I still remember the first time I made Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce for my family. It was a chilly weeknight, and I wanted something quick but really satisfying. The way those spicy Chinese appetizers hit the spot instantly made this dish our go-to, no-fuss dinner that everyone could agree on. What I love most about Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is how it brings rich Sichuan flavors right into a home kitchen without needing hard-to-find ingredients or complicated steps.
This recipe fits perfectly into real home cooking because it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that you can whip up with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re craving chili oil dumplings or a tasty appetizer to share, these wontons deliver consistent flavor and warmth. Plus, the balance of spicy Sichuan spicy sauce with tender wontons makes every bite memorable.
If you’ve been hunting for a dependable recipe that won’t let you down, this version of Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is just what you need. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight meals but impressive enough to serve guests. And if you’re curious about other takes on Sichuan wontons, Serious Eats has a fantastic Suanla Chaoshou (Sichuan-Style Wontons in Hot and Sour Vinegar) that pairs nicely with this. Just keep reading, because I’m sharing all the steps and tips so you can nail this delicious dish every time.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll want on hand for making your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce:
- 200g (7 oz) ground pork (or ground chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 packet wonton wrappers (about 40 pieces) – you’ll find these in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or substitute with rice vinegar)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water works fine)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn powder (optional but adds authentic flavor)
- Salt to taste
No worries if you don’t have Sichuan peppercorn powder; regular black pepper works if you want something simpler. I often use store-bought chili oil for this Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce, save myself some prep time, and it keeps the recipe budget-friendly.
If you’ve got leftover filling, it stores well covered in the fridge for up to two days. That way, you can make fresh wontons anytime without extra prep. For quicker prep, chop your garlic and green onions the night before. This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce uses ingredients you probably have on hand—good cooking shouldn’t need a special shopping trip.
Let’s Make It Together:
Making Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is easier than it seems. From start to finish, this dish takes about 40 minutes, and I’ll walk you through each step so your chili oil dumplings come out perfect every time.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix ground pork, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything just until combined—not overmixing keeps the filling tender. This filling is the heart of your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce.
- Fill the wontons: Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center. Moisten the edges with water using your finger. Fold the wrapper diagonally into a triangle, pressing edges firmly to seal. Then, bring the two corners together and seal with water. Don’t rush here—proper sealing prevents any filling from escaping.
- Cook the wontons: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the wontons in batches to avoid overcrowding. They’re done when they float to the surface and cook for another 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving bowl.
- Make the chili sauce: In a small bowl, mix chili oil, black vinegar, chicken broth, Sichuan peppercorn powder (if using), and chopped green onions. Stir well. This Sichuan spicy sauce coats your wontons perfectly.
- Combine and serve: Pour the chili sauce over the cooked wontons and toss gently to coat. Your kitchen will smell amazing when your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is ready.
While your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce finishes, set the table or make a simple cucumber salad to balance the heat. Don’t worry if your first batch looks a little rustic; homemade wontons often have personality! You can also check out this recipe from RecipeTin Eats for a slightly different take on spicy wontons in chili sauce if you want some inspiration.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually serve my Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce as a starter or a light dinner. It pairs wonderfully with steamed greens like bok choy or simple sautéed spinach to add freshness that cuts through the spice.
For a heartier meal, try pairing the wontons with fried rice or noodles. This combo always gets rave reviews at family dinners. Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top make the dish look as good as it tastes.
This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce shines for casual weeknight meals, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties or potlucks. Leftovers? Toss them into a hot noodle soup for a quick lunch. Seasonal variations I’ve tried include swapping pork filling for finely chopped mushrooms and tofu for a vegetarian twist that still satisfies the spicy craving.
My friends in the local food group even took inspiration and made a peanut sauce version in Austin, which was a fun change-up. You can find the chat here on Facebook if you want to see what others are doing with these wontons.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the wontons and keep them refrigerated for up to a day before cooking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out. The sauce is best made fresh but stores well in the fridge for a few days.
What’s a good substitute for pork in this recipe?
Ground chicken or turkey work great for a lighter version. For vegetarians, finely chopped mushrooms mixed with tofu make a tasty filling. You might also check out Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce from AllFoodsRecipe.com for more lean meat inspiration.
How do I adjust the recipe for more or fewer servings?
Simply scale the ingredients up or down. The filling and sauce mix are forgiving, so you can double for parties or cut in half for a small snack.
Can I freeze these wontons?
Absolutely. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by boiling a minute longer.
Why does my chili oil sauce sometimes taste bitter?
This can happen if you overheat the chili oil or use too much Sichuan peppercorn. Stick to the amounts I shared, and mix gently to keep the flavors balanced.
Are these spicy Chinese appetizers very hot?
It depends on your chili oil. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and add more after tasting. This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce can be tailored easily.
Where can I learn more about Sichuan wontons?
Serious Eats has an excellent article on Suanla Chaoshou that dives into classic preparation styles, very useful if you want to dive deeper into the chili oil dumplings world.
Final Thoughts:
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s reliably delicious, quick to make, and a family favorite that gets requested time and again. The combination of tender wontons with that bold Sichuan spicy sauce is always a hit.
My Best Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce Tips:
- Seal your wontons carefully to avoid leaks during cooking.
- Adjust chili oil amount according to your heat tolerance—start light, add more after tasting.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor—avoid pre-minced where possible.
I’ve tried variations with shrimp filling, vegetarian versions with mushrooms, and even added a touch of peanut butter to the sauce for richness. The classic pork version, though, is still the star at my house.
If you want another take on spicy wontons, RecipeTin Eats has a fantastic version close to the famous Din Tai Fung style, perfect if you’re curious about replicating restaurant favorites.
I hope you enjoy making this Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce as much as my family does. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for everyday cooking or sharing with friends. Give it a try—you’ll love how dependable and delicious it turns out.
Happy cooking, friends!
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce
Deliciously crispy wontons filled with a spicy pork mixture, served in a vibrant and tangy chili sauce that delivers the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 200g ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 20 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the chilli sauce:
- 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground pork, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until well mixed.
- Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges with water and fold to seal, forming a triangle or desired shape.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry wontons in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove sauce from heat and spoon over the fried wontons or serve on the side for dipping.
Notes
For extra freshness, garnish with finely chopped cilantro and serve with steamed jasmine rice to balance the heat.