Red Oil Wontons are a beloved Sichuan street food known for their rich, spicy, and aromatic flavor profile. These delicate dumplings are filled with a savory pork mixture and then drizzled or tossed with a vibrant red chili oil sauce that embodies the essence of Sichuan cuisine. The dish is characterized by its silky, tender wonton wrappers that perfectly complement the juicy filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The chili oil sauce, infused with Sichuan peppercorns, aromatic spices, and sesame seeds, delivers a robust heat and a subtle numbing sensation that awakens the palate. With a balanced touch of sweetness, saltiness, and tanginess from the dipping sauce, Red Oil Wontons offer a sensory feast that is both comforting and exhilarating. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this dish reflects the art of Chinese cooking where simple ingredients and meticulous preparation techniques come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Each bite promises an explosion of flavors, from the umami-rich filling to the spicy, fragrant oil that coats the wonton, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
-
For the Filling:
- Pork mince (猪肉糜): 300 grams (about 10.6 ounces)
- Green onions (葱花): 2, finely chopped
- Ginger (生姜): 3 slices, finely chopped
- Garlic (大蒜): 2 cloves, finely chopped
- Salt: To taste
- Chicken powder or MSG (鸡精/味精): A pinch (optional)
- Thirteen spices powder (十三香): A pinch (optional)
- Sesame oil (芝麻香油): 1 teaspoon
- Soy bean paste (黄豆酱): 1 teaspoon
-
For the Wonton Wrappers:
- Wonton wrappers (抄手皮): About 20 pieces
-
For the Chili Oil:
- Red chili flakes (辣椒面): 2 tablespoons
- White sesame seeds (白芝麻): 1 tablespoon
- Salt: A pinch
- Sugar: A pinch
- Vegetable oil: About 1/2 cup
- Aromatics (for flavoring the oil): 1 slice of ginger, 2 green onions, 1 piece of cinnamon, a few star anises, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns
-
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce (生抽): 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar (香醋): 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: A few drops
- Salt: To taste
- Chicken powder: A pinch
- Garlic (minced): 1 clove
- Chili oil: 1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the pork mince, finely chopped green onions, ginger, and garlic.
- Add salt, chicken powder (or MSG), thirteen spices powder, sesame oil, and soy bean paste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
-
Wrap the Wontons:
- Take a wonton wrapper and place it on your palm.
- Spoon a small amount of filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Diagonally fold the wrapper over the filling and press to seal.
- Wet the edges with a little water to ensure a tight seal.
- Fold the two bottom corners together to create a wonton shape. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
-
Make the Chili Oil:
- In a small bowl, combine the red chili flakes, white sesame seeds, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the aromatics (ginger, green onions, cinnamon, star anises, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns) and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the aromatics from the oil and let it cool slightly.
- Gradually pour the hot oil over the chili flake mixture, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let it cool completely.
-
Cook the Wontons:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully add the wontons to the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked wontons to a colander and drain well.
-
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, chicken powder, minced garlic, and chili oil (to taste). Mix well until sugar and salt are dissolved.
-
Serve:
- Place the cooked wontons on a serving plate.
- Pour the dipping sauce over the wontons or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with finely chopped scallions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Red Oil Wonton!
