Cream Cheese Wontons

To keep the wontons from getting soggy or greasy, fry the wontons in small batches and don't overcrowd the pan.

Adjust the amount of curry powder to taste.

Make sure to seal the wontons tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

Serve the cream cheese wontons immediately after frying for the best texture.

Can I make the cream cheese mixture in advance?

You can make the cream cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to make it easier to handle when filling the wontons.

What kind of oil should I use for frying the wontons?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying if I don't have a thermometer?

You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of wonton wrapper in; if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.

Can I bake the wontons instead of frying?

While the texture will be slightly different, you can bake the wontons in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

How can I make the sweet and sour sauce more spicy?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce to make it more spicy.

Can I freeze the filled wontons before frying?

You can freeze the filled wontons on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Can I make the cream cheese mixture with a different seasoning?

You can customize the filling by adding different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even finely chopped green onions.

What other dipping sauces can I use?

Other sauces that work well are sweet chili sauce, sesame ginger dressing, peanut sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even plain hoisin sauce.

Wok or Skillet: For frying the wontons. Be sure to maintain the oil temperature around 350 degrees F for optimal frying.

Mixer: For mashing the cream cheese in the filling until smooth and combining it with the egg yolks and curry powder. If you don't have a mixer you can use a fork (takes a little more effort but works fine).

Saucepan: For cooking the sweet and sour dipping sauce over medium heat until it thickens.

Cookie Sheet: Used to hold the filled wontons before frying.

Wire Rack or Paper Towels: For draining the fried wontons after they have reached the desired golden brown color. This helps remove any excess oil to keep them from being greasy.

Teaspoon: For measuring out the cream cheese mixture onto each wonton wrapper. This makes sure each wonton has the right amount of delicious filling.

Parchment Paper (optional): Placing parchment paper on the cookie sheet before placing the filled wontons helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Asian Noodle Salad: Serve the wontons alongside a cold Asian noodle salad to balance the warm, crispy texture with refreshing noodles and vegetables. The vinaigrette in the salad will enhance the curry flavor.

Sweet Chili Sauce: Offer sweet chili sauce as an alternative dipping sauce. Its spiciness complements the creaminess of the wontons and adds another layer of flavor without overshadowing them.

Sliced Cucumber: Fresh cucumber slices provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese filling. Their coolness will cleanse the palate between bites.

Sesame Ginger Dressing: Drizzle some sesame ginger dressing over the wontons after frying. The nutty, tangy notes will pair well with the curry and cream cheese filling.

Spring Rolls: Present chicken spring rolls as part of the meal.

Thai Basil: Garnish the plate with fresh Thai basil leaves.

Grilled Tofu: For a vegetarian option, serve grilled tofu marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. Its savory depth pairs nicely with the wontons.

Coconut Shrimp: The sweetness of coconut shrimp complements the tangy sweet-and-sour dip while the crispy texture mirrors the wontons.

Vegetable Spring Rolls: These vegetarian spring rolls add another crisp element to the meal. The veggies can balance the richness of the cream cheese filling, while a peanut dipping sauce introduces a savory note.

Mango Salad: A refreshing mango salad can provide a fruity contrast that enhances the overall flavor, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the wontons.

Pork Dumplings: Serving pork dumplings with a soy-ginger dipping sauce alongside the cream cheese wontons introduces a savory and meaty aspect to the spread, and the dipping sauce works well for the wontons too.

Spicy Peanut Sauce: This spicy peanut sauce pairs well as a dip or drizzle, offering a creamy, contrast that complements the curry filling nicely.

Thai Chicken Satay: The peanut sauce served with chicken satay can pair well with the sweet-and-sour dip, offering another layer of flavor alongside the cream cheese wontons.

Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and thick sauce can serve as an additional dipping option, creating a unique sweet and savory pairing that works well with the curry flavor in the filling.

Szechuan Noodles: A Szechuan noodle dish can provide a satisfying bite and mild spiciness, making it a perfect counterpoint to the fried wontons while maintaining the Asian flavor theme.

Wine Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc: Why? The crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the cream cheese while the herbaceous notes can complement the curry flavors in the filling. Look for a bottle with citrus and green apple notes.

Riesling: A slightly off-dry Riesling can play up the sweet and tangy components of the sweet and sour dip while balancing the spiciness of the curry in the cream cheese filling. Look for one with notes of peach and apricot.

Chardonnay: If you prefer a richer white wine, a buttery Chardonnay can stand up to the creamy texture of the filling and the velvety sweetness of the dip. Look for one that has been aged in oak for added depth.

Other Alcohol Pairings
IPA: The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can contrast with the creaminess of the cream cheese, while the citrusy and piney notes can enhance the curry flavors. Look for a beer with a higher ABV.

Moscow Mule: The spicy ginger beer in a classic Moscow mule can marry well with the curry spice in the wontons, while the lime juice adds a refreshing zing. The copper mug is optional, but highly recommended for a fun drink presentation.

Gin and Tonic: The botanicals in gin can complement the herbaceous notes of the filling, while the bubbly tonic water can cleanse your palate between each bite. The gin and tonic is a classic and refreshing choice for this flavorful dish.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Thai Iced Tea: The creamy texture of the cream cheese filling pairs wonderfully with the sweet, spiced flavors of Thai iced green tea, while the green tea base can offer a bit of caffeine to keep you going through that second serving.

Lemonade: A simple glass of lemonade can provide a bright and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the wontons. Plus, the sweetness can balance out the heat from the curry powder.

Coconut Water: If you're looking for something light and hydrating, a chilled glass of coconut water can cleanse your palate between each bite while offering a subtle tropical sweetness.