Originally posted on November 18, 2023 @ 6:43 am
Wontons are a beloved dish in many parts of the world. These tasty dumplings are enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. But, what should you serve with wontons to take your meal to the next level? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of delicious options for wonton side dishes. From traditional accompaniments to unique Asian-inspired sides, we’ll help you elevate your wonton meal to new heights.
Whether you’re a fan of wonton soup or want to try something new, we’ve got you covered. Our guide includes easy wonton meal ideas and popular sides for wontons that will suit any taste bud. So, let’s get started and discover the perfect pairings for your next wonton meal!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Wontons are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways.
- Traditional wonton pairings include wonton soup and fried rice.
- Asian-inspired sides like stir-fried vegetables and noodle salad are also great options.
- Sweet and sour sauce, peanut sauce, and mango salsa add a burst of flavor to wontons.
- For a lighter option, consider serving wontons with a green salad.
Classic Wonton Pairings
Wontons are a delicious treat, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides! Here are some traditional wonton servings that are the perfect match for these savory dumplings.
Wonton Soup
One of the most common ways to serve wontons is in a steaming bowl of wonton soup. The flavorful broth and tender dumplings are a match made in heaven, and it’s a classic dish that’s hard to resist.
Fried Rice
Another popular option is to serve wontons with fried rice. The combination of crispy wontons and savory rice is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s an easy dish to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider serving wontons with a side of stir-fried vegetables. The colorful veggies provide a refreshing complement to the rich and hearty dumplings.
Green Salad
For a lighter option, you can pair wontons with a fresh green salad. The crisp greens and light dressing add a nice contrast to the savory dumplings. It’s also a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal.
“Wontons are a delicious treat, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides!”
No matter which option you choose, these tasty wonton sides are sure to satisfy your cravings. Stick with the classics or try something new – either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Wonton Soup: A Delicious Pairing for Wontons
If you’re a fan of wontons, then you must try them with wonton soup – a classic and mouth-watering combination. The savory dumplings floating in the warm and flavorful broth create a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Wonton soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is made by boiling wontons in a seasoned broth. The broth can be made with chicken, pork, shrimp, or a combination of all three, and is flavored with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices.
Not only is wonton soup a delicious accompaniment, but it also provides many health benefits. The broth is low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a filling meal without the guilt. It also contains protein from the dumplings and can be packed with veggies for a well-rounded meal.
How to Make Wonton Soup
If you want to try making wonton soup at home, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/2 pound ground pork | 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix well and set aside. |
| 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined | 2. In another mixing bowl, finely chop the shrimp and mix with cornstarch, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well. |
| 1 tablespoon soy sauce | 3. Fill a small bowl with water. Lay out a wonton wrapper and place a teaspoon of the ground pork mixture in the center. Add a small scoop of the shrimp mixture on top. |
| 1 tablespoon sesame oil | 4. Dip your finger in the water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over to create a triangle and press the edges to seal. |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | 5. To make the soup, bring chicken or vegetable stock to a boil in a pot. Add the wontons and let them cook for 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. |
| 1/2 pound wonton wrappers | 6. Add chopped scallions and cilantro to the soup. Serve hot and enjoy! |
Whether you make it at home or order it from your favorite Chinese restaurant, wonton soup is a delicious pairing for wontons that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Fried Rice: The Perfect Asian-Inspired Side Dish for Wontons
When it comes to popular sides for wontons, fried rice is a classic choice. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for adding some texture and flavor to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
To make fried rice, start by cooking some rice according to the package instructions. You can use white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Once the rice is cooked, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add some diced onions, carrots, and peas, and sauté for a few minutes until the veggies are tender.
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet, and crack a couple of eggs in the other side. Scramble the eggs until they’re cooked through, and then mix them in with the veggies. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, along with some soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other seasonings you like. Stir everything together until the rice is coated in the sauce and heated through.
Serve the fried rice alongside your favorite type of wontons, whether they’re steamed or fried. The combination of crispy wontons and savory rice is irresistible!
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice if possible, as it will be drier and easier to stir-fry.
- Be sure to use high heat when cooking the rice to get that classic stir-fry texture.
- Add any veggies you like to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- For a protein boost, add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the skillet along with the veggies.
“Fried rice and wontons are a match made in heaven. The crispy texture of the rice and the savory flavor of the veggies perfectly complement the dumplings.”
