Spicy Beef Wontons with Sesame and Green Onion

Spicy Beef Wontons with Sesame and Green Onion

This recipe combines juicy, flavorful beef wontons with a rich, savory, and spicy sauce. The sesame and green onion are the stars of the topping.

For the Wontons:

• Filling:

  • 250g ground beef

  • 2 spring onions (green onions), finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

  • 1/2 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)

  • 1 tsp cornstarch (helps bind the mixture)

• Wrapper:

  • 1 package of wonton wrappers (available in most grocery stores)

  • A small bowl of water (for sealing)

For the Spicy Sesame Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (light or regular)

• 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar if unavailable)

• 1-2 tbsp chili oil (with some of the chili sediment for extra flavor and heat)

• 1 tbsp sesame paste (or creamy peanut butter in a pinch)

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

• 2 tbsp of the hot wonton cooking water (to loosen the sauce)

For the Topping:

• Extra spring onions (green onions), finely sliced

• Toasted sesame seeds (white or black)

• Extra drizzle of chili oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients (ground beef through cornstarch). Use chopsticks or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined and slightly sticky.

2. Assemble the Wontons:

   • Place a wonton wrapper on your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Don’t overfill!

   • Dip your finger in the water and trace the edges of the wrapper.

   • Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle or rectangle, pressing out any air bubbles and sealing the edges firmly.

   • For a classic shape, bring the two bottom corners together, overlap them, and press to seal (use a dab of water if needed).

   • Place the finished wontons on a lightly floured tray or plate to prevent sticking while you assemble the rest.

3. Make the Sauce: While you’re assembling the wontons, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (soy sauce through sugar) in a serving bowl. Set it aside.

4. Cook the Wontons: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently add the wontons in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot). Give them a gentle stir to prevent them from sticking to the bottom. Once they float to the surface (after about 2-3 minutes), let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. The filling should be cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly to the bowl with the sauce.

5. The Secret Step: Just before you drain the wontons, ladle about 2-3 tablespoons of the hot, starchy wonton water into the sauce and stir. This loosens the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the wontons.

6. Toss and Serve: Gently toss the wontons in the sauce until they are all well-coated.

7. Garnish and Enjoy: Top generously with the extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Add another drizzle of chili oil if you like it extra spicy. Serve immediately and enjoy!