Steamed Shrimp Avocado Wontons with Ginger Dipping Sauce: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy & Flavorful Appetizer

Steamed Shrimp Avocado Wontons with Ginger Dipping Sauce offer an explosion of fresh flavors in every bite-sized package. Perfect as a guilt-free appetizer or a light snack, these delectable wontons will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Let me share a little secret with you: I used to be incredibly intimidated by the thought of making wontons from scratch. The delicate wrappers, the intricate folding – it all seemed like a culinary challenge reserved for experienced chefs. However, a dear friend inspired me to overcome this fear, and I’m so glad I did! What started as a casual conversation about making egg rolls quickly turned into a revelation about how truly simple and rewarding homemade wontons can be.

My friend, witnessing my hesitation, confidently declared that wontons were “the simplest things to make” and encouraged me to cast aside my doubts about having “delicate enough hands.” Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it set me on a delicious journey that I now wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.

She even offered a genius tip for making these little parcels of joy incredibly convenient for casual gatherings: “Bring the electric steamer into the living room on those Netflix-binging girls’ nights so you can just keep loading up the steamer in batches, without having to move from your perfectly formed spot on the couch.” This simple advice transformed my perception of wonton making from a daunting kitchen task into a relaxed and enjoyable social activity. Imagine the ease of fresh, hot wontons delivered right to your couch!

The Genius of Steamed Wontons

This “Netflix-and-wontons” ritual is something I’m pretty sure will become a new weekly tradition, especially during my favorite reality TV shows. And no judgment, please!

These steamed shrimp avocado wontons are bursting with an incredible amount of flavor for such a small, bite-sized food. What truly elevates them is the accompanying ginger dipping sauce. The combination of savory, umami notes from the shrimp and soy sauce, the rich creaminess of avocado, the bright kick of fresh ginger, and a subtle warmth from the Serrano pepper just works. And the dipping sauce, with its mere three ingredients, manages to blow my taste buds to the moon with its perfect balance.

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Avocado Wontons

• **Healthy & Light:** Steaming is a fantastic cooking method that keeps these wontons light and nutritious, making them a perfect guilt-free snack or appetizer. Unlike their fried counterparts, they won’t leave you feeling heavy.
• **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, zesty ginger, and a hint of spice creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that’s truly addictive.
• **Easy to Make:** Despite appearances, wontons are surprisingly simple to assemble. This recipe uses straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer for a party, a light lunch, or a healthy snack. They’re also perfect for meal prepping.
• **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare these wontons in advance and either refrigerate them for later in the day or freeze them for longer storage, making entertaining a breeze.
• **No Special Skills Required:** Forget about needing “delicate hands.” I consider myself the clumsiest cook, and I didn’t rip a single wrapper in the process! It’s those small victories that make cooking so enjoyable, isn’t it?

A Look at the Ingredients

For the Wontons

• Raw Shrimp: Use fresh, good quality shrimp. Opt for shelled and deveined for convenience, then chop them into small pieces to ensure even distribution in the filling. Shrimp provides a wonderful lean protein source and a sweet, oceanic flavor.
• Salt & Olive Oil: Basic seasoning and a touch of fat to enhance texture and flavor.
• Grated Fresh Ginger: This is a key flavor component, providing a bright, zesty, and slightly spicy aroma. Always use fresh ginger for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the savory and spicy notes, creating a more harmonious flavor profile.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and acidity that brightens the entire filling.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way! Sesame oil contributes a rich, nutty, and distinctly Asian flavor that is essential for this dish.
• Cornstarch: Used in the filling as a binder to help the ingredients stick together and give the shrimp a tender texture. Also used with water to seal the wonton wrappers.
• Serrano Pepper: Provides a pleasant, noticeable heat. If you prefer less spice, you can use less or omit it. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
• Avocado: The star alongside the shrimp! Chopped avocado adds a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Make sure your avocado is ripe but still firm enough to chop without turning to mush.
• Cold Water: Used with cornstarch to create a slurry for sealing the wontons.
• Wonton Wrappers: These thin, square pasta-like sheets are readily available in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores (often near the produce or tofu). Look for brands specifically labeled “wonton wrappers.”

