How to Wrap A Wonton (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Learn how to wrap a wonton with this easy, step-by-step guide. If you are new to making wontons at home just or curious about the process, you’ve come to the right place!

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on wrapping wontons, a versatile and delicious component of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to perfect your wonton-making skills with vegan alternatives, you’re in the right place.

This guide not only simplifies the process but also introduces creative, plant-based fillings to elevate your home cooking. Let’s dive into making wontons that are as enjoyable to prepare as they are to eat, proving that great flavors come in small packages.

This guide will show you how to wrap a wonton. It’s a task that’s super relaxing because it’s repetitive and easy once you get the hang of it. I love making wontons for this vegan pork wonton recipe and they can even be deep fried and used in savory and sweet applications, like in these taro root wontons. You can make big batches of folded wontons and freeze them for later, so it’s sort of like a gift that keeps on giving!

Keep reading to learn how to wrap a wonton with this step-by-step guide.

How To Wrap A Wonton: It’s Easier Than You Think

Wontons, a staple in Chinese cuisine, is a type of dumpling featuring a thin, square dough wrapper typically filled with an assortment of ingredients. In this guide, we’re taking a vegan twist on the classic, showing that the versatile wonton wrapper is perfect for encasing a variety of plant-based fillings.

As someone who loves the simplicity and comfort of wontons, I’ve learned that making them at home allows for lots of experimentation and versatility that’s not always possible with takeout or store-bought options. In this article, we’ll walk through how to fold a wonton and some great vegan filling options to consider, proving that wontons can be a fantastic and easy-to-make choice for anyone.

Vegan Filling Options For Wontons

Before we go over how to wrap a wonton, these are some types of vegan protein and produce options to consider when planning your filling:

• Bamboo Shoots: Canned bamboo shoots, rinsed and finely chopped, offer a crunchy texture and a sweet, earthy flavor, complementing both mild and strong flavors.
• Cabbage (Napa, Savoy): Finely shredded and sautéed with a bit of garlic and ginger, cabbage adds a sweet and crunchy texture, making it a perfect complement to other fillings.
• Carrots: Julienned or finely shredded carrots add a sweet crunchiness. They can be used raw for a fresh texture or sautéed lightly to soften them slightly.
• Chives: Chopped chives bring a delicate oniony flavor with a hint of garlic, enhancing the overall taste profile of wonton fillings without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Eggplant: When finely diced and sautéed, eggplant contributes a soft texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it a great filler or substitute for meat in vegan recipes.
• Farro: Cooked farro offers a chewy, nutty flavor and can be a hearty substitute for pork in wonton fillings, providing a satisfying texture and additional protein.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions bring a mild, peppery crispness. They are excellent for adding a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Kimchi: Use chopped kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick. Its bold flavor pairs well with milder ingredients like tofu or vegetables, adding depth and zest to your wontons.
• Mushrooms (Shiitake, Oyster): Fresh mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor. Sauté them beforehand to enhance their taste and texture.
• Shallots: Finely minced shallots add a subtle, sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness, enriching the filling without overpowering other tastes.
• Spinach or Kale: Lightly sautéed or blanched to retain their vibrant color and nutrients, these greens add a healthful, earthy flavor and are great for adding volume and fiber.
• Sweet Corn: Fresh, canned, or frozen, sweet corn kernels add a pop of sweetness and texture, great for pairing with savory ingredients for a balanced filling.
• Tofu (Firm or Extra-Firm): Marinate tofu in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, then sauté or bake before crumbling. It’s a versatile protein that absorbs flavors well, offering a hearty texture.
• Water Chestnuts: Canned or fresh, finely diced water chestnuts provide a unique, crunchy texture and a sweet, nutty taste, adding a refreshing bite to the filling.

How Much Filling To Make 50 Wontons: A Basic Guide

Each wonton typically holds about one teaspoon of filling. To prepare enough filling for 50 wontons, you’ll need a little over 1 cup of filling.

How To Mix And Match Ingredients To Create A Flavorful Wonton

You can make any combination of fillings you’d like for vegan wontons. However, if you’d like to aim for a balanced mix of mushrooms, vegetables, and tofu, each component would roughly need to be 1/3 of the total filling volume. Feel free to follow these guidelines, and below are some ways to use up any leftover wonton filling.

• Mushrooms: Start with about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of raw, finely chopped mushrooms to cook down to approximately 1/3 of the total filling volume needed.
• Vegetables: Begin with 1 1/2 to 2 cups of raw, finely chopped vegetables. Once cooked, they should reduce to about 1/3 of the filling volume.
• Tofu: Around 4 to 6 ounces of firm tofu, crumbled, should suffice, as tofu does not reduce upon cooking.

How To Use Leftover Wonton Filling

If you find yourself with more filling than needed, here are a few suggestions on how to use it:

• Stir-fries: Sauté the leftover filling and serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and flavorful meal.
• Soups: Add the filling to broth-based soups for extra flavor and heartiness.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use the filling as a tasty stuffing for fresh lettuce wraps, offering a light and healthy option.

How To Wrap A Wonton: Step-By-Step Instructions

If you’ve ever wondered how to wrap a wonton, it’s fairly straightforward. This shape is great for soups and clingy sauces. It holds up great in hot liquid and has the softest texture.