Stir-Fried Vegetables: The Perfect Asian-Inspired Side Dish for Easy Wonton Meal Ideas
If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your wonton meal, serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables is an excellent choice. The combination of crispy wontons and vibrant veggies creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Stir-Fried Vegetables are the Ideal Side Dish for Wontons
Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Thai. It involves cooking small pieces of ingredients, such as vegetables and meat, over high heat in a wok or frying pan. The result is a deliciously crisp and flavorful dish that’s packed with nutrients.
Stir-fried vegetables are an excellent accompaniment to wontons for several reasons:
- They’re an easy way to add a variety of healthy vegetables to your meal.
- Their vibrant colors and textures provide a beautiful contrast to the dumplings.
- Their bold and savory flavors complement the taste of the wontons perfectly.
The Best Vegetables to Use for Stir-Frying
When it comes to stir-frying vegetables, you have plenty of options. Some of the best veggies to use include:
| Veggie | Description |
|---|---|
| Bell peppers | Colorful and crunchy, bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C and add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. |
| Snow peas | These tender, crunchy peas have a slightly sweet flavor and work well with a variety of seasonings. |
| Bok choy | A popular Asian vegetable, bok choy has a mild flavor and a crisp texture that works well in stir-fries. |
| Mushrooms | Earthy and meaty, mushrooms are a great source of protein and add a rich flavor to the stir-fry. |
Of course, you can also use other vegetables like carrots, onions, and broccoli, depending on your preferences and what’s available.
How to Stir-Fry Vegetables
Stir-frying vegetables is quite easy if you follow a few basic steps:
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a wok or frying pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the vegetables and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they’re cooked but still crisp.
- Add your desired seasoning, such as soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and continue to stir-fry for another minute or two.
- Remove the vegetables from the heat and serve immediately with your wontons.
Noodle Salad
Looking for popular sides for wontons that are easy to put together? Consider pairing them with a flavorful noodle salad! This refreshing and light dish provides a delightful contrast to the hot dumplings, making it a perfect accompaniment for any season.
To make your wonton meal complete, try this delectable recipe for noodle salad that’s sure to impress:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
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This easy wonton meal idea is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of cold noodles and fresh ingredients creates a delightful contrast to the hot dumplings, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
For those who love a combination of sweet and tangy flavors, serving wontons with a side of sweet and sour sauce is a must-try. This classic Chinese condiment is made from a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch, which is boiled until it thickens. The result is a deliciously sticky and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the savory dumplings.
Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own sweet and sour sauce with this simple recipe:
“Combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Serve the sauce alongside your wontons and enjoy!”
| Sweet and Sour Sauce | Wontons |
|---|---|
| Calories: 80 | Calories: 40 |
| Sugar: 18g | Protein: 3g |
| Carbs: 20g | Fat: 1g |
| Fat: 0g | Carbs: 8g |
As you can see, sweet and sour sauce adds a significant amount of calories and sugar to your meal, so it’s best to use it in moderation. However, the delicious taste makes it well worth indulging in every once in a while.
Asian Slaw: The Perfect Pairing for Your Wontons
For a refreshing and crunchy side dish to go with your wontons, look no further than Asian slaw. This dish is a classic fusion of Asian flavors and western ingredients, perfect for those seeking an adventurous twist on traditional sides. With its combination of crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, Asian slaw is the ideal complement to savory dumplings.
To make this delicious side dish, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables of your choice in a bowl. For the dressing, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until well combined. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped nuts or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low in calories, making it a healthy option | May not be suitable for those with nut allergies due to potential nut garnish |
| Provides a refreshing and light contrast to the richness of wontons | May not be as filling as heartier side dishes |
| Easy to customize with different vegetables and dressings | Some may find the tangy dressing too acidic or overpowering |
Why Asian Slaw is a Delicious Pairing for Wontons
“The crunchiness of the vegetables in Asian slaw provides a delightful contrast to the soft and savory texture of wontons. The tangy dressing complements the dumplings perfectly, adding an extra layer of flavor to the meal.”
Not only is Asian slaw a flavorful and healthy option, it also provides a delightful contrast to the rich and savory flavors of wontons. The crunchiness of the vegetables and the tangy dressing create a harmonious balance of flavors, making it an ideal pairing for dumplings.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for an easy side dish to complement your wontons, Asian slaw is a delicious and easy choice. Give it a try and let your taste buds explore the exciting flavors of Asian cuisine.
