There was this one rainy evening when I found myself craving something fiery and comforting—Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce. I’d been on the hunt for the perfect balance of heat, savory filling, and that addictive, numbing punch only a really good chili sauce can deliver. After tinkering in my kitchen armed with a few Sichuan spicy wonton recipes and plenty of tasting spoons, I finally stumbled on my version.
What makes this Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce special is how the sauce hugs every dumpling like a spicy, garlicky blanket with just the right kick. The wontons themselves are juicy and tender, bursting with a mix of pork and fragrant aromatics. I love how this recipe captures the spirit of authentic Chinese spicy dumplings but is totally doable in a home kitchen without a bunch of tricky steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
If you’ve ever enjoyed those chili oil wontons on a restaurant menu and wished you could make them at home, this will feel like a small kitchen victory. You get that satisfying tingle of Sichuan peppercorns, the deep spice of chili oil, and a hint of sweetness all in one.
I remember that “aha!” moment when the sauce finally clicked after a few tweaks—turns out, balancing the chili garlic sauce and a splash of vinegar brought the whole thing alive. Whether you’re new to cooking spicy wontons or looking to perfect your chili oil wonton recipe, this one is for you. Ready to dive into some fun cooking and bold flavor? Let’s make Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you want a flavor adventure that’s a little spicy, a little tangy, and totally addictive, this recipe is calling your name.
Gather These Ingredients:
This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Wonton wrappers: 50-60 pieces, found in the international or frozen section. I always reach for thin ones for that delicate bite.
- Ground pork: 300 grams (about 10 oz) – fatty pork adds juiciness, but lean works too. Want to switch things up? Try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist.
- Green onions: 3 stalks, finely chopped. These bring that fresh oniony pop to your filling and sauce.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced. Fresh ginger is a must for that fragrant zing.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Chili garlic sauce shines with fresh garlic paired alongside.
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons, look for naturally brewed for a richer flavor.
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon – this little drop amps the nutty notes in your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce.
- Sichuan peppercorns: 1 teaspoon, toasted and ground. This ingredient brings that signature numbing sensation for Chinese spicy dumplings.
- Chili oil: 3 tablespoons – pick a good quality chili oil with flakes. You can also make your own chili garlic sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon, this adds a bright, tangy balance to the spicy sauce.
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon to round out the heat with a little sweetness.
- Salt: to taste.
Look for wonton wrappers and Sichuan peppercorns in the international aisle at your grocery store or at Asian markets. If you prefer less heat in your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce, cut the amount of chili oil down by half, or swap chili oil with a milder chili garlic sauce. I like to mince garlic and ginger ahead of time to speed things up.
This ingredient combo is what takes my Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce from good to absolutely crave-worthy—you really taste all the layers in every bite.
Let’s Make This Happen!
This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce takes about 45 minutes start to finish—a perfect project for when you want to have fun cooking but still get dinner on the table without rushing.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ground pork, green onions, minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything sticks together nicely. This step is where the magic happens in your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce—make sure your filling is flavorful!
- Fill your wontons: Lay a wonton wrapper flat, spoon about a teaspoon of filling in the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges, then fold into a triangle shape. Press well to seal the edges tight so no juice escapes. I found sealing the edges properly stops your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce from falling apart when boiling.
- Boil the wontons: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop wontons in gently, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. They’re usually cooked through in 3-4 minutes, or when floating to the top—you’ll know your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is ready when they bob like little pillows.
- Drain and cool slightly: Use a slotted spoon to remove wontons and set aside while you make the sauce.
- Whip up the sauce: In a bowl, mix chili oil, rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, minced garlic, and the ground Sichuan peppercorns. Taste it! Adjust to your liking—add more chili oil for heat or vinegar for tang.
- Dress your wontons: Toss the cooked wontons gently in the chili sauce until every one is coated in that spicy, garlicky glow.
- Serve and devour: Garnish with extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds if you want to fancy it up. While your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is cooking, grab a taste and dream about that first bite.
If your Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce seems a bit dry, just splash some extra chili oil to bring it back to life. This recipe tested best with fresh, homemade chili oil but good store-bought works beautifully too.