What You’ll Need To Wrap A Wonton:

• A small bowl of water
• A large baking sheet lined with a silpat or parchment paper
• Vegan wonton wrappers
• Your wonton filling
• A teaspoon

Step One: Prepare The Wrapper And Add The Filling

• Lay a wonton wrapper flat on the palm of your hand, keeping the edges aligned with your fingers and palm for stability.
• Place a teaspoon of your filling onto the center of the wrapper. Remember, using more than a teaspoon may cause the wontons to burst when cooked.
• Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. This will help to create a seal when you fold the wonton.

Step Two: Fold The Wrapper

• Carefully fold the wrapper in half, moving the edge closest to you towards the far edge to form a rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal and ensure there are no air pockets near the filling.
• Now, moisten one of the corners at the bottom of this shape.

Step Three: Shape And Seal The Wonton

• Bring the two bottom corners together beneath the filling, ensuring they overlap slightly.
• Press firmly on the overlapping corners to seal them securely, which will hold the filling inside and give your wonton its final shape.

That’s how to wrap a wonton! Line them up on your baking sheet while you assemble the rest.

Step Four: Freeze The Wontons

Place the wontons into the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a Ziploc bag or plastic container. When ready, cook directly from frozen to enjoy a quick and tasty meal.

Flavor Combinations For Vegan Wonton Fillings

Here are some flavor combinations to consider when planning to make wontons:

• Mushroom and Cabbage: Finely chopped mushrooms provide a meaty texture, while cabbage adds crunch. The earthiness of mushrooms pairs well with the slight sweetness of cabbage, making for a savory and satisfying filling.
• Tofu and Spinach: Crumbled tofu is a great protein source, and when combined with wilted spinach, it offers a creamy texture with a nutritional boost. Seasoned with garlic and soy sauce, this filling is both hearty and flavorful.
• Carrot and Ginger: Julienned carrots give a sweet and crunchy texture, while ginger adds a spicy kick. This combination is refreshing and offers a vibrant flavor profile that’s both unique and invigorating.
• Edamame and Corn: Blended edamame beans and corn kernels create a sweet and slightly nutty filling, rich in texture and taste. This filling is perfect for those looking for a lighter, fresher option.
• Spicy Szechuan Eggplant: Eggplant cooked in Szechuan sauce brings a spicy and smoky flavor, making for an exceptionally flavorful wonton filling. It’s ideal for those who love a bit of heat and depth in their dumplings.
• Kimchi: Using kimchi as a filling offers a spicy and slightly sour taste, introducing a bold flavor profile to your wontons. It’s great for adding a kick of unique Korean flavor to your meal.

Helpful Tips For Selecting Vegan Wonton Wrappers

Finding vegan wonton wrappers may be a challenge for some. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Read the Ingredients: The most straightforward way to ensure your wonton wrappers are vegan is to carefully read the ingredient list. Look out for egg, which is commonly used in many brands. Instead, opt for wrappers made with flour, wheat gluten, and salt.

Explore Asian Markets: Many Asian markets carry a variety of wonton wrappers, and some of these may be accidentally vegan. In these stores, you might find more traditional brands that use simple, plant-based ingredients.

Look for Specialty Brands Online: If your local stores don’t carry vegan wonton wrappers, online retailers might. Websites specializing in vegan or Asian foods often have a selection of suitable wonton wrappers.

Make Your Own: There are lots of vegan recipes online for making your own vegan wonton wrappers!

Vegan Wonton Brands

Many grocery stores carry vegan wonton wrappers. Keep an eye out for some of these vegan options!

Twin Marquis Hong Kong Style Wonton Wrapper

Twin Marquis Hong Kong Style Wonton Wrappers offer a traditional taste and texture perfect for crafting authentic wontons, all while being vegan-friendly. These thin, square dough wrappers are designed to provide the ideal chewiness once cooked, whether boiled, steamed, or fried. Made with high-quality ingredients, they’re a versatile choice for anyone looking to explore the art of wonton making without animal products.

Nasoya Vegan Wonton Wraps

Nasoya Vegan Wonton Wraps are a convenient and cruelty-free option for home cooks looking to prepare delicious wonton dishes. These wraps are made without any animal products, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any vegan lifestyle while maintaining the authentic texture and taste wonton lovers expect. Perfect for a variety of fillings and cooking methods, Nasoya’s wonton wraps make it easy to bring a touch of tradition to your vegan kitchen.

Twin Dragon Wonton Wrappers

Twin Dragon Wonton Wrappers are a vegan-friendly kitchen staple, allowing cooks to explore a wide range of culinary creations from the comfort of their own homes. These wrappers are crafted to achieve the perfect balance of thinness and strength, ensuring they hold up well with any filling and cooking technique, from boiling to frying. Made with quality ingredients, Twin Dragon’s wrappers are an excellent choice for anyone aiming to prepare authentic, plant-based wonton dishes.

Disclaimer: I’m no expert in wonton making, nor do I claim to be. The methods and recipes shared in this post reflect my personal experience and what has worked for me in my kitchen. They may not align with traditional or authentic wonton preparation techniques.

For those interested in exploring authentic wonton making, I highly recommend checking out resources and recipes from dedicated Asian culinary sites. Some great choices include Just One Cookbook, The Woks of Life, and Omnivore’s Cookbook. Each of these sites offers a wealth of information on traditional Asian cooking methods and recipes that honor the rich culinary traditions from which wontons originate.

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This post was last updated on July 10, 2024.