Sichuan Wontons in Chili Oil


 Cuisine: Chinese  Type: Small Plates/Snack  AKA: Hóngyóu Chāoshǒu

Sichuan Wontons in Chili Oil | Hóngyóu Chāoshǒu : Small Plates/Snack in Chinese cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Ground Pork
1 pound (454)
Wonton Wrappers
1 package (250)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon (15)
Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon (5)
Minced Garlic
2 cloves (10)
Minced Ginger
1 teaspoon (5)
Sichuan Peppercorns
1 teaspoon (2)
Chili Oil
1 tablespoon (15)
Green Onions
2 stalks (30)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (4)
 Totals
29 oz (820 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Wonton Wrappers
100
Ground Pork
250
Soy Sauce
10
Sesame Oil
40
Ginger
5
Garlic
5
Green Onions
10
Sichuan Peppercorns
5
Chili Oil
50
Black Vinegar
10
Sugar
5
Chicken Broth
15
Salt
5
 Totals
510 kcal

 Steps 


1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced pork, chopped shrimp, chopped scallions, minced ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Assemble the wontons: Take one wonton wrapper and place about 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water using your fingertip. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Then, bring the two opposite corners of the triangle together and press to seal, forming a small "hat" shape. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.

3. Cook the wontons: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently drop the wontons into the boiling water and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the filling is cooked through. Remove the cooked wontons using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish.

4. Prepare the chili oil sauce: In a small saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the oil becomes fragrant and the chili flakes darken slightly. Remove from heat and let the oil cool slightly.

5. Pour the chili oil sauce: Once the oil has cooled a bit, pour it over the cooked wontons. Make sure the wontons are completely covered with the chili oil sauce.

6. Optional garnishes: You can garnish the dish with additional chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

7. Serve and enjoy: Sichuan Wontons in Chili Oil are typically served as an appetizer or a main dish. You can serve them hot or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or accompanied by a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad.

Note: This recipe can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorns in the chili oil sauce to adjust the spiciness level.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Sichuan Wontons in Chili Oil (Hóngyóu Chāoshǒu):

1. Wonton Wrappers:
- Substitute with dumpling wrappers or gyoza wrappers.
- Adjust the cooking time as per the package instructions.

2. Ground Pork Filling:
- Substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Soy Sauce:
- Substitute with tamari sauce or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

4. Sesame Oil:
- Substitute with toasted sesame oil or vegetable oil.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

5. Chinese Black Vinegar:
- Substitute with balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

6. Garlic:
- Adjust the quantity of garlic as per your preference or omit it if desired.

7. Ginger:
- Adjust the quantity of ginger as per your preference or omit it if desired.

8. Green Onions:
- Substitute with chives or omit them if desired.

9. Sichuan Peppercorns:
- Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes or black peppercorns.
- Adjust the quantity as per your desired level of spiciness.

10. Chili Oil:
- Substitute with store-bought chili oil or make your own by infusing vegetable oil with chili flakes.
- Adjust the quantity as per your desired level of spiciness.

Note: Please refer to the original recipe for specific quantities required for each ingredient and follow the cooking instructions provided.

 Pairings 


- Steamed Chinese buns (Baozi)
- Stir-fried green beans with garlic
- Mapo tofu
- Sichuan-style fried rice
- Gong Bao chicken (Kung Pao chicken)
- Dan Dan noodles
- Chinese hot and sour soup
- Sichuan-style dry-fried green beans
- Cucumber salad with vinegar and garlic
- Sichuan-style twice-cooked pork
- Chinese tea, such as jasmine or oolong

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Incorporate a variety of fillings such as minced shrimp, finely chopped water chestnuts, or even diced mushrooms for a more diverse and interesting texture.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to the chili oil for a tangy kick that balances the heat.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients like hand-ground pork or prawns to elevate the flavor and texture of the filling.
- Consider adding a touch of truffle oil to the chili oil for a luxurious and aromatic twist.
- Top each wonton with a small dollop of premium caviar for a truly extravagant touch.

Note: It's important to consider personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions when incorporating these enhancements.

 Diet Restrictions 


1. Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount used in the recipe. Opt for lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth when preparing the filling.

2. Choose lean protein: Use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of fatty meats like pork or beef. This reduces saturated fat content.

3. Increase vegetable content: Add more finely chopped vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or water chestnuts to the filling for added nutrients and fiber.

4. Use whole wheat wrappers: Opt for whole wheat wonton wrappers instead of regular ones to increase fiber content and promote better digestion.

5. Control spice levels: Adjust the amount of chili oil or Sichuan peppercorns used according to personal preference or spice tolerance.

6. Customize oil quantity: Reduce the amount of chili oil used in the recipe to lower overall fat content, especially for individuals watching their calorie intake.

7. Consider gluten-free options: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the wonton wrappers are gluten-free if catering to individuals with gluten intolerance.

8. Portion control: Be mindful of the serving size to manage calorie intake, especially for individuals following a weight loss or weight maintenance plan.

9. Add healthy garnishes: Top the wontons with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions instead of fried garlic or peanuts to reduce unhealthy fats.

10. Serve with a side of vegetables: Accompany the wontons with steamed or stir-fried vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal and provide a balanced plate.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Choose lean protein: Replace ground pork with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
2. Increase vegetable content: Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for added nutrients and fiber.
3. Use whole wheat wrappers: Opt for whole wheat wonton wrappers instead of regular ones to increase fiber content and promote better digestion.
4. Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and limit the amount of salt added to the filling and sauce to reduce overall sodium intake.
5. Steam instead of frying: Instead of deep-frying the wontons, steam them to reduce the amount of added fat and calories.
6. Control portion size: Enjoy a smaller serving size to manage calorie intake while still indulging in the flavors of this dish.
7. Use less oil: When preparing the chili oil, use a smaller amount of oil or consider using a healthier oil option like olive or avocado oil.
8. Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top for added flavor and nutrients without extra calories.
9. Balance the heat: Adjust the amount of chili oil or pepper flakes to your preference, but be mindful not to overdo it as excessive spice may irritate the stomach lining.
10. Serve with a side of veggies: Accompany the wontons with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Opt for pre-made wonton wrappers instead of making them from scratch to save time and effort.
2. Use ground pork instead of more expensive meats like shrimp or beef without compromising on taste.
3. Prepare a large batch of wontons and freeze them for later use, allowing for quick and convenient meals.
4. Substitute some of the traditional ingredients, such as Sichuan peppercorns or black vinegar, with readily available alternatives to reduce costs.
5. Consider using a store-bought chili oil instead of making it from scratch to save time and simplify the process.
6. Utilize a food processor to quickly mince garlic, ginger, and other ingredients instead of chopping them by hand.
7. Opt for a simple yet flavorful filling by combining ground pork, spring onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil, reducing the number of ingredients required.
8. Cook wontons in a large pot instead of individually boiling them, saving time and effort.
9. Experiment with different types of chili flakes or powders to find affordable options that still provide the desired level of heat.
10. Make a larger quantity of chili oil in advance and store it for future use, reducing preparation time for subsequent batches.