Shrimp and cream cheese wontons are a crispy, savory treat that I love making for parties, appetizers, or just a fun night in. These golden-fried parcels are stuffed with tender shrimp, smooth cream cheese, and a perfect blend of seasonings, all wrapped in a delicate wonton wrapper. They're crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and downright addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how quick and easy these wontons are to prepare, even though they look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant. The combination of shrimp and cream cheese is rich but balanced, and the crispy exterior gives them a satisfying crunch. Whether I serve them with a sweet chili dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own, they’re always a hit. Plus, they can be prepped ahead and frozen, making them incredibly convenient.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
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Cream cheese, softened
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Green onions, thinly sliced
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Garlic powder
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Soy sauce
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Wonton wrappers
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Egg, beaten (for sealing the wontons)
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Oil, for frying
Directions
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I start by mixing the chopped shrimp, softened cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a bowl until well combined.
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I lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface and place about a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each one.
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I brush the edges of the wrappers with beaten egg, then fold them into triangles or bring all corners together to form a pouch, pressing the edges to seal tightly.
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In a deep skillet or pot, I heat oil to 350°F (175°C). I fry the wontons in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
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I transfer the fried wontons to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 wontons and serves 4 to 6 people. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In under 30 minutes, I get a plate of crunchy, creamy deliciousness.
Variations
Sometimes I add finely chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch or a bit of sriracha to the filling for a spicy kick. I’ve also tried swapping shrimp for crab meat or even using a mix of both. If I want to keep things lighter, I bake the wontons at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying them.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover wontons stay crisp if I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I pop them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crunch. If I’ve frozen uncooked wontons, I fry or bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
How do I prevent wontons from bursting while frying?
I make sure not to overfill them and seal the edges tightly with egg wash. Also, I press out as much air as possible before sealing.
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, I sometimes use cooked shrimp, especially if I have leftovers. I just chop it finely and mix it into the filling the same way.
What dipping sauces go well with these wontons?
Sweet chili sauce is my favorite, but I also enjoy soy sauce mixed with a dash of sesame oil and vinegar or even spicy mayo.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely. I lightly spray the assembled wontons with oil and bake them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
How do I freeze wontons for later?
I lay the assembled wontons on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Shrimp and cream cheese wontons are one of my go-to recipes when I want something easy, flavorful, and sure to impress. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and incredibly versatile. Whether fried or baked, fresh or frozen, I always enjoy having a batch ready to go.

Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Shrimp and cream cheese wontons are crispy, golden-fried parcels filled with tender shrimp, smooth cream cheese, and savory seasonings—perfect for parties or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and soy sauce until well mixed.
- Lay out the wonton wrappers and place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg and fold into a triangle or pouch, pressing to seal tightly.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry wontons in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch or sriracha for heat.
- Can substitute shrimp with crab meat or a mix of both.
- Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Freeze assembled wontons and cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wontons
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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