If you crave a dish bursting with bold flavors and a little kick, look no further than the Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe. These delicate pockets of silky wonton wrappers filled with savory goodness, then drenched in vibrant chili oil and tingling Sichuan pepper, create an irresistible symphony for your taste buds. The perfect harmony of spicy, fragrant, and slightly numbing sensations will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. It’s a dish that turns a simple snack into an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s boosting the heat, adding layers of aroma, or delivering that iconic numbing twang.
- 10 – 12 wontons: The soft, silky wrappers that hold all the flavors together in every bite.
- 1 tbsp green onion: Adds freshness and a mild, crisp crunch to balance the heat, perfect for garnish.
- Extra chili oil: For drizzling on top to give that extra splash of spicy goodness and vibrant red color.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Deepens the aroma and infuses the dish with a savory punch.
- 1 tsp caster sugar: Balances the sharpness with a subtle, sweet undertone.
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional): Adds extra heat for those who love their spicy fix turned up a notch.
- 1/4 tsp Sichuan pepper powder: Brings the signature mouth-tingling sensation unique to Sichuan cuisine that you won’t get anywhere else.
- 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth with its blend of spices.
- 1/2 tsp Chinese chicken stock powder: Richens the filling with a savory, umami-packed boost.
- 2 tbsp Chinese chili oil: The heart of the dish’s fiery flavor, adjustable to your spicy preference.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Helps blend the flavors smoothly while cooking the garlic gently.
- 2 1/2 tsp light soy sauce: Provides a salty, slightly sweet seasoning base for the sauce.
- 1 tsp rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten and balance the flavors.
- 2 1/2 tbsp hot water: Used to loosen the sauce and marry all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wontons
Begin by gathering your wontons; you can use freshly made or store-bought. The soft texture of the wonton wrapper is essential for that delicate bite, so handle them gently to avoid tearing. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even softness.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely minced garlic with vegetable oil and gently let it mingle for a few minutes to mellow the raw bite of garlic. Then, stir in the chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Sichuan pepper powder, Chinese five spice, chili flakes (if using), chicken stock powder, and hot water. This blend creates the sauce that drapes your wontons in a luscious, spicy, and tangy coating that will excite your palate.
Step 3: Cook the Wontons
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the wontons and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they float to the top and look translucent. This is how you know they are perfectly cooked—tender but still holding their shape and filling. Drain them gently to avoid breaking and place them in a serving bowl.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the spicy sauce over the hot wontons and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every wonton is glistening with that fiery, flavorful sauce. This is where the dish truly comes together; the sauce clings lovingly to each parcel, ready to deliver a perfect mouthful.
How to Serve Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the sauced wontons to add a burst of color and a touch of refreshing crunch. The green onion’s mild bite contrasts beautifully with the heat, keeping every forkful balanced and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish stands splendidly on its own, but if you want to build a feast, consider sides that complement the spice without overpowering it. Light stir-fried greens, steamed jasmine rice, or a cool cucumber salad with a dash of sesame oil and vinegar offer refreshing relief and added texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or sharing platter, arrange the wontons in a circular pattern on a shallow dish and drizzle additional chili oil artistically over the top. You can also serve them atop crunchy shredded lettuce leaves or in cute individual bowls to make everyone feel special. Adding toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro as a final touch amps up both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover wontons should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days but are best enjoyed fresh to maintain that perfect soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked wontons by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen by adding a minute or two to the boiling time.
Reheating
Reheat the wontons gently by steaming or briefly boiling to avoid drying them out. Reheat your chili sauce separately on low heat, then toss the wontons in the warmed sauce right before serving for that freshly made flavor sensation.
FAQs
Can I make the chili oil from scratch for this Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe?
Absolutely! Making your own chili oil is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the heat level. Just infuse hot oil with dried chilies, garlic, and a few spices for a personalized, fresh-tasting chili oil.
What can I use if I don’t have Sichuan pepper powder?
Sichuan pepper has a unique numbing effect hard to replicate, but a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of black pepper can provide some brightness and mild heat if you’re in a pinch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Definitely. Just swap the chicken stock powder for a vegetarian or mushroom-based stock powder to keep the umami flavors without any animal products.
How spicy is this dish “as is”?
This Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe has a moderate heat level that’s flavorful without overwhelming. You can easily adjust the chili flakes and chili oil amounts to suit your personal tolerance for spice.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before tossing with freshly cooked wontons.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe feels like inviting an explosion of flavor into your kitchen. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and spice that anyone can master. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it time and time again for your friends and family, sharing the warmth and excitement of this incredible dish.
Print
Spicy Wontons with Chili Oil and Sichuan Pepper Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 wontons
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
These Spicy Wontons from Din Tai Fung are a flavorful appetizer perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their dishes. Featuring a spicy chili oil sauce with a blend of fragrant Chinese spices, these wontons are steamed or boiled to perfection and then drizzled with a vibrant, aromatic sauce, garnished with green onion and extra chili oil for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Wontons
- 10 – 12 wontons
Spicy Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tbsp green onion, sliced then roughly chopped, for garnish
- Extra chili oil, for drizzling
- 2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 1 tsp caster/superfine sugar (can substitute regular sugar)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (red pepper flakes), optional for spicy food lovers
- 1/4 tsp Sichuan pepper powder
- 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1/2 tsp Chinese chicken stock powder, or regular western stock powder
- 2 tbsp Chinese chili oil (adjust for spiciness, can substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (can substitute canola, peanut, or other natural oil)
- 2 1/2 tsp light soy sauce or all-purpose soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (can substitute other clean vinegar)
- 2 1/2 tbsp hot water (tap water is fine)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the finely minced garlic, caster sugar, red chili flakes (if using), Sichuan pepper powder, Chinese five spice powder, chicken stock powder, Chinese chili oil, vegetable oil, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set this spicy sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Wontons: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the wontons carefully and cook them until they float to the surface and the wrappers are tender, usually about 3-5 minutes. Carefully remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and place them in a serving bowl or plate.
- Dress and Garnish: Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the cooked wontons, ensuring each is nicely coated. Drizzle extra chili oil over the top if you prefer added heat. Finally, sprinkle with the chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Adjust the chili flakes and chili oil quantities to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Sichuan pepper powder provides a unique numbing heat; if unavailable, you can omit but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
- Chinese chicken stock powder can be substituted with any chicken stock or bouillon powder you have on hand.
- Use good quality light soy sauce for the best flavor; all-purpose soy sauce is a suitable substitute if necessary.
- Extra chili oil for drizzling can be bought or homemade; sesame oil substitutes add a different but tasty flavor.
- Rice vinegar adds a mild acidity. Other clean vinegar types like white vinegar or apple cider vinegar may be used but will impact flavor.
