A wonton is a type of Chinese dumpling commonly found in various regional Chinese cuisines. It consists of a thin dough wrapper, typically square- shaped, filled with a mixture of ingredients such as ground pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. The wrapper is thinner and more delicate than that of typical dumplings, becoming somewhat transparent when boiled
. Wontons are traditionally served in soup, where they float like "clouds," which is reflected in the Cantonese name wantan meaning "cloud swallow." They can also be deep-fried to create crispy fried wontons, which are popular as snacks or appetizers
. The main differences between wontons and other dumplings include:
- Wrapper thickness and texture: Wonton wrappers are thinner and less elastic.
- Shape: Wontons are usually folded into triangular or purse-like shapes from square wrappers, while dumplings often have thicker, round or half-moon shapes.
- Filling: Wontons always contain fillings, commonly meat and shrimp, while dumplings can have a wider variety of fillings or none at all.
- Cooking methods: Wontons are mostly boiled and served in soup or fried, whereas dumplings can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried.
- Serving: Wontons are often eaten as appetizers or snacks, while dumplings can be a full meal
In summary, wontons are a specific style of Chinese dumpling characterized by their thin wrappers, typical fillings, and common serving in soup or fried forms. They have a long history in Chinese cuisine and are especially associated with Cantonese culinary traditions
