There’s a certain joy that comes from creating little pockets of flavor, and these Pork and Shrimp Wontons embody that delight perfectly. I still remember the first time I watched my friend’s grandmother expertly fold wontons in her cozy kitchen—it was like watching a dance. The air was filled with the fragrance of ginger and sesame, coaxing my taste buds to anticipation. This recipe brings my fond memories to life while inviting you to experience the simple pleasure of homemade dumplings.
Perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these wontons are the answer to your weeknight cooking woes. With a delightful mix of juicy pork, succulent shrimp, and earthy shiitake mushrooms tucked inside delicate wrappers, they’re a far cry from any fast-food option. Plus, the best part? You can choose to boil, steam, or fry them based on your mood! Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and transform your kitchen into a haven of homemade goodness.
Why will you love Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness, with the perfect combination of tender pork and juicy shrimp.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer boiling, steaming, or frying, this recipe lets you customize the cooking process to your preference.
Quick and Easy: Even novice cooks can master the art of wonton-making with this straightforward approach.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these wontons will impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more.
Healthy Alternative: Say goodbye to fast food with these fresh, homemade dumplings that are both satisfying and nutritious. For more tasty ideas, check out our Dumpling Recipes.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Ingredients
• Create delicious Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai with these simple ingredients!
For the Filling
- Ground pork – A flavorful base that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Shrimp – Adds a succulent texture and ocean-fresh taste.
- Shiitake mushrooms – These finely chopped gems enhance umami and depth.
- Green onions – Freshness and a touch of sweetness elevate the filling.
- Soy sauce – A must-have for seasoning and umami richness.
- Sesame oil – A dash of this oil brings a nutty aroma to the mix.
- Ginger – Adds warmth and zest, perfectly complementing the meats.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing flavors, adjust to taste.
For the Wrapping
- Wonton wrappers – The delicate pockets that hold all your tasty filling together.
With these ingredients, you’re just moments away from creating mouthwatering Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, chopped shrimp, finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creates a fragrant filling that’s sure to excite your taste buds!
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Fill the Wrappers: Take a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Be generous but avoid overfilling to make folding easier.
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Fold the Wontons: Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold it over to create a pouch, pinching the edges firmly to seal. Feel free to get creative with the folding technique—there are many ways to make them beautiful!
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Cook the Wontons: Choose your preferred cooking method: boil them in salted water for about 4-5 minutes, steam over simmering water for about 6-8 minutes, or pan-fry until golden brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Ensure they’re fully cooked before serving.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, plate your wontons warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce for that extra flavor punch. They’re perfect for sharing!
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped green onions for an added burst of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pork and Shrimp Wontons?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement these savory little dumplings.
- Soy Dipping Sauce: A traditional pairing that enhances the umami flavor of the wontons and adds an extra layer of taste.
- Garlic Fried Rice: This fragrant rice dish brings a nutty aroma, creating a nice contrast to the juicy filling of the wontons.
Think of a steaming bowl of fried rice alongside your wontons, each bite harmonizing with the rich flavors of garlic and savory soy sauce.
- Steamed Bok Choy: Light and crisp, this vegetable adds freshness to your meal and balances the richness of the dumplings.
- Spicy Chili Oil: Drizzle a bit over your wontons for a delightful kick that brings your tastebuds to attention.
Picture the fiery heat mingling with the juicy pork and shrimp, elevating the experience to new heights!
- Coconut Milk Soup: This creamy, fragrant soup brings warmth and an exotic touch that pairs beautifully with your wontons.
The gentle richness of coconut milk envelops each bite, creating a cozy and satisfying entry into your meal.
- Green Tea: This light, refreshing drink cleanses the palate and complements the savory flavors, making it a perfect pairing choice.
- Sesame Noodles: These tasty noodles with a hint of sesame provide a textural contrast and maintain the Asian flavor theme.
Serve them chilled for a delightful crunch alongside your warm wontons—an inviting blend sure to please!
Expert Tips for Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and quality ground pork make a significant difference in flavor and texture, enhancing the overall taste of your wontons.
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Avoid Overfilling: A common mistake is overstuffing the wontons, which can lead to tears during cooking. Aim for a small spoonful of filling to ensure perfect seals.
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Seal Well: Ensure the edges of the wonton wrappers are moistened and pinched tightly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
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Cooking Method Variations: Experiment with different cooking methods! Boiling yields a tender texture, steaming keeps them light and fluffy, while frying adds a delightful crunch.
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Serving Suggestions: Enhance your Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai experience with homemade dipping sauces like soy sauce mixed with chili oil for an extra kick!
Make Ahead Options
These Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling (ground pork, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the filling, then refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also fold the wontons completely and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, use a damp paper towel between layers of wontons to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply boil, steam, or fry them according to your preferred method, and you’ll have delicious, homemade Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai ready in no time!
How to Store and Freeze Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai
Fridge: Store cooked Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them fresh by placing a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months, ready for a quick meal!
Reheating: To reheat, steam frozen wontons for about 10-12 minutes or pan-fry until golden and cooked through. This will bring that delightful flavor back to life!
Thawing: If using frozen wontons, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results before cooking, ensuring even heating and texture.
Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and explore unique flavor combinations that will send your taste buds on a delightful journey!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or rice paper to wrap the filling, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
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Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped red chili or a splash of sriracha to the filling for a zesty heat that enhances the overall flavor.
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Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the ground pork with finely chopped tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based option without missing out on flavor.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to the filling for a fragrant burst of freshness that will elevate every bite.
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Savory Soy Substitute: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative that still brings rich umami notes to the dish.
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Crunchy Addition: Add finely shredded carrots or water chestnuts to the filling for an added crunch and fun texture contrast.
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Sesame Seeds: Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an enticing aroma and a nutty finish that complements the dish beautifully.
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Rich Sauce: Serve with a homemade ginger-soy dipping sauce mixed with a touch of honey for a sweet-savory experience that’s simply irresistible!
Pork and Shrimp Wontons Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select fresh shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for firm, translucent shells, and a mild, briny aroma. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy smell. If possible, opt for wild-caught shrimp, as they often have superior flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover Pork and Shrimp Wontons?
For sure! Store cooked Pork and Shrimp Wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To ensure they stay fresh, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any excess moisture that could make the wrappers soggy.
Can I freeze Pork and Shrimp Wontons?
Very much so! To freeze uncooked wontons, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a labeled freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen wontons?
To bring those delightful flavors back, steam frozen wontons for about 10-12 minutes or pan-fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Both methods ensure they remain moist and tasty!
Can these wontons be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! If you need to accommodate gluten-free diets, simply swap the wonton wrappers for gluten-free alternatives available at most grocery stores. Ensure other ingredients, like soy sauce, are also gluten-free—look for tamari as an excellent substitute.
What if my wonton wrappers tear while folding?
Don’t worry! If you find your wonton wrappers tearing, simply use a small piece of another wrapper to patch it up—just moisten it first. Alternatively, you could try a different folding method, like creating a simple pouch or knot, which can often be more forgiving for the novice cook!
Savory Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai You’ll Crave Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, chopped shrimp, finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Take a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Be generous but avoid overfilling.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold it over to create a pouch, pinching the edges firmly to seal.
- Choose your cooking method: boil for 4-5 minutes, steam for 6-8 minutes, or pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, plate your wontons warm and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.