Back to recipes

Crispy Pork & Prawn Moneybag Wontons

Chinese

These crispy pork & prawn moneybag wontons are not only packed with flavour, but they're also SO cute! They're the perfect little snack or appetiser for a gathering, and the filling is super customisable, so you can easily swap out the proteins or even steam them instead of frying. And if you're making these for Chinese New Year, even better! Dumplings and moneybag-shaped foods are traditionally associated with prosperity, wealth and good fortune, making these the perfect little golden bites to serve up for the celebrations. This recipe makes around 38–40 wontons, so there's plenty to share or, you know, absolutely no need to share...not judgement here.

Recipe Stats

Cooking time

55 minutes

Serves

6

Difficulty

Easy

Spice

Mild

Be the first to rate
Watch Video
Jump to recipe
Crispy Pork & Prawn Moneybag Wontons

Ingredients

6 servings

filling

for assembling & frying

to serve

Notes

Some secret knowledge

Pixel art illustration of Jess
unlock the secret
Crossed swords

Possible Substitutions

  • Pork & prawn: Instead of combining proteins, you can use all pork, all prawn, chicken, beef or even a mixture of different proteins.
  • Prawns: Fresh prawns are best, but defrosted raw prawns will work too. Make sure they're well drained before chopping.
  • Chives: If you can't find fresh chives, you can simply leave them untied, they'll still taste just as good!
  • Chicken powder: Swap for a pinch of MSG or your favourite stock powder.

Shield

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Mix the pork filling vigorously in one direction. This helps create that lovely cohesive, slightly sticky dumpling texture.
  • Don't overcrowd the oil when frying, otherwise the temperature will drop and your wontons won't get as crispy.
  • Keep the wonton wrappers covered with a damp tea towel while assembling so they don't dry out.
  • If you're making these for Chinese New Year, you can prep and shape the wontons ahead of time, freeze then fry them just before serving.
  • If you want to skip frying, these can also be steamed for a lighter option - steam for 8-10 minutes.
Fridge

Storage

Uncooked wontons can be frozen in a single layer until solid, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time (just manage the temperature of the oil and remove any ice crystals on them before frying)

Cooked wontons can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they're best reheated in an air fryer at 180°C for 4–6 minutes to bring back their crispiness.

Method

Prepare the filling

In a large bowl, add the pork mince, chicken powder, white pepper, sesame oil, garlic powder, cornflour, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce and light soy sauce.

Mix vigorously in one direction until the mixture becomes well combined and slightly sticky.

Fold in the finely chopped prawns and squeezed cabbage until evenly incorporated.

Prepare the chives

Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Blanch the chives for 10–15 seconds, just until softened.

Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and help preserve their vibrant green colour.

Drain and set aside.

Assemble the moneybags

Place around 1 tsp of filling into the centre of a wonton wrapper.

Lightly brush the edges with water, then bring all the sides up around the filling and pinch firmly to seal, creating a little moneybag shape.

Repeat until all the filling has been used.

Don't tie the chives just yet! We'll do that after frying to keep them nice and bright green.

Fry the wontons

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

To check whether the oil is ready, place a wooden chopstick into the oil. If small bubbles form around it, you're good to go.

Carefully add 4–5 wontons at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.

Fry for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the pork and prawns are cooked through.

Remove and drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Tie the moneybags

Once the wontons are cool enough to handle, take a blanched chive and gently wrap it around the neck of each wonton.

Tie securely, then trim off any excess chive.

Serve

Serve these golden little moneybags hot with sweet chilli sauce or spicy mayo for dipping.

And if you're making them for Chinese New Year, get them on the table while they're still crispy and golden. More moneybags, more prosperity!

Comments  // 00

Be the first to join the conversation.

Leave a comment

Drop your thoughts, tips or questionable recipe modifications below.

Security check

By submitting, you agree to the Privacy Policy.