Crab Rangoon – Rhymes with Swoon

Many people are surprised when they find out that crab rangoons are about as Asian as Buffalo chicken wings, but it’s true. Even though they’re commonly found on Chinese and Thai menus, they were actually invented in San Francisco, at Trader Vic’s, in 1956.

While not “authentic,” these crispy crab and cream cheese wontons are one of the most addictive, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizers ever created. That is, if the filling has enough crab in it. Most of the restaurant versions I’ve had are probably 3 or 4 parts cream cheese, to 1 part crab, but here we’re using a 1 to 1 ratio, and the results are amazing.

Besides being generous with the crab (or lobster, or chicken), the other critical factor is the “warhead” fold. Even though you can fold these over once to make a simple triangle, I highly recommend using the method shown herein.

The “turnover” fold is easier, but you don’t get nearly as much crispy goodness, and that’s what makes these so great. It’s that contrast between the warm creamy center, and those four crunchy edges that makes this such a magical bite I really hope you give them a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for about 60 Crab Rangoons:

8 ounces cream cheese

8 ounces crab meat, drained well

1 clove crushed garlic

1/3 cup chopped green onions

1 teaspoons soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon fish sauce

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

pinch cayenne

60 square wonton wrappers

canola oil for deep-frying

For the sauce:
(Note: I only made a half batch in the video. This should easily be enough for 60 rangoons)

1 cup ketchup

1/4 rice vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce, or to taste