Tasty Wonton Side Dishes: Mango Salsa
For an unforgettable flavor experience, try serving wontons with a fresh and colorful mango salsa. This tropical-inspired side dish perfectly complements the savory dumplings and adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
To make the mango salsa, start by peeling and dicing one ripe mango. Combine it with a half cup of diced red onion, a quarter cup of chopped fresh cilantro, the juice of one lime, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
The sweet and juicy mangoes paired with the tangy lime and zesty cilantro create a refreshing and delicious balance of flavors. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, as mangoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Variations
If you want to customize your mango salsa, try adding different ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. Here are some ideas:
- Add diced jalapeno or serrano pepper for some heat
- Include diced bell pepper or cucumber for extra crunch
- Use a combination of mango and pineapple for a tropical twist
Pairing Suggestions
Mango salsa is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of wonton dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions:
| Wonton Dish | Recommended Pairing |
|---|---|
| Steamed Pork Wontons | Mango Salsa adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory pork |
| Fried Shrimp Wontons | Mango Salsa balances out the richness of the shrimp and fried wrapper |
| Vegetarian Dumplings | Mango Salsa provides a burst of flavor and nutrition to this meatless dish |
“The combination of the sweet and juicy mangoes paired with the tangy lime and zesty cilantro create a refreshing and delicious balance of flavors.”
Add this delicious and healthy side dish to your wonton meal and enjoy the burst of flavor and color it brings to the table. Mango salsa is the perfect addition to any wonton dish and is sure to impress your guests with its unique and tasty flavor profile.
Peanut Sauce: The Perfect Asian-Inspired Wonton Accompaniment
Peanut sauce is a delicious side that pairs perfectly with wontons. Made from peanuts, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients such as garlic and ginger, this savory sauce complements the dumplings’ savory flavor perfectly.
To make peanut sauce, you’ll need:
| Ingredients: | Amount: |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic clove, minced | 1 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
To make the sauce, simply whisk all the ingredients together until smooth. Feel free to adjust the flavor to your liking by adding more soy sauce or honey.
Once your peanut sauce is ready, serve it as a dipping sauce for your wontons. The nutty flavor and creamy texture of the sauce perfectly complement the crispy exterior of the dumplings. For a complete meal, pair your wontons with a fresh green salad and a side of rice.
Peanut sauce is not only a tasty accompaniment for wontons, but it also provides several health benefits. Peanuts are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which help keep you full and satisfied for longer. The ginger and garlic in the sauce also have anti-inflammatory properties, making this a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meal.
Whether you’re looking for an easy and quick meal or want to impress your guests with a flavorful Asian-inspired dish, peanut sauce and wontons are the perfect combination. Give this pairing a try and let your taste buds be the judge!
Green Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter side to serve with your wontons, a fresh green salad is an excellent option. Not only is it easy to make, but it also provides a refreshing contrast to the savory dumplings.
To create a tasty salad, start with a bed of mixed greens. You can choose from a variety of options like spinach, arugula or lettuce. Next, add in some colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
For some extra crunch, you can sprinkle in some toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or sesame seeds. And if you’re looking for a more substantial salad, you can add in some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Top the salad with a light and tangy dressing like a honey mustard vinaigrette or a zesty lemon dressing. You can also serve the dressing on the side if your guests want to control the amount they use.
Conclusion:
There you have it! A comprehensive guide on what to serve with wontons. From classic pairings like wonton soup to unique Asian-inspired sides like mango salsa, the options are endless.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations to find the perfect match for your taste buds. Whether you prefer a light and fresh green salad or a rich and creamy peanut sauce, there’s something for everyone.
Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy your next wonton meal!
FAQ
What are wontons?
Wontons are a type of dumpling commonly found in Chinese cuisine. They are typically made with a thin dough wrapper filled with a mixture of minced meat or seafood and various seasonings.
How do I cook wontons?
Wontons can be steamed, boiled, or deep-fried depending on your preference. Steaming typically takes around 6-8 minutes, boiling takes about 4-5 minutes, and deep-frying takes approximately 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Can I freeze wontons?
Yes, you can freeze wontons. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they are firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
What sauces can I serve with wontons?
Wontons can be served with a variety of sauces. Popular options include soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and vinegar-based dipping sauces. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Can I make wontons ahead of time?
Yes, you can make wontons ahead of time. Prepare them as directed, and instead of cooking them immediately, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use store-bought wontons?
Yes, you can use store-bought wontons. They are readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Follow the cooking instructions on the package and serve them with your desired accompaniments.
What are some vegetarian options for wontons?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat filling with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, and green onions. Season the filling with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor.
Can I make wontons gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free wontons by using gluten-free wonton wrappers, which are available in some specialty stores or online. You can also try making your own gluten-free wrappers using alternative flours such as rice flour or tapioca flour.
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