For the Ginger Dipping Sauce

This sauce is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor.

• Soy Sauce: The base of the dipping sauce, providing savory umami. Use a good quality regular or low-sodium soy sauce.
• Grated Fresh Ginger: Again, fresh ginger is crucial here. It adds a vibrant, spicy, and aromatic kick that perfectly complements the wontons.
• Chopped Scallions (Green Onions): For a mild oniony flavor, freshness, and a pop of color.

How to Make Steamed Shrimp Avocado Wontons

Crafting these wontons is a fun and straightforward process. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine your chopped raw shrimp, salt, olive oil, grated fresh ginger, granulated sugar, rice wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and minced Serrano pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and the shrimp is coated. Gently fold in the chopped avocado last to prevent it from getting overly mashed.
2. **Create the Cornstarch Slurry:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. This slurry will act as your “glue” for sealing the wonton wrappers.
3. **Set Up Your Wonton Station:** Find a clean, flat surface to work on. Lay out your wonton wrappers one at a time. It’s easiest to work with them in a “diamond” shape, with one corner pointing directly towards you.
4. **Wet the Edges:** Dip your fingertip into the cornstarch water and moisten all four edges of the wonton wrapper. This creates a sticky seal when folded.
5. **Add the Filling:** Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the shrimp mixture into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this can make sealing difficult and may cause the wontons to burst during steaming.
6. **Fold the Wonton (Triangle Method):** Fold the wrapper in half, bringing the corner closest to you up to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges firmly together to seal, making sure to push out any air bubbles.
7. **Fold Again (Wonton Shape):** Now, take the left corner of your triangle and fold it over to the center. Repeat with the right corner, folding it over the center and slightly overlapping the first fold. Secure these folds with another dab of cornstarch water. This creates the classic wonton shape.
8. **Repeat & Steam:** Continue this process with the remaining filling and wonton wrappers. As you finish each wonton, place it on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking. Once ready, steam the wontons for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through and the wrappers are translucent and tender.
9. **Prepare Dipping Sauce:** While the wontons are steaming, quickly stir together the soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and chopped scallions for your dipping sauce.
10. **Serve:** Serve the steamed wontons warm, accompanied by the flavorful ginger dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Wontons

• **Don’t Overfill:** A common mistake is adding too much filling. A heaping teaspoon is usually sufficient for standard wonton wrappers. Overfilling makes them hard to seal and prone to breaking.
• **Keep Wrappers Covered:** Wonton wrappers can dry out quickly. Keep them covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while you’re working to maintain their pliability.
• **Seal Tightly:** Ensure the edges are firmly pressed together to create a good seal. Air pockets can cause them to expand and break during steaming. The cornstarch slurry is your best friend here!
• **Don’t Overcrowd the Steamer:** Steam in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and can make wontons stick together.
• **Grease Your Steamer Basket:** Lightly oil or line your steamer basket with parchment paper to prevent the wontons from sticking.
• **Fresh Ingredients are Key:** Especially for ginger, fresh is always best to achieve that vibrant, zesty flavor.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

These wontons are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare them in advance:

• **Refrigerate:** Assemble the wontons as directed, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before steaming.
• **Freeze (Uncooked):** For longer storage, arrange the uncooked wontons in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, you can steam them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the steaming time (e.g., 8-10 minutes).

