You’ve probably had some variation of these spicy chicken and cilantro wontons. Wontons are just dumplings after all, and just about every cuisine culture has a dumpling of some kind. These dumplings are stuffed with flavorful chicken that is seasoned with lemon grass, ginger, chile pepper, and cilantro. Feel free to enjoy them as a snack or delicious appetizer. Serve them with some soy sauce on the side that you can use for dipping purposes.
Health Benefits
Wontons filled with cilantro are not just delicious, they’re also healthy. Cilantro is typically thought of as a garnish, but it’s also a disinfectant and detoxifying agent. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties and is great for treating certain skin disorders like dryness, eczema, and fungal infections. Cilantro also helps to treat dysentery and improves digestion and regulates the functions of the bowels and liver. A component in cilantro is even great for treating mouth ulcers and regulating blood pressure.
Ingredients
lb chicken thighs – diced, skinless, and boneless: 2
stalks lemon grass – cut into 1 in pieces: 3
cup fresh ginger root – chopped: 1/4
bulb garlic cloves – separated and peeled: 1/2
fresh red chile pepper – chopped: 1
bunches fresh cilantro: 2
cup soy sauce: 1/4
tbsp sesame oil: 1
wonton wrappers: 50
qt vegetable oil for frying: 1
How To Make Spicy Chicken and Cilantro Wontons
- Place the main ingredients:sesame oil, lemon grass, cilantro,ginger, garlic, chile pepper, soy sauce and chickenin a food processor.
- Mix the ingredients by pulsing the processor until the chicken is minced.
- Divide the wonton wrappers and place them down over a flat, clean surface.
- Set aside a bowl of clean water designated for finger dipping.
- Place 1 tsp of the chicken mixin the middle of each wrapper.
- Wipe the edge of each wrapper with a finger that you dipped into water.
- Fold the wrapper over into the shape oftriangles and press the edges together to seal.
- Fold the two opposing points of the triangle together.
- Heat the oil to 365° F in a deep-fryer or frying pan.
- Deep-fry a few wontons at a time.
- Note: Turn the wontons over as needed, ensuring they are slightly browned on each side.
- Remove the wontons and let drain over paper towels.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Trivia
Wontons originated in China. A tradition followed in the eve of new year in China is placing a coin inside a dumpling. Served in the family, the person who gets to bite the coin in the dumpling is considered luckiest!