ketchup will provide that familiar sweet-tangy profile we associate with classic dipping sauces.

Dissolve the Cornstarch

• Combine one tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl or cup with two tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
• This step creates a slurry, simply a mixture of cornstarch and water. Once added to the ketchup mixture, this slurry will act as a thickening agent.
• Tip: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding it to the sauce; otherwise, it might clump together when introduced to the hot liquid.

Heat the Sauce Base

• Place the saucepan with the ketchup mixture over medium heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to prevent the ketchup from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• As the mixture heats up, the sugar will dissolve completely, and the sauce will start warming and smoother. Keep an eye on it and stir gently to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Incorporate the Cornstarch Mixture

• Once the ketchup mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while stirring continuously.
• Stir the sauce vigorously to ensure the cornstarch blends smoothly into the ketchup base. This is a crucial step to avoid clumping. The cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce almost immediately, so keep stirring to make sure the consistency is even.

Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

• Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. As it heats, the cornstarch will activate and thicken the sauce.
• Continue stirring frequently. After a minute or so, the sauce should coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce thickens too much, add more water and a tablespoon until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Tip: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, add a little more water. The key is to get a smooth, glossy texture perfect for dipping.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning

• After the sauce has thickened, taste it to see if it meets your preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. You can balance it with vinegar or lemon juice if it’s too sweet.
• Season the sauce with a pinch of salt or hot sauce to enhance the flavor and add complexity and spice.
• Tip: If you want a tangier sauce, a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice can help cut through the sweetness, adding an excellent brightness.

Finish and Serve it with Crispy Wontons

• Once the sauce has reached the right thickness and flavor balance, please remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Tip: If you’re serving the dipping sauce alongside a batch of fried wontons, try warming the sauce for the best experience. The warm sauce complements the crispy wontons wonderfully.
• Transfer the dipping sauce to a small bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, if you wish, for an added touch of freshness and color.

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Why This Tomato Dipping Sauce Works for Crispy Wontons

The beauty of this tomato dipping sauce lies in its simplicity. Ketchup provides a sweet and tangy base, while the sugar enhances its natural sweetness. The cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it perfect for dipping. The sauce is light enough to complement the savory flavors of the fried wontons without overpowering them. It creates a delightful contrast between the crispy, golden exterior of the wonton and the rich, tangy taste of the dipping sauce.

Additionally, this sauce is incredibly customizable. You can increase or decrease the amount of sugar to suit your preferences, making it as sweet or tangy as you like. This simple tomato sauce is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy dipping sauce that still delivers plenty of flavor.

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Variations to Try

While this recipe is simple and delicious, there are several ways you can customize the tomato dipping sauce to fit your tastes:

• Spicy Tomato Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture while it simmers. This will add a fiery kick that pairs wonderfully with the crispy wontons.
• Garlic Tomato Sauce: Add a minced garlic clove to the sauce for a more aromatic, savory flavor. The garlic will add depth and a delicious richness that balances the sweetness of the ketchup.
• Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce: For an herbaceous twist, add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce while it cooks. This infuses the sauce with a lovely fresh aroma that enhances flavor.
• Tangier Tomato Sauce: To make the sauce tangier, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, which will help cut through the richness of the fried wontons and give the sauce a zesty flavor.

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Serving Ideas

Fried wontons with this tangy tomato dipping sauce make a perfect appetizer for any occasion. They are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or snacks when craving something crispy and satisfying. Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad, fried rice, or even a bowl of miso soup for a more complete meal.

For a more diverse dipping experience, consider serving other sauces alongside the tomato dipping sauce. Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy mustard sauce are all great options that offer variety for your guests. You could even create a “dipping station” with multiple sauces for everyone to experiment with and find their favorite pairing.

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Conclusion

Fried wontons are a versatile, delicious snack, and when paired with this simple and flavorful tomato dipping sauce, they become an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick snack, or enjoying a personal indulgence, this combination of crispy fried wontons and sweet tomato dipping sauce will satisfy every craving. So go ahead—fry up those wontons, dip away,