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Pork & Lemongrass Wontons

Wontons are a beloved staple in many Asian cuisines, but this lemongrass pork filling takes them to the next level.

Think juicy pork mince infused with the fresh, citrusy zing of lemongrass, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a touch of chilli for just the right amount of heat.

Whether you prefer them boiled for a silky, tender bite or pan-fried to crispy perfection, these homemade wontons are bursting with bold flavours.

Plus, the filling works just as well for dumplings or gyoza - so you can enjoy it however you like!

Servings
Feeds
4
Prep Time
30
mins
Cook Time
10
mins

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About this recipe

What Are Lemongrass Pork Wontons?

Lemongrass pork wontons are a twist on traditional Chinese wontons, featuring a fragrant, umami-packed filling.

While classic wontons often lean towards milder seasonings, this version brings in Thai and Vietnamese influences with ingredients like lemongrass and fish sauce.

The result? A dumpling that’s both fresh and deeply savoury, with a subtle kick of heat from the chilli.

The History of Wontons & Dumplings

Wontons have been enjoyed in China for centuries, traditionally made with minced pork or shrimp and served in soups.

However, variations of dumplings exist across different Asian cuisines - Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, and Vietnamese bánh bao all share similar roots.

This recipe blends elements from multiple cultures, incorporating Thai and Vietnamese flavours for a fresh take on a classic dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy & Flavorful: The mix of pork, lemongrass, and fish sauce creates an irresistible balance of freshness and umami.
  • Versatile: Use this filling for wontons, dumplings, or even gyoza—boil, steam, or pan-fry to your preference.
  • Easy to Make: With just a handful of key ingredients, you can prepare restaurant-quality dumplings at home.
  • Crispy or Soft? Your Choice! Love a crispy bite? Pan-fry them until golden brown. Prefer a silky texture? Boil them in a light broth for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

For making the wrappers from scratch (or buy some shop-bought wonton wrappers!)

  • 250g plain flour
  • 125ml water
  • Pinch of salt

For the filling:

  • 150g Chinese cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, finely minced
  • 250g pork mince
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 mild red chilli, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • Handful of coriander, chopped

To serve:

  • Fresh coriander
  • Soy sauce
  • Chilli oil

Pair it with

Instructions

1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine all the filling ingredients. Stir in one direction (using a fork or chopsticks) for about 5 minutes until everything is well mixed and slightly sticky - this helps the protein strands bind for a juicier filling.

Pro Tip: Want to check the seasoning? Fry a small spoonful of the mixture in a pan, taste, and adjust as needed before wrapping your wontons.

2. Wrap the Wontons

Prepare a small bowl of water and set it aside. Place a wonton wrapper in the palm of your non-dominant hand.

Add 1 teaspoon of filling to the centre of the wrapper. Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper.

Gather the wrapper around the filling, pinching the edges to seal and form a small pouch. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3. Cook the Wontons

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the wontons in batches, ensuring they have space to move around.

Once the water returns to a boil, let them cook for about 5 minutes or until they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain them.

For a crispy texture, try pan-frying with a bit of oil until the bottoms are golden, then add a splash of water, cover, and steam for a few minutes.

Serve hot with soy sauce, sesame oil, or your favourite dumpling sauce!

Freezing & Storing Wontons

This recipe makes a big batch, so you don’t have to cook them all at once! Here’s how to freeze them for later:

  1. Place uncooked wontons in a single layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
  2. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
  3. Transfer the frozen wontons into a ziplock bag for easy storage.
  4. Cook straight from frozen - no need to thaw! Just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Important: Never freeze fresh wontons in a ziplock bag without pre-freezing them on a tray first, or they’ll stick together!

Enjoy these delicious homemade wontons fresh or keep a stash in your freezer for quick, flavour-packed meals anytime! 🚀

FAQs

1. What is the flavour profile of lemongrass pork wontons?

Lemongrass pork wontons combine the fresh, citrusy notes of lemongrass with savoury, juicy pork, creating a fragrant and balanced flavour.

The lemongrass adds a zesty brightness, making the wontons light and aromatic.

2. Can I make the wonton filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the wontons.

3. What kind of wrappers should I use?

Square or round wonton wrappers work well for this recipe, typically found in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores or some supermarkets.

4. How do I properly seal the wontons?

Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water, fold it over the filling, and press firmly to seal.

You can either keep it as a simple triangle or pinch the corners together for a traditional shape.

5. What dipping sauce pairs well with lemongrass pork wontons?

A simple dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of chilli is perfect.

You could also add a splash of lime juice to enhance the lemongrass flavour.

6. Can I make this recipe with a different protein?

Definitely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp can replace the pork, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavour.

Just make sure to keep the lemongrass and other aromatics for that signature taste.

7. How many wontons does this recipe make?

The recipe typically makes about 30-40 wontons, depending on the amount of filling you use per wrapper. This quantity is great for a party appetiser or to freeze for future meals.

8. What’s the best way to serve these wontons?

Serve the wontons with your favourite dipping sauce and garnish with chopped spring onions, fresh coriander, or sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture.

Video demonstration

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