Shrimp Wontons with House Sauce from Din Tai Fung feature tender shrimp wrapped in delicate, translucent wonton wrappers, served with a savory, tangy house-made sauce that enhances their fresh, juicy flavor and silky texture.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Spoon
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wonton wrappers
- Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
- Parchment paper or cabbage leaves (liner for steamer)
- Pot (for boiling water/steaming)
- Slotted spoon
- Plate (for serving)
- Small serving bowls (for sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) raw shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 2 oz (55g) ground pork
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 20-24 square wonton wrappers
- For the House Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
Selecting fresh, raw shrimp that is peeled and deveined ensures the best texture and flavor for your wontons, while incorporating ground pork adds a juicy richness typical of Din Tai Fung's recipe. Balance the seasoning carefully with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, grated ginger, and finely chopped green onions to mimic the complex taste profile. Use fresh wonton wrappers and line your steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking during cooking. The house sauce combines soy sauce, black vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, green onions, cilantro, and garlic, delivering a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy complement key to the dish's distinctive flavor. This Shrimp Wontons with House Sauce from Din Tai Fung copycat menu allows you to recreate the restaurant's iconic appetizer with authentic taste and texture at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Finely chop shrimp.
- In mixing bowl, combine shrimp, ground pork, 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, white pepper, grated ginger, and 1 tbsp green onions.
- Mix filling until sticky and well combined.
- Place 1 wonton wrapper on cutting board.
- Add 1 tsp of filling in center.
- Moisten edges with water.
- Fold into triangle, seal edges.
- Bring corners together, overlap, press to seal.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Line steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves.
- Arrange wontons in single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Bring pot of water to boil.
- Place steamer over boiling water.
- Steam wontons 6–8 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While steaming, combine all house sauce ingredients in small bowl.
- Stir well.
- Use slotted spoon to transfer wontons to serving plate.
- Serve with house sauce in small bowls.
Substitution
Shrimp Wontons with House Sauce from Din Tai Fung copycat menu capture the authentic flavors of tender shrimp wrapped in delicate wonton wrappers paired with a savory, tangy sauce. You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option without compromising texture. If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, dry sherry or mirin can provide a similar depth of flavor. For steaming, parchment paper or cabbage leaves prevent sticking while bamboo steamers add a subtle aroma. The house sauce ingredients can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level by reducing or increasing the chili oil.
Tips
When chopping shrimp finely, ensure they are almost paste-like to create the sticky texture needed for proper filling adhesion. Moisten wonton wrapper edges with water evenly to prevent tearing or gaps when sealing, which can cause filling to leak during steaming. Use parchment paper or cabbage leaves to line the steamer basket, avoiding direct contact, which keeps wontons from sticking and preserves their delicate texture. Steam wontons over a pot of boiling water for 6-8 minutes to fully cook the filling without overcooking, preserving the shrimp's tender juiciness; your house sauce should be freshly mixed to balance savory, tangy, and spicy flavors perfectly.
Nutritions
Shrimp wontons provide a rich source of high-quality protein with lean shrimp and ground pork, supplying essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. The dish contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids from shrimp, which support heart and brain health. Your meal also offers a moderate amount of sodium, mainly from soy sauce and seasonings, so consider this if monitoring salt intake. The house sauce adds antioxidants from garlic, green onions, and cilantro, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value without adding excessive calories.
Storage
To store shrimp wontons with house sauce, place cooled wontons in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store the wontons and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture. When ready to enjoy, reheat the wontons by steaming for 4-5 minutes and serve with your chilled house sauce.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground pork with finely chopped chicken or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian option without sacrificing texture. Instead of steaming, pan-frying the wontons gives a crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the juicy filling. For a milder sauce, reduce the chili oil or replace black vinegar with rice vinegar to adjust the tanginess to your taste. Using fresh ginger instead of grated ginger intensifies the aromatic profile, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
Allergies
Shrimp Wontons with House Sauce from Din Tai Fung contain shellfish, specifically shrimp, which is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The recipe also includes soy sauce and sesame oil, both of which may trigger allergies linked to soy and sesame seeds. If you have any known allergies to these ingredients, it is crucial to avoid this dish or consult with the restaurant about possible substitutions to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Shrimp Wontons with House Sauce from Din Tai Fung are celebrated for their perfectly plump, tender shrimp filling wrapped in thin, delicate wonton skins, delivering a harmonious blend of texture and flavor. The house sauce, a balanced combination of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy elements, enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making each bite uniquely satisfying. Trying a copycat recipe allows you to recreate the authentic taste at home while customizing the spice level and freshness to your preference. Your culinary skills will be rewarded with a dish that captures the essence of Din Tai Fung's renowned quality and flavor.