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• **Appetizer or Snack:** This is their primary role! Serve them hot with the ginger dipping sauce.
• **Light Meal:** Pair them with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and satisfying lunch.
• **Noodle Soup Addition:** Add steamed wontons to a clear broth noodle soup for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• **Filling Variations:**
  • Chicken or Pork: Swap the shrimp for finely minced chicken or pork for a different protein.
  • Vegetarian: Use finely chopped mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and tofu for a delicious plant-based option.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Serrano pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for more heat.
• Cooking Variations:
  • Pan-Fried (Potstickers): For a crispy bottom, pan-fry the wontons in a little oil until golden brown on one side, then add a splash of water, cover, and steam until cooked through.
  • Wonton Soup: You can boil these wontons directly in a light chicken or vegetable broth to make a quick and comforting wonton soup.

Steamed Shrimp Avocado Wontons with Ginger Dipping Sauce

These delightful Steamed Shrimp Avocado Wontons, paired with a zesty Ginger Dipping Sauce, are a perfect choice for a healthy appetizer or a satisfying snack. Light, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, they’ll be a hit at any gathering or a comforting treat for yourself.

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

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Ingredients

For the Wontons

• 2/3 pound Raw Shrimp (Shelled, deveined, and finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 3/4 teaspoon Grated Fresh Ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1 Cornstarch (tablespoon for slurry, plus 2 teaspoons for filling, divided)
• 1 Serrano Pepper (seeded and minced)
• 1 Avocado (peeled, pitted, and finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Cold Water
• 24-28 Wonton Wrappers

For the Ginger Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 3 teaspoons Grated Fresh Ginger
• 1 tbsp Chopped Scallions

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, thoroughly stir together the chopped shrimp, salt, olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon grated ginger, granulated sugar, rice wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and minced Serrano pepper. Gently fold in the chopped avocado.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water until a smooth slurry forms. This will be used to seal the wontons.
• On a clean, flat surface, begin assembling your wontons. Place one wonton wrapper in front of you so it sits like a diamond (with one corner facing you).
• Dip your fingertip into the cornstarch water and moisten all four edges of the wonton wrapper.
• Spoon approximately 1 heaping teaspoon of the shrimp mixture into the very center of the wrapper. Do not overfill.
• Fold the wrapper in half, bringing the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly together, ensuring no air is trapped inside. Next, fold the left corner of the triangle over the center, then fold the right corner on top, slightly overlapping the first fold. Seal these overlaps with another small dab of cornstarch water.
• Repeat this process with the remaining filling and wonton wrappers until all are assembled. Place finished wontons on a parchment-lined tray.
• Prepare your steamer. Lightly oil or line your steamer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the wontons in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Steam the wontons for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, and the wrappers are tender and translucent.
• While the wontons are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce by stirring together the soy sauce, 3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, and chopped scallions in a small bowl.
• Serve the steamed wontons immediately while warm, accompanied by the flavorful ginger dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade, healthy, and delicious appetizer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fry these wontons instead of steaming them?

While this recipe is designed for steaming to keep them light and healthy, you can pan-fry them for a crispy texture, similar to potstickers. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the wontons in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Then, add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan, quickly cover, and let them steam for another 5-7 minutes until the water has evaporated and the wontons are cooked through. Remove the lid and cook for another minute to crisp up the bottoms again.

What if I don’t have a steamer?

No problem! You can improvise a steamer. Find a pot with a lid and a heat-safe colander or metal sieve that can sit above the water level without touching it. Add about an inch or two of water to the pot, bring it to a simmer, then place your wontons in the colander (lightly oiled) and set the colander over the simmering water. Cover the pot with the lid and steam as directed.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and avocado filling a few hours in advance. Keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator. However, for the freshest flavor and to prevent the avocado from browning, it’s best to chop and fold in the avocado closer to the time of assembly, or at least coat it well with the lemon juice/rice wine vinegar in the mixture.

How many wontons does this recipe make?

This recipe yields approximately 24-28 wontons, depending on how much filling you use per wrapper. This makes a generous appetizer for 4-6 people, or a lighter meal for 2-3.

I hope you enjoy making and devouring these Steamed Shrimp Avocado Wontons as much as I do! They truly are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly special and satisfying.