Many people are surprised when they find out that crab
rangoons are about as Asian as Buffalo chicken wings, but it’s true. Even
though they’re commonly found on Chinese and Thai menus, they were actually
invented in San Francisco, at Trader Vic’s, in 1956.
While not “authentic,” these crispy crab and cream cheese
wontons are one of the most addictive, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizers
ever created. That is, if the filling has enough crab in it. Most of the restaurant
versions I’ve had are probably 3 or 4 parts cream cheese, to 1 part crab, but
here we’re using a 1 to 1 ratio, and the results are amazing.
The “turnover” fold is easier, but you don’t get nearly as
much crispy goodness, and that’s what makes these so great. It’s that contrast between
the warm creamy center, and those four crunchy edges that makes this such a magical
bite I really hope you give them a try soon. Enjoy!
Ingredients for about 60 Crab Rangoons:
8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces crab meat, drained well
1 clove crushed garlic
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
pinch cayenne
60 square wonton wrappers
canola oil for deep-frying
For the sauce:
(Note: I only made a half batch in the video. This should easily be enough for 60 rangoons)
1 cup ketchup
1/4 rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce, or to taste