Chao Shou / Wonton in Chili Oil
Silky pork and shrimp-filled wontons bathed in a spicy, numbing, and aromatic Sichuan chili oil sauce. These Chao Shou are addictively good and surprisingly easy to make.
🧂 Ingredients
- 40 Wonton wrappers(Square wrappers, typically found in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores.)
- 300 g Ground pork(Preferably with a moderate fat content (around 20%) for juicier wontons.)
- 100 g Shrimp(Peeled, deveined, and finely minced. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger(Finely minced or grated.)
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce(For the filling.)
- 1 tsp Shaoxing wine(Optional, but adds depth of flavor to the filling.)
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil(Toasted sesame oil for the filling.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/4 tsp White pepper(Or to taste.)
- 4 tbsp Chili oil(Use a good quality Sichuan-style chili oil with sediment for best flavor and color.)
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorn oil(This provides the characteristic numbing sensation. Can be store-bought or homemade.)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce(For the sauce. Use light soy sauce.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced, for the sauce.)
- 1 tsp Sugar(To balance the flavors in the sauce.)
- 2 stalks Scallions(Thinly sliced, for garnish (optional).)
- 2 tbsp Roasted peanuts(Crushed, for garnish (optional).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the wonton filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, minced ginger, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), 1 tbsp sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix vigorously in one direction with chopsticks or a spoon for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and paste-like. This ensures a tender and cohesive filling.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Assemble the wontons: Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Lightly moisten the edges with water using your fingertip. Place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing out any air pockets. Then, bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together, overlapping one slightly over the other, and press to seal, creating a shape resembling a nurse's cap or an ingot. Alternatively, simply fold the triangle in half again to form a smaller triangle. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Keep assembled wontons covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Cook the wontons: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the wontons, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot (cook in batches if necessary). Stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom. Boil for approximately 4-6 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. The wrappers should look slightly translucent. Carefully remove the cooked wontons with a slotted spoon, draining excess water.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Prepare the sauce: While the wontons are cooking, in a serving bowl, combine the 4 tbsp chili oil, 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorn oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Serve: Place the drained, cooked wontons into the serving bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each wonton evenly. Garnish with sliced scallions and crushed roasted peanuts, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Fill sparingly: Overfilling wrappers can make them difficult to seal and prone to bursting during cooking.
- ✓Keep wrappers covered: Wonton wrappers dry out quickly. Always keep the ones you're not actively using covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- ✓Achieve the right texture: Mixing the filling vigorously in one direction until sticky is key to tender, well-bound wontons.
- ✓Sauce balance: Taste the sauce before adding the wontons and adjust seasoning if needed. It should be a balance of spicy, numbing, savory, and slightly sweet.
- ✓Don't overcook: Wontons cook quickly. Overcooking can lead to mushy wrappers.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve in a flavorful broth: Instead of chili oil sauce, add cooked wontons to a hot chicken or pork broth, garnished with cilantro and scallions.
- Add black vinegar: A splash of Chinese black vinegar (like Chinkiang) in the sauce adds a pleasant tanginess.
- Vegetarian option: Use a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake, king oyster), tofu, and vegetables for the filling.