Hong Kong-style wontons are a type of Chinese dim sum dish that consists of small, bite-sized dumplings filled with a mixture of shrimp, pork, and vegetables. The wontons are typically boiled and served in a soup or broth, though they can also be fried for a crispy, golden-brown texture. Hong Kong-style wontons are a popular street food in Hong Kong and other parts of China, and they are often enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.
The history of Hong Kong-style wontons is closely tied to the history of dim sum, a traditional Chinese cuisine that originated in the Guangdong province of southern China. Dim sum, which means “touch the heart” in Cantonese, is a style of dining that features a variety of small dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates. These dishes can include dumplings, buns, cakes, and other savory or sweet treats.
Wontons, which are also known as húntún in Mandarin, are a type of Chinese dumpling that has been enjoyed in China for many centuries. The exact origins of wontons are unclear, but they are thought to have originated in northern China, where they were originally known as hún jiǎo, or “cloud ear dumplings.”
Wontons made their way to southern China, where they were embraced by the Cantonese people and became a popular part of the dim sum tradition. In Hong Kong, wontons were traditionally served in a clear broth made with chicken or pork stock, though they can also be served in a spicy Szechuan-style sauce or a rich, savory oyster sauce.
Hong Kong-style wontons are typically filled with a mixture of shrimp and minced pork, though other fillings such as beef, chicken, or vegetables can also be used. The wontons are boiled and served in the broth, and they are often garnished with green onions and cilantro for added flavor.
Today, Hong Kong-style wontons are enjoyed not only in Hong Kong, but also in other parts of China and around the world. They remain a popular street food and a beloved part of the dim sum tradition.
Here is the recipe for Hong Kong-style wontons:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup minced water chestnuts
- 2 green onions, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 package wonton wrappers
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, minced water chestnuts, minced green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Mix well to combine.
Place a small spoonful of the filling mixture into the center of each wonton wrapper.
Using your fingers, dampen the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper over the filling to create a triangle shape, pressing the edges to seal.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the wontons to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
Remove the wontons from the water with a slotted spoon and serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Hong Kong wontons!