For more inspiration, check out the Spicy Wontons in Chili Oil discussion on Reddit where fellow cooks share their twists!
Serving Ideas & Pairings!
This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce pairs beautifully with simple steamed greens like bok choy or a crunchy cucumber salad. The cool veggies balance out all that kick and keep things fresh.
My favorite way to dig into this Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce is on lazy weekends or when I’m feeding hungry friends who love a little spice. Serve it as an appetizer at a casual dinner party or as a light main with a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice.
For a fun twist, try it with a drizzle of peanut sauce—you’ll find a similar vibe at some spots like the amazing Spicy wontons with peanut sauce in Austin!
Leftover Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce? No problem! Warm them gently and toss again in fresh chili garlic sauce. Or add to a hearty noodle bowl to amp up lunch the next day.
Presentation tip: use a shallow bowl so every wonton gets plenty of sauce. Sprinkle with chopped toasted peanuts or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and crunch.
This dish is a crowd favorite whenever I make it, often disappearing faster than I expect!
Common Questions About This Recipe
Absolutely! You can fill and wrap wontons a few hours ahead or even freeze them. Just thaw before cooking and boil as usual. The sauce is best made fresh, but it keeps well refrigerated for a couple of days.
Try ground chicken, turkey, or even finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. All work well in this Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce. I experimented with tofu once, but I recommend pressing and crumbling it very finely.
Pretty lively! If you want less heat, reduce the chili oil or swap for a mild chili garlic sauce. Increasing Sichuan peppercorns ups the numbing effect without extra heat.
Yes! Pan-fried wontons give a crispy texture on one side which contrasts nicely with the spicy, saucy drizzle. I did a test run pan-frying half and boiling half—both versions rocked for Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce.
This recipe makes around 50-60 wontons, perfect for 4-6 people as a shared appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish.
They’re key for authentic Chinese spicy dumplings’ tingle. If you can’t find any, you can use a pinch of black pepper, but the signature numbness will be missing.
Absolutely, finely chopped water chestnuts or shiitake mushrooms add great texture. I love mixing in a little shredded napa cabbage, too.
My Final Take
This Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce recipe earned its spot on MilaBites because it’s an easy way to capture big bold flavors without stress. It’s one of those recipes where you get that satisfying combo of spicy, tangy, and savory in every bite.
- Always seal your wontons well so no filling escapes when boiling.
- Taste and adjust your sauce; a little more vinegar or chili oil can totally change the vibe.
- Fresh garlic and ginger in both filling and sauce make a huge flavor difference.
I’ve tested versions with peanut butter stirred into the sauce for a creamy twist, added crispy fried shallots on top for crunch, and made a vegetarian batch packed with mushrooms. The original pork-filled Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce garnished with extra chili oil and green onions still wins the most compliments.
This recipe feels special because it’s a fun plunge into spicy Chinese dumplings anyone can tackle at home. Don’t be shy—experiment with the heat level or soup up your sauce with a splash of sesame paste. Food is always better when it’s your own flavor adventure.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Cooking spicy wontons in chili sauce is a little messy, a lot fun, and totally worth every delicious bite. And if you want a chili sauce spin-off, check out the famous Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce from Din Tai Fung on RecipeTin Eats—extra inspiration to keep that flavor party going.
Give your kitchen a buzz, and let’s make some Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce that will thrill your taste buds and have everyone coming back for more!
Spicy Wontons in Chilli Sauce
Deliciously spicy wontons served in a vibrant chili sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack that combines bold flavors with a satisfying kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 20 wonton wrappers
- 200g ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- Oil for frying
- Chilli sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground pork, garlic, ginger, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Moisten edges with water and fold to seal, creating a triangular or pouch shape.
- Heat oil in a wok or deep pan and fry wontons in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- For the chilli sauce, heat vegetable oil in a pan, sauté garlic and ginger until aromatic.
- Add chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss fried wontons gently in the chili sauce to coat well.
- Serve hot garnished with extra chopped spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try serving with a side of cooling cucumber salad